DVD Guide for German
Part 2: Code Solutions
DVD Region Code Solutions
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DVD Code Solutions
Bypassing or Changing the Codes
Naturally, as soon as Hollywood and the DVD producers decided to divide and conquer the world with their regional codes, other people were thinking up ways to bypass them. Soon there were "fixes" for both DVD players and computer DVD-ROM drives. (Newer computer DVD drives usually allow the easy switching of regional codes, but you have a limit of five changes. More below.) Some manufacturers also began to sell "code-free" DVD players that could play DVDs from any of the six regions. Some of these code-free players are also capable of displaying the video on either a PAL (Germany, most of Europe) or NTSC (US, Canada) monitor. (For a much more detailed explanation of DVD issues, see the DVD FAQ from DVD Demystified.)
Is It Really That Simple?
Of course not! Things can get get technically complicated when dealing with code-free DVD players or changing the code settings on older computer DVD-ROM drives (which is a perfectly legal thing to do). But if you want to watch German or Hollywood Region 2 movies in German, it is essential to have either a multicode DVD player or a computer with a DVD drive.
Computer DVD
Early DVD-ROM drives were code-free, but those sold after January 1, 2000 are set to a specific code, depending on where they are sold, and will only allow the code to be switched five times. After the fifth change, the drive is permanently set to the region code that was last selected. (See our detailed how-to guide on exactly how to switch the codes, if your computer's DVD drive doesn't do that easily. Also see the software links below for region-code software solutions.)
But DVD on a computer offers the advantage of not having to worry about converting from German PAL to US NTSC or vice versa. Since the computer image is digital, the PAL/NTSC issue doesn't exist—unless you want to export the picture to a TV monitor. Some computers can handle that, while other can't. Don't confuse DVD-ROM with video DVD. DVD-ROM is for data only. A DVD-ROM drive can read both regular CD-ROM and DVD disks, but the computer must have the proper software and hardware to play back DVD video. The disadvantage is that you are generally tied to the computer for viewing.
Code-Free DVD Players
You can find "code-free" or multicode DVD players for sale online and in electronics stores. These are DVD players made by Panasonic, Sony, Toshiba and other respected names, but altered to allow playing DVDs from all six regions. (This chip alteration may void the manufacturer's warranty, but some vendors offer their own.) Some so-called "zero-code" DVD players may not work with DVD disks from certain studios or certain regions. Most code-free DVD players now on the market are the "switchable" type (usually using the player's remote control) that can read any DVD disk and code. But a lack of standardization among various DVD makers means that one DVD disk may play on your player, but another may not.
There are also good multicode players made by Pioneer, Sony, and others (with a full warranty) that automatically detect the DVD's region code and play it. But some of these may need a PAL monitor to display a German Region 2 DVD properly. Others have the ability to convert the PAL picture to the US NTSC standard. Always make sure any player you buy will work with the TV monitor or TV set you have. For instance, my Pioneer multicode player plays German DVDs just fine on my Gateway LCD monitor, but not on a Sony widescreen TV.
Is It Legal to Bypass the Codes?
Since DVD regional coding—also known as "zone locking"—exists merely for marketing purposes, and has nothing to do with copyright or copy protection, most people compare "breaking the codes" to reading a German book in Australia, Britain, the US or another English-speaking country. If you legally obtained either the book or the DVD, it shouldn't matter where you read it or view it. We're not talking about making copies, defeating copy guards or anything else that would violate copyright laws. We just want to watch a video that we legally obtained in the first place. But it is important to point out that no court decision has established either that regional coding might be an illegal "restraint of trade" or that it may be legal to defeat the regional DVD codes.
Note: Changing the code setting on a DVD-ROM drive is not only possible, but also perfectly legal. Newer computers make this easy, but for older models we offer a how-to guide to switching DVD code settings. The legality of altering a DVD-ROM's firmware so that it is code-free is still unclear. We don't deal with that issue here. See the software links below for possible region code solutions.
Some DVD vendors may not be willing to ship a DVD title to a country with a regional code that is different than the disk. (Amazon.de will ship German DVDs to the US.) Since this is a decision made by each vendor, you will need to check on a particular vendor's shipping policy.
Note: None of the information on this page should be construed as legal advice. We are merely pointing out the regional code situation, as it applies to those who would like to view foreign films on DVD. Regional codes have nothing to do with the obviously illegal practice of breaking the DVD protection codes designed to prevent illegal digital copying.
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Related Links
DVD Software
NOTE: Your Guide has not tested and does not endorse the software listed below.
DVDIdle.com
DVD Region+CSS Free is Windows software that defeats the region code limits on DVDs without any firmware modifications ($39.95).
Fast DVD Copy 3
Mac OS X software for making DVD backup copies that are region-code free. From Velan.
VideoLAN.org
Free open source software for video and DVD solutions for every OS (Windows, Mac, Linux, etc.). Includes the VLC Media Player.
xvi's page
Info and utilities with (limited) code-free options for both Mac OS 9 and Mac OS X.
DVD Information
DVD FAQ
A very detailed FAQ on DVD issues from DVD Demystified.
xvi's page
Info and utilities with (limited) code-free options for both Mac OS 9 and Mac OS X.
Related Pages
DVD Details
Why German-learners should switch from VHS to DVD.
DVD Codes
What are the six regional codes for DVD? Why do they exist?
How To Switch Region Codes
A detailed how-to by your Guide, based on his personal experience in switching the region codes on a laptop DVD drive.
DVD/Video Sources
We help you find online vendors of German video.
German Cinema
Articles and links for German cinema.
German Video Highlights
A look at some of the best offerings in German.
Videostore
More German videos selected by your Guide.
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