Question why these high dollar BluRay players are not multi-system

[jimdagys]

I was looking at this website that sells region free DVD/BluRay players:
http://www.world-import.com/region_free_blu_ray_DVD_players.htm
Question #1: What I don't understand is why all these expensive players (except the Oppo) are not multisystem (ntsc/pal).
(See screenshot)
I can remember that a few years ago, most $50 DVD players were multisystem (play ntsc or pal disks and output ntsc or pal at the touch of a button).
Question #2: I see this website also sells ntsc/pal converters. How does that work? Do these converters do a perfect job?
Question #3: I see that these players are modified to be region free. Who does these modifications?
Question #4: Do these players put out a Macrovision signal (make analogue VCR/DVD copying difficult)?

[jagabo]

1) Because Sony and Hollywood don't want you importing discs from other countries. They want to control what you can watch and when.

2) PAL/NTSC converters vary in their quality.

3) Usually whoever sells them.

4) Yes (if they have analog outputs at all).

[creamyhorror]

Just like they don't include MKV-capable playback firmware...

[hech54]

The "early high dollar" DVD players were not multi system either....and many still aren't. It wasn't until you could buy a $39 DVD player is when you were pretty certain you could get into the menu to change the output format.