Question:
I've heard a lot about the ability to make region specific dvd players into region free dvd players but a simple 'hack'
Are they 100% safe to do?
If it's a remote control hack (i.e. punching in a sequence of numbers to access a loophole menu or similar, usually pre-installed in the operating code) it's totally safe, and impossible to trash a player that way - heck, you can hardly call it a modification if the truth be known ;).
If it's a firmware hack (i.e. downloading a read only memory file, burning onto a CD-R and inserting into your player so that the instruction code is altered by way of an erase and rewrite of a little memory chip on the processor board) that's generally safe too, as long as you don't power the player off by accident whilst the upgrade is taking place (i.e. keep the kids out of the front room just in case :) ).
If it's a service remote control modification (often called non-hardware modification), such as that offered by Steve Hoyle for Sony decks, again that's totally safe : all you are doing is accessing and altering factory setting menu. By the same token the bizarre CD-R hack comprising of one line of text burnt onto a disc (as used by owners of the Reoc A5 and Sharp DV740H) is also completely safe - same rules apply : you're just resetting a factory setting.
In terms of a hardware modification (eg carried out by Techtronic et al) it is usually okay, but more often than not your manufacturer's warranty will be voided by the work, especially if carried out post-purchase. However, most modifiers guarantee their work.
Your best bet is either to buy a player pre-modified from any number of retailers (such as a multiregion Pioneer DV350 from Home Cinema Heaven or Toshiba SD220e from Richer Sounds), or one that can be hacked via the remote control. Better still, buy one that doesn't even need a hack, like the current crop of £70 players (eg the Alba 108 from Argos).
Short of plugging the player into a socket whilst it's in the bath, it's very difficult to trash a player : if in doubt, ask first :)
Hope that helps.
thanks very much for your reply - very useful.
I'm going to buy a Samsung S224 today from Argos - £120.
I've found the remote hack for it today. Even if it trashes the player (which it probably won't do), at least I can take it back to Argos for a refund or exchange!
Regards
Simon
Are they 100% safe to do?
Answers:
If it's a remote control hack (i.e. punching in a sequence of numbers to access a loophole menu or similar, usually pre-installed in the operating code) it's totally safe, and impossible to trash a player that way - heck, you can hardly call it a modification if the truth be known ;).
If it's a firmware hack (i.e. downloading a read only memory file, burning onto a CD-R and inserting into your player so that the instruction code is altered by way of an erase and rewrite of a little memory chip on the processor board) that's generally safe too, as long as you don't power the player off by accident whilst the upgrade is taking place (i.e. keep the kids out of the front room just in case :) ).
If it's a service remote control modification (often called non-hardware modification), such as that offered by Steve Hoyle for Sony decks, again that's totally safe : all you are doing is accessing and altering factory setting menu. By the same token the bizarre CD-R hack comprising of one line of text burnt onto a disc (as used by owners of the Reoc A5 and Sharp DV740H) is also completely safe - same rules apply : you're just resetting a factory setting.
In terms of a hardware modification (eg carried out by Techtronic et al) it is usually okay, but more often than not your manufacturer's warranty will be voided by the work, especially if carried out post-purchase. However, most modifiers guarantee their work.
Your best bet is either to buy a player pre-modified from any number of retailers (such as a multiregion Pioneer DV350 from Home Cinema Heaven or Toshiba SD220e from Richer Sounds), or one that can be hacked via the remote control. Better still, buy one that doesn't even need a hack, like the current crop of £70 players (eg the Alba 108 from Argos).
Short of plugging the player into a socket whilst it's in the bath, it's very difficult to trash a player : if in doubt, ask first :)
Hope that helps.
Answers:
thanks very much for your reply - very useful.
I'm going to buy a Samsung S224 today from Argos - £120.
I've found the remote hack for it today. Even if it trashes the player (which it probably won't do), at least I can take it back to Argos for a refund or exchange!
Regards
Simon
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