Importing a player to the USA from the UK - yes, it works!

[Vanguard]

Originally Posted by mar3o

Why would there be issues with playing UK discs if it's a region-free player? For example, looking at the region-free Sony BDP-S6500 4K 3D SMART Blu-Ray Player, available online, it lists:

Region A blu-ray (region B & C optional)
Plays Blu-ray from Any Region (A, B, & C)
Firmware can be updated via internet at any time doesn't affect regional codeing
Blu-ray Region switching - 1 Button SUPER Fast & Easy
Worldwide Voltage (works with 110-240 Volts)
Internal Pal/NTSC Conversion

For the LG BP550 110-240 volts Region Free Blu-Ray Player:

Region A Blu-Ray (Regions B & C Optional $40)
Blu-ray Zone A, Zone B, and Zone C
Firmware can be updated via internet at any time doesn't affect regional codeing
Blu-ray Region switching - 1 Button SUPER Fast & Easy
Full NTSC/PAL Conversion Built In
110-240 volts

Sounds to me like these should be able to play anything and output 50Hz/PAL material no problem to US 60 Hz sets. According to the notes both players can receive firmware updates without risk to region ability.

My Seiki is failing so I need a new region-free blu-ray player (want one with 3D support), so this will be my first time buying a modded player. Is there any reason I would want to import a UK player over buying a region-free player from 220? My budget is around $200 or less, so Oppo is out of the question.

Most hardware modded players can play 50Hz/PAL stuff just fine. So long as the seller explicitly states it. However, do not get the Sony S6500, its has some built in filtering at 1080P that ruins Blu-rays, and DVD playback is atrocious. DNR city. Check this thread: https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=298106 That LG BP550 would be great though!

Also, be very careful when applying firmware updates. I had bought a hardware modded Samsung J-5100 player, and a firmware update broke the region mod. Which prompted me to get that modded S6500, which I regret. Bottom line, if it works, dont bother with a firmware update.