DVD Region Coding

[jasej]

I have a Panasonic DMR-EH55. Is there a firmware I can install on this device to play all region DVD's? Otherwise I am comfortable at burning back-up copies of some rare DVD's, but is there some software I can use to change region codes? I know the resolution is different between PAL/NTSC but my DVD player was purchased in the U.S. as well as the TV.

I just want to watch some Ali G DVD's I bought overseas that are region 2!

[guns1inger]

All good ripping software sets the region codes to All Regions when they rip - DVD Shrink, DVD Decrypter, DVD HD Fab Decrypter etc.

Generally you don't have to update firmware in DVD players and recorders - there is usually a code put in by the manufacturer to open the playback. Not true in all cases, but certainly in most.

To your left is a menu, with an option for DVD Hacks. A quick search on your model found three entries. Maybe one of them will work.

https://www.videohelp.com/dvdhacks?dvdplayer=DMR-EH55&hits=50&Search=Search

edit : a quick check of those links ended up at a dead end. Try these instead :

http://www.avforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=368649&page=6
http://www.avforums.com/forums/showthread.php?p=5216082

[hech54]

I know the resolution is different between PAL/NTSC but my DVD player was purchased in the U.S. as well as the TV.
I just want to watch some Ali G DVD's I bought overseas that are region 2!

Just be warned....simply changing or eliminating the region code is NOT a guarantee that these "overseas" discs will play on your equipment. Region codes and PAL/NTSC have nothing to do with each other technically. If you bought them from the UK or Europe...they are most likely PAL format.

[guns1inger]

True. Missed that last bit. Very good chance that one or the other will not accept PAL. If your player can play PAL (and there are Australian and European models of this player, so it might), there is a good chance your TV won't, so your player will have to convert them.

You can simply test this by ripping one and creating a burned version to play back. If it won't play then region coding is a moot point.

[hech54]

One great thing about being in Europe....just send it...we can play it. We have only the region code hurdle to overcome...
Sorry jasej

[guns1inger]

We don't even have that as an issue - most players here are region free and multi-system out of the box. 'sfunny that the self-proclaimed worlds greatest free market has the fewest choices. Irony, anyone ?