Region B for the U.S.

[Kryptonian]

I have a few question or two regarding region B players. I was looking to buy one from Amazon uk. But all I need to know is: Besides the plugs, will there be anything preventing from running this thing straight out of the box? Is the power itself different than over in the UK?

[dhitoshi]

The need for a power inverter is problem one. Problem two, Region B players output a 50Hz signal and very few North American flat panels will accept the signal. Non-HD content such as legacy DVD era extras will likely be encoded in PAL, which will not be displayed on a NTSC North American tv.

[Naiera]

Region B players do not output a 50Hz signal unless the Blu-ray is 1080i50. By far most are NOT, but rather completely normal 1080p24.

[Dragun]

Why not get a region-free player from the US?

[DasRetroKid]

Originally Posted by Dragun

Why not get a region-free player from the US?

What would you guys recommend? I'm mainly looking for a cheap region free player to play Region 2 Blu's / DVD's.

I've been looking at this one: http://www.lg.com/us/home-video/lg-B...ray-dvd-player

[scissorpuppy]

http://www.searsoutlet.com/U-Vision-...52&mode=seeAll

I’ve had one of these for over a year and watch movies from all over the world with ease.

Sears seems to be out of stock, but if you can find this model for sale anywhere else it’s great for a cheap region free player. I’ve seen it on sale for as low at $50. It requires a remote code to make it DVD Region Free that sticks, or a code to change regions for blu ray depending on which region disc you are watching.

- Hit the “set-up” button
- Input 8520 on the remote.
- A menu will pop-up
- For DVD input “0” to permanently change the dvd region code.
- For Blu-Ray input the number of the region you want to watch “1” for North America, “2” for Europe etc. The Blu-Ray code doesn’t cover “0” or “All” like the dvd code does. So if you want to pop in a Region 1 disc you’ll switch it back.

Edit: BHphoto seems to have it in stock.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...C&A=details&Q=

[dhitoshi]

Originally Posted by Naiera

Region B players do not output a 50Hz signal unless the Blu-ray is 1080i50. By far most are NOT, but rather completely normal 1080p24.

Well, as long as you don't want to import any tv shows from the UK. I import at least 40 titles a year from the UK. Almost every UK tv show on BD is encoded at 1080i/50, unless originally produced in U.S. Most are not region locked, but since most North American BD players and flat panels will not accept this signal, I use my PS4. The PS4's were not localized as the PS3 was and will convert a 50Hz signal to 60Hz, and the picture quality is better than the Insignia I have that has selectable regions. If a title is region locked or has PAL content I use the Insignia NS-BRDVD4.
Movies on blu-ray are about the only content that universally outputs at 1080p/24.

[Kryptonian]

So if I go to a region free player, I shouldn't have any problem playing the region B discs? I keep reading things about software and hardware hacks and not sure where to buy from. I just don't want to get screwed. I don't want a high end player. Just something I can watch the few B discs that I have, mostly thanks to Zavvi.

[Naiera]

Originally Posted by dhitoshi

Well, as long as you don't want to import any tv shows from the UK. I import at least 40 titles a year from the UK. Almost every UK tv show on BD is encoded at 1080i/50, unless originally produced in U.S.

Obviously, since their shows are made for 50Hz TV. But that's not what you were saying earlier.

[man_westooth]

Originally Posted by dhitoshi

Well, as long as you don't want to import any tv shows from the UK. I import at least 40 titles a year from the UK. Almost every UK tv show on BD is encoded at 1080i/50, unless originally produced in U.S.

You're just talking about those from videotape originals, right? I was thinking of getting The Avengers Season 4 on Blu from the UK for my US-bought region-free player, and that was done on film. Do you know if that would have the problem you're talking about?

[hagios]

Originally Posted by Kryptonian

So if I go to a region free player, I shouldn't have any problem playing the region B discs? I keep reading things about software and hardware hacks and not sure where to buy from. I just don't want to get screwed. I don't want a high end player. Just something I can watch the few B discs that I have, mostly thanks to Zavvi.

Sony BDP-S3700 Region Free Blu-Ray Player with Wi-Fi

make sure you add this if you buy it: Region A, B & C Blu Ray: Region ABC plays Any Region Blu-ray from any country guaranteed. +$40.00

I've got this one & am very happy with it!

[Naiera]

Originally Posted by man_westooth

You're just talking about those from videotape originals, right? I was thinking of getting The Avengers Season 4 on Blu from the UK for my US-bought region-free player, and that was done on film. Do you know if that would have the problem you're talking about?

Don't look at how it was filmed; look at what's on the disc. The database here doesn't say so (1080p, as it's listed, infers no 50Hz, but that might be an error), but there should be other ways to find out. You can shoot film at 25 fps or you can speed it up in post production; it doesn't have anything particularly to do with tape vs. film.

EDIT: User review states 24Hz.

[Chiefy]

Originally Posted by Naiera

Region B players do not output a 50Hz signal unless the Blu-ray is 1080i50. By far most are NOT, but rather completely normal 1080p24.

1. Will it be useless trying to play 1080i/50Hz content onto a U.S. HDTV, or will these players output them to allow playblack? Doesn't seem like it, but I figured I'd ask.
2. How well do these units convert PAL to NTSC?

I'm considering a Sony BDP-S6500, but I don't want to plunk down $235 and be disappointed. Thank you.

[Naiera]

I can't tell you which players are able to convert 50 to 60Hz, aside from the Oppos. Very few, if any, US high definition TVs are able to play 50Hz, as there simply is no need to support it.