Why aren’t all DVDs compatible with all DVD players?

Motion picture studios (which produce DVDs) want to control the home release of movies in different countries. This is mainly because theater releases aren't simultaneous or that editing is different for various countries due to movie ratings for the area. Also, studios sell distribution rights to different foreign distributors so that they can make more money.

In the VCR age, the studios were able to segment their market because the PAL color format of European VHS cassettes was not compatible with VCRs in the USA, just as the NTSC color formate of American VHS cassettes weren’t compatible with VCRs in Europe. Because of the PAL/NTSC exclusive capabilities of VCRs, no type of further regional restrictions were deemed necessary.

In the digital age, DVD players easily convert a PAL image to NTSC, or NTSC to PAL, when manufacturers want them to, so the motion picture studios recognized their need to institute new controls on consumers.

They adopted “regional coding” standards which allowed them to further control their distribution into 6 primary segments. A regional code restriction is embedded into most DVDs, which blocks the average consumer from outside that region.... IF YOU DON’T WANT TO BE THE AVERAGE CONSUMER, READ ON !!!

As you probably recognize, regional coding restrictions are terrible for consumers who believe in choice and availability, but its very favorable to the industry.... if that is any consolation...

There are also some DVDs with no coding restrictions, called “Region Free DVDs” also known as “All Regions.” These are the most generally compatible DVDs worldwide.

Now, Grip your seat, you are about to hear the Really Bad Part:

High End DVD Player Manufacturers sometimes even take an extra step of restrictions that even prevent you from playing some “Region Free DVDs” because of color format. Yes, it IS ironic that the most expensive DVD players sometimes have additional blocks. More often than any other manufacturer we hear of this problem with Sony (please be aware of the fact that Sony operates movie studios in addition to producing electronics)...

Such extra-restrictive players can recreate the analog block (PAL/NTSC), despite using digital media. If you have a product manufactured by Sony, Toshiba, Panasonic, Samsung or another high end company, we recommend checking your manual to make sure your player doesn’t have this further block. If your manual refers to needing an “All” logo on a DVD case, that is the worst news you could read. This block is also common also in VCR Combo units, although, much easier to understand.

If you are a consumer who doesn’t want to be restricted, what can you do?

At BARE MINIMUM, make sure your player doesn’t block by color format (PAL/NTSC) in addition to regional code. If it does, contact the manufacturer and retailer and tell them what you think.

For MAXIMUM COMPATIBILITY, a consumer can buy what is known as a “Multi-Region” or “Region Free” Player. Whether referring to players, or DVDs, “Region Free” refers to a product not being subjected to regional coding restrictions.

A Region Free Player can play a DVD coded for a region you don’t live in, just like a Region Free DVD can be played even if it is from a different region. This can get a little confusing if you confuse players and dvds, but remember, as long as at least one of the two products (DVD, DVD player) are region free, you will NOT be subject to regional coding restrictions.

Region Free Players are available at similar price points to similar quality players that are subjected to the regional coding restrictions, they are just harder to find, and more frequently sold by disingenuous sellers. If a high-profile retailer stocked region free players, restrictive juggernauts like Sony would almost certainly cease to do business with that retailer. So there are few legitimate sources for these players.

Sellers in various on-line venue’s such as eBay frequently offer “Region Free Players” for as little as $50. Generally, you get what you pay for, so be aware that some players need to be programmed repeatedly to be region free, and others can have various problems with alternate color formats.

We are certainly not the only trustworthy place to buy a Region Free Player, and we really don’t mind you buying them elsewhere because our profit margins come from DVDs, not players. Just make sure that you can place your trust with any company you place your business.

Below, you can see the Imported Progressive Scan Region Free DVD player we recommend. You certainly can buy a different region free player for for less money elsewhere, its just a matter of whether you want to go the safe route, or otherwise. If you have any questions, call us at 513-943-4771.

If you would like to purchase one, we prefer to bundle the player with DVDs for you because we have more profit margin to work with on the DVDs. By bundling a player with DVDs of interest we can provide you better value. However, if you want only a player, you can buy it right here and it will ship FedEx immediately.

Do you want to save money? We offer Flat rate shipping on all orders! If you click on the picture it will take you to the item page where you can add it to your shopping cart and then pay for your whole order together -- Literally you can order a player and unlimited DVDs for the same S&H rate as a customer who orders just 1 DVD.

Cravers Rare DVDs   PO Box 714, Batavia, Ohio  45103   513-943-4771 ellen@rarelicenseddvds.com