[percypig]

I'm interested in getting a portable DVD player that has multi region capabilities. I have a plethora of region 1 DVDs I want to play, and so I've had a good look around and found a few multi region players but also seen mentions of hacking a standard region 2 player.

Basically, what I want to know is whether it is better to buy a standard player and hack it, or play it safer and get a multi region one? From searching, the majority of the best makes don't seem to be involved in multi region players, and perhaps the only make I've heard of is a Hyundai P2175. I guess hacking it would affect any policies I might take out on a player if I get it from the high street, but is it a risk worth taking?

As a side note, and I know that it isn't the right section to be asking in, but what are the sort of specs I should be looking for? I'm only looking to watch series and films that don't really require awesome quality to be better enjoyed. I don't mind if you don't want to reply to that, but just interested.

Thanks for any replies

[LV426]

Almost all standard DVD players (even those from big name manufacturers) CAN be de-regioned.

The advantage of buying a de-regioned machine at the outset is that you have a single point of comeback in the event of problems either with the machine itself or with the multi-region ability; the retailer. Whereas if you buy a fixed region machine and hack it, then the retailer may be able to escape his liabilities as you've performed an unauthorised modification.

The trick is to find the right retailer; certain high street stores and many web sellers will sell you almost any machine you choose, de-regioned. Just look for a multi-region label or ask the store (if they don't know what you're talking about - shop somewhere else).

[percypig]

Thanks for the reply!

I thought as much about a deregioned machine being a risk, but a good one. I'm planning on going into town this week, so will report back anything I find. Is it best to avoid the big retailers e.g. Currys, Comet etc. and look for more local shops? Any tips on which shops are best?

Thanks

[LV426]

Oh definitely; C & C won't offer any de-regioning. I don't know what (if any) offerings there are, but I do know that, at the very least, all of the following will sell de-regioned regular players from major brands (so, not commenting on portables - you'd have to ask):
- Richer Sounds
- Superfi
- Shop@Panasonic
- Sony Centre
Sometimes with a small surcharge; sometimes not.

[percypig]

I know it's been a month but I've been looking into it quite a lot and now this is my criteria.

• Basically I want my portable player to:
• Connect to a TV
• Connect to a Mac
• Be multi-region

I've taken your advice about where to find stores willing to sell a de-regioned player, which has helped a lot. I've contacted Sony Centre and they're not willing to sell players de-regioned (is that odd?), and the only store who are willing to are Panasonic Store (I live in Devon). However, they only sell one model locally in-store, which although it looks like the real deal, doesn't have the capability to connect to a Mac (but they are willing to de-region it and I believe it can connect to the TV).

Please do tell me if it is impossible to actually connect it to a Mac. If it can't, I can cope with it, and will go on to buy the Panasonic model, (don't know the exact model, sorry - it's around £190-200) but my Mac has a 24" screen, and really like my set up where my Mac is to watch DVDs.

Asking on here has been a great help and I hope someone gets back to me, but trying to get my player has been rather difficult - is my criteria simply too ambitious?

Thank you