What are region codes for DVDs?

[bdj]

What are region codes and why are they necessary? I noticed that there was an article about a hack to remove or disable this function.

bdj

[ben-the-slacker]

They're used for security purposes. For example region 1 can't be played in region 2 players, vice versa. Region 1 is America, region 2 is Asia I think.

Check this out....

http://www.techimo.com/articles/index.pl?photo=139

[bdj]

Ok, for security reasons. Playing devil's advocate, who cares if I watch an Asian dvd on an American player. Are there any real security threats by doing this, or is it just for the Media Business security?

bdj

[phenious]

Well the two formats (PAL/NTSC) and then the distrobution as they may not want a movie in a different market for a while. I know most movies are out first in the US and filter to other countries slower unless they are the really big ones... I cant really give you a GOOD reason though. Maybe it does help the distrobution system?

-: phenious :-

[griobhta]

I dont think it has anything to do with security at all. It was just a way of allowing the movie industry to still be able to release a film at different times arround the world. Something that was easier with different formats of vhs tapes and the lack of the ability to change the language on a vhs tape too. etc. With a DVD-player all that you need is a tv that is capable of displaying pal and ntsc and you should be able to watch any region dvd. Your pc should play anything. Both providing you can make your drives play dvds from different regions.

g

[Redwolf]

Basically, you can add this on your list of reasons to *burn* the MPAA.

[phenious]

ditto lol

-: phenious :-

[bdj]

What is the MPAA?

bdj

[davidamarkley]

Motion Picture Association of America