OS X Tip #64
So what are DVD Region Codes anyway?

Hardware “set-top” DVD players are generally locked to a region in order to discourage international use. This way film distribution can be controlled for home use in different countries. When you buy a DVD overseas you have to watch that, not only is the DVD NTSC or PAL TV standard, but you will need to know what “region” will the DVD play in.

Initializing the DVD drive region code on your Mac
The DVD player in your Mac comes “unlocked” and can easily play NTSC or PAL. But, the first time you insert a DVD into your Mac’s DVD drive you are prompted to initialize the DVD drive’s region code. If at a later time you insert a DVD coded for another region, you will be prompted to re-initialize the drive to that specific DVD’s region code. You can only change the drive’s region code 5 times. After that, your drive remains “locked” in that region code and will only play DVDs that match that region code.

The region codes are:
Region 0: Compatible with any DVD player/region
Region 1: U.S.A and its territories, Canada
Region 2: Europe, Japan, Middle East, South Africa
Region 3: East and Southeast Asia
Region 4: Australia, New Zealand, Central America, Mexico, South America
Region 5: Africa, Eastern Europe, North Korea
Region 6: China
Region 7: Reserved
Region 8: International venues (airplanes, cruise ships, etc.)

Note: Hacks that change the DVD drive from region-locked to region-free are available on the Internet. However, use of these hacks are not recommended and voids your Apple warranty. These hacks can damage your DVD drive beyond repair. Proceed at your own risk.

Solution
But I do have a solution that will work for most users.

Here’s how:
Tell the DVD Player not to load when you put in a video DVD.

Open System Preferences (can click on Apple menu, then -> System Preferences)
Go to -> Hardware -> CDs & DVDs pane

Select “Ignore” When you insert a video DVD.

Download and install the VLC media player and use it to playback your DVDs from different regions. The VLC media player is a nice DVD player that is region-free.

    | Tags: dvd, mac tips, OpenSource, region codes