Surround dvd theatre systems, region free - which one is easiest to hack?

[missmyrnaloy]

Looking to buy a new surround sound dvd theatre system from somehwere like BestB... I want to be able to make it region free. From what they have at that site what would you suggest?

I hope that I am posting this at the right forum.


I am thinking sony, panasonic, jvc or philps.

[MysticE]

Probably Philips. Try the model numbers in Google followed by hack or region hack.

[missmyrnaloy]

Thanks...

[tinker]

Region free player will not do much good if it cannot convert other formats to NTSC, unless you have multi format TV set, doubt.

[missmyrnaloy]

So if I buy one here and "hack" it it won't play on my NTSC tv then?

[jagabo]

You need both a region hack and PAL to NTSC conversion. Many of Philips' standalone players are easy to hack and convert PAL to NTSC. I don't know about their HTIB systems.

[MysticE]

Region free player will not do much good if it cannot convert other formats to NTSC, unless you have multi format TV set, doubt.

We are talking Philips. You will not find a hack with a USA model number unless it does in fact play PAL on a regular TV (which almost any, if not all, do). It's easy enough to find out if Region Free hacks are available thru Google.

@jagabo

I have a Philips HTIB and it does play PAL. For most folks that is enough.

To the OP, here's one:

A great system with a hidden bonus..., June 10, 2007
By M Felix
The Philips HTS3555 is a great system. I have the HTS3544 which is basically the same system. It gets great sound and I've had this for a few months and I just discovered the best feature about it : It can be an all region dvd player. Here is what to do : 1. Turn on system and go to DVD mode 2. Open dvd tray 3. using remote, press Stop, 7, 3, 4, 4, 6, and 6. At bottom left of screen, you'll see "region : 1" press 0. Now you've got an all region dvd player. My Model Number is HTS3544, and this one is HTS3555 and even though they are the same system, they still contain different model numbers. So, I went to my Local store, who has HTS3555 (this one I am writing a review on) on display with a remote. I tried this code out and it works on HTS3555 as well. HTS3555 and HTS3544 are basically the exact same system just with 2 different model numbers. Anyways, this is a great home theater system.

Here's a Google Region hack search of that model:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&safe=off&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-US%3...ck&btnG=Search

[tinker]

We are talking Philips. You will not find a hack with a USA model number unless it does in fact play PAL on a regular TV (which almost any, if not all, do). It's easy enough to find out if Region Free hacks are available thru Google.

I do not know what is a regular TV, but TV in US play NTSC format not PAL.
If the player is not able to convert, than it will not work.
If the model of Philips you have can do that, that is fine. I have one too, not the same model.
It was just for OP to understand difference, because sales person at Best Buy tried to tell me similar thing.
"Just change a region and you are OK"

[missmyrnaloy]

Region free player will not do much good if it cannot convert other formats to NTSC, unless you have multi format TV set, doubt.

We are talking Philips. You will not find a hack with a USA model number unless it does in fact play PAL on a regular TV (which almost any, if not all, do). It's easy enough to find out if Region Free hacks are available thru Google.

@jagabo

I have a Philips HTIB and it does play PAL. For most folks that is enough.

To the OP, here's one:

A great system with a hidden bonus..., June 10, 2007
By M Felix
The Philips HTS3555 is a great system. I have the HTS3544 which is basically the same system. It gets great sound and I've had this for a few months and I just discovered the best feature about it : It can be an all region dvd player. Here is what to do : 1. Turn on system and go to DVD mode 2. Open dvd tray 3. using remote, press Stop, 7, 3, 4, 4, 6, and 6. At bottom left of screen, you'll see "region : 1" press 0. Now you've got an all region dvd player. My Model Number is HTS3544, and this one is HTS3555 and even though they are the same system, they still contain different model numbers. So, I went to my Local store, who has HTS3555 (this one I am writing a review on) on display with a remote. I tried this code out and it works on HTS3555 as well. HTS3555 and HTS3544 are basically the exact same system just with 2 different model numbers. Anyways, this is a great home theater system.

Here's a Google Region hack search of that model:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&safe=off&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-US%3...ck&btnG=Search

I have a JVC tv about ten years old... I am assuming it is the NTSC system. So this particular philips will convert then. I found it at circuitcity online for 149...

[missmyrnaloy]

Also, can I run the Tv set through it all the time?

[missmyrnaloy]

Ordered it!

The items in this order. Philips HTS3544 5.1 Dolby Home Theater System - Silver
PHL HTS3544 Price:
Quantity:
Total: $149.96
1
$149.96
Immediately available Subtotal:
Shipping:
Tax:
Total:
$149.96
Free!
$9.75
$159.71

[jagabo]

Please report what you find.

[missmyrnaloy]

I will...

I noticed that this same philips without the surround is being sold online at region free dvd sellers.

[missmyrnaloy]

It came within four days of ordering it... and still waiting for the region 2 dvds which are supposed to be delivered december 23rd... then will see what happens.

[missmyrnaloy]

I hacked it and it works wonderfully.

The hacks for memorex mvd2042b and apex 1130w did not work though.

[jagabo]

Thanks for the update. I'm sure it will help someone else in the future.

[missmyrnaloy]

Just hacked my memorex... I needed new batteries in the remote... DOH!

Hack works for that.

But hack didn't work for apex... although -pressing 1 multiple times did work.

[missmyrnaloy]

What I am finding is that almost all dvd players will play any region... you just have to find the right hack.