FAQ’S: Code free DVD Players

What is a DVD?

DVD is a Digital Video Disc. It is a complete movie on a 5" disc, like a Music CD, with CD quality sound and picture. DVD is twice as sharp as VHS.

What does "CODE FREE DVD PLAYER" mean?

A DVD player that would allow you to play all specific geographical region DVD’S. All our DVD players are PAL-NTSC, dual voltage and all region playbacks compatible unless specified. For most of our DVD players need a multisystem TV or a compatible TV to play various regions’ DVD discs unless specified. Most our DVD models also play regular music cds and video discs (vcd).

What does "REGION FREE DVD PLAYER" mean?

Same as Code free DVD Player.

Regions

There are six regions that DVDs are developed for.

All World Regions Discs:

Region 1 - USA & Canada

Region 2 - Europe, Japan, The Middle East, North Africa Egypt, South Africa

Region 3 - Taiwan, The Philippines, Korea, Indonesia, Hong Kong

Region 4 - Mexico, South America, Central America, Australia, New Zealand, Pacific Islands, Caribbean

Region 5 - Russia, Eastern Europe, India, North Korea, East & West Africa

Region 6 - China.

WHAT ARE DVD PLAYERS VIDEO RESOLUTION?

DVDs store 500 lines of resolution, which is about two times better than a VHS tape. But unlike a tape or laser disk, the video is compressed using the MPEG encoding.

How do DVDs differ from VHS?

DVDs are better than VHS because the picture is twice as sharp and clear. There is great Audio, like Dolby Digital and DTS. DVD sound is better than the sound on Music CD's.

How do you tell what region code a DVD disc is?

The Region Code is usually specified on the back of the individual DVD packages, either with a Regional Coding logo of a globe with the region number superimposed over it, or specifically spelled out. For example, while currently-released New Line and Warner DVD titles use the globe logo & number scheme, MGM/UA titles state: "This disc has been encoded for Region 1: The United States, U.S. Territories and Canada." In the cast of Lumivision's discs, they are labelled "Available worldwide," which means that the discs contain no regional coding and will play on any player in any country.

Can I modify my own DVD player to be Code free?

It is possible, but unless you're an engineer, it's not recommended. Far too many people attempt to do this and end up damaging their DVD players. Also, by attempting to modify it yourself, you void any manufacturer's warranty.


What is macrovision?

Macrovision is a form of copy guard protection encoded into DVD discs that prevents people from making illegal copies. A standard DVD player contains a special Macrovision-enabled digital-analog conver chip that is activated when a DVD is played. The activated chip applies copy protection to the analog output and causes copies made on most VCRs to be substantially degraded.

Do your DVD players process copyguard protection?

No, most of our Code free DVD players do not process copy guard protection. As a result, you can safely make backup copies of yor DVDs without worrying about a distorted recording. Please check the dvd player specification to see if the player is macrovision free if you are looking for that feature.


Can I play CDs in your DVD players?

Some of our DVD players do have the ability to play CDs. Consult the specifications on each model to find one suitable for you.


What is RCE?

Recently, the Motion Picture Association of American (MPAA) has developed a new system called RCE (Regional Code Enhancing) which will be included on almost all new region 1 DVD releases. This new technology was created to prevent consumers with Code free DVD players from watching DVD discs purchased in North America. From now on, most region 1 DVD discs will be including this technology. As such, you may find in the future that some DVD discs bought in the United States will not work on your Code free DVD player. Currently, there is no word on whether or not this technology will be included on other regions.

Most of our DVD Players can play RCE discs but you will have to change the region with the remote control on most DVD players, see the individual DVD player specifications for more information.

Technical Specification

Analog

An analog signal is a wave. See Digital.

Aspect Ratio (TV)

The aspect ratio describes the length to height dimensions of the screen. A standard TV has an aspect ratio of 4:3, whereas a high-definition TV (HDTV) or wide-screen TV has an aspect ratio of 16:9.

Cell

A Cell is the start of a chapter. This allows the player to jump to a specific location.

Digital

Sound and picture on a DVD are stored digitally. Converting an analog signal to digital will cause some loss of quality, but digital information can be stored, retrieved, and compressed easier and with fewer errors. See Analog.

Frame

A frame is a single still picture. A series of frames are displayed in sequence which gives the impression of motion.

MPEG

MPEG stands for Moving Picture Experts Group; this is an international standards group for the compression of moving images and sound.

Multi-angle

Some DVD movies allow the viewer to select a different angle for viewing.

PCM

See Pulse Code Modulation.

Pulse Code Modulation (PCM)

This is a digital audio output. This type of output is common on CD and DVD players.

Sampling Frequency

This describes the number of pieces a sound wave is broken into when converted to a digital signal. A frequency of 96kHz is equal to 96000 samples per second, so a bigger number is better.