DVD Region Code Question

[Xpander]

I'd like to build or configure a computer to essentially be a multiregion dvd player with 3 dvd drives, R1, 2 and 3. My question is if I buy 3 dvd-rom drives of the same make could i use one piece of dvd software to run all three (ie PowerDVD or WinDVD) and keep the region coding set for each dvd drive? Will the software acknowledge that I am using multiple drives? I'm worried about the software thinking I'm using a single drive and automatically switching the region code (i only get to switch it 4 or 5 times before it locks). I know I didn't explain this very well but anyone know what im trying to say? Any other info on how to best build a system like this is also welcome.

[Droppyale]

if you use software like "anydvd" you will not have that problem...

http://www.slysoft.com/en/anydvd.html

[Xpander]

but the free version is only a trail, right?

i'd rather avoid using cracks and hacks. i'd like this to be a fun winter project and i'd really like to build it on my own rather than use software. thanks though.

[Droppyale]

I was not implying that you use cracks or hacks... I just refered you to that software... that's all....

[RayH]

You have three issues: Windows, the device, and playback software. Presently, in native (default) form, each will lock after 5 changes.

As for the hardware (DVD ROM), just hunt down an older DVD ROM (like 8x or older). The older DVD ROMs never had any region coding in the firmware. I won't let go of my trusty 6x Toshiba DVD ROM!

As for the Windows and software issue, think multi-boot or how you can play with Ghost!

But it may be easier and less expensive to just get an external DVD player and hook it to your computer via a video capture card! Radio Shack and Best Buy have a Cyber Home 300 that appears to have a fairly exposed secret menu that can reset the region code. Do an interent search for DVD Region Hack. I bought my daughter a Cyber Home last year. She doesn't need to change regions. But she could.

If you go the external route, get it at Radio Shack. Same price. But they'll give you your money back if you don't like it. Sometimes those Region Hacks on the internet don't work. I bought a Next Base for a region hack. The hack was bogus.

[phenious]

DVD genie

-: phenious :-

[Xpander]

Originally posted by RayH

As for the hardware (DVD ROM), just hunt down an older DVD ROM (like 8x or older). The older DVD ROMs never had any region coding in the firmware. I won't let go of my trusty 6x Toshiba DVD ROM!

so the software won't matter on certain older dvd-roms?

Originally posted by RayH
As for the Windows and software issue, think multi-boot or how you can play with Ghost!

what are those? do you mean dual boot?

and when you're talking about external do you mean external dvd-rom drives or stand alone dvd players

[muno]

Most modern dvd-roms also have hacked/official firmwares which remove the 5change region lock.

I would never buy 3 dvd-roms to be able to play different region dvds.

At least windvd works that it automatically detects which drive holds your dvd and plays from there, so I don't think it switches the region when you play something back unless it's necessary.

However, if you're planning on really getting 3 dvd-roms, why not change the region 5 times so that it ends in your wanted region. That way it cannot change it anymore, if it wanted.

[Dax_Brandy]

i agree with muno. there are oficial firmware updates that remove those region locking feature. some use a region-free proggy. but i wont write it here..

[washe]

I can be done in linux with xine..... It will require some effort if you havent used linux before.

Forgot to add..... I get better framerates with linux than any windows players.. anyone has an idea why this happens?

Last week a friend lend me the matrix and in some scenes on the windows the image freezed a bit and then continued it was sporadic, I fired up the dvd in linux and the playback was flawless....