Here is some basic info in case you are new to Blu-Ray. Please feel free to send me a PM with other info you think should be included. Below, find a list of Blu-Ray players that can be made "region free", or "switch" regions.
Unlike DVD, which is coded for Region 1, 2, 3, 4, etc, Blu-Ray movies are coded in either Region A, B, C. Despite the fact that a movie may be released in a Region other than the one you live, you may still be able to play the movie on your Blu-Ray player.
The studios code the movies with different regions in order to control marketing for different regions, protect copyrights and sales agreements.
There are a number of players that can "switch" regions, or be made region free. Most forums and major Blu-Ray sites have info on whether or not a movie is truly "locked" and cannot be played on any other region, besides the region for which it was released. Most movies may say a certain region on the back of the case, but are in fact, unlocked, and you'll be able to play them fine. It's always better to check a few sites before purchasing a Blu-Ray from another region, so you don't end up with a "coaster".
A few films have special features in "standard definition", and if outside of Region A, for instance, may be coded in "PAL" (the US uses "NTSC"-see map here). Many players can
"show" PAL content on NTSC TV's, and others can not. Relatively few Blu-Rays have PAL content.
Region A list contains releases from United States, Canada and Asian nations such as Japan, Korea and Hong Kong.
Region B list contains releases from Europe, Australia and New Zealand.
Region C list contains releases from Russia and India.
Unlike DVD, which is coded for Region 1, 2, 3, 4, etc, Blu-Ray movies are coded in either Region A, B, C. Despite the fact that a movie may be released in a Region other than the one you live, you may still be able to play the movie on your Blu-Ray player.
The studios code the movies with different regions in order to control marketing for different regions, protect copyrights and sales agreements.
There are a number of players that can "switch" regions, or be made region free. Most forums and major Blu-Ray sites have info on whether or not a movie is truly "locked" and cannot be played on any other region, besides the region for which it was released. Most movies may say a certain region on the back of the case, but are in fact, unlocked, and you'll be able to play them fine. It's always better to check a few sites before purchasing a Blu-Ray from another region, so you don't end up with a "coaster".
A few films have special features in "standard definition", and if outside of Region A, for instance, may be coded in "PAL" (the US uses "NTSC"-see map here). Many players can
"show" PAL content on NTSC TV's, and others can not. Relatively few Blu-Rays have PAL content.
Region A list contains releases from United States, Canada and Asian nations such as Japan, Korea and Hong Kong.
Region B list contains releases from Europe, Australia and New Zealand.
Region C list contains releases from Russia and India.
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