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Every DVD manufactured in a particular region has its own region code, which is incorporated as one byte of information on the disc that the DVD player checks before playing. DVD players and discs are coded by putting in their region number superimposed on a world globe. If a disc can play in more than one region, it will have more than one number on the globe. This implies that a disc bought in one country would not play on a DVD player bought in another country. Therefore the DVD standard includes region specific codes to prevent playback of DVDs in certain geographical regions.

Preventing Illegal Playback of Pirated DVDs

The greatest requirement for carrying out the concept of region-specific codes was to prevent the illegal playback of pirated DVDs in certain countries. Movies made in the U.S. are released in a staggered manner all over the world. The DVDs are also released a few months after the release of the movie in theaters. However, it is very easy to copy DVDs illegally and distribute these movies in the other countries even before they are formally released in their cinemas. Also, movie studios sell distribution rights to different foreign distributors and would like to guarantee an exclusive market. This piracy results in huge financial losses for the production companies.

On DVDs also, movies are released at different times around the world, typically first in America and Canada, later in Australia and Japan, and then in Europe. In some cases, DVD movies are available for purchase in America and Canada even before they are released in European cinema theaters.

Considering the high quality of movies on DVD, and the staggered movie release system, six regions were established to prevent people from watching region 1 movies before they were released in Regions 2-6. The six regions are as follows; Region 1 being U.S. and Canada, Region 2 comprising Japan, Europe, South Africa, and the Middle East. Region 3 has East and Southeast Asia, while Region 4 includes Australia, New Zealand, Pacific Islands, Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Region 5 comprises of Eastern Europe, Africa, North Korea, Mongolia, and the Indian Subcontinent, while Region 6 has China. An additional Region 7 for reserved category and Region 8 for special International venues like airplanes and cruise ships were also designated.

Catering to the Traveler

However, these region-coded DVDs can be very restraining in today’s time with the world becoming a global village. People travel extensively around the world and like to have access to entertainment without any restrictions. To counter this problem, the regionfree and codefree DVD players were designed. These DVD players are able to play a disc manufactured in any region and having any region code, anywhere in the world. To create such a provision in the DVD player certain modifications are carried out in its reading mechanism. There are certain global converters available in the market that can convert the coded DVD player to a region free DVD player.

Modifying DVD Players

Certain DVD players can be physically modified with a chipset technology to play discs regardless of their regional codes. This procedure, however, voids the warranty provided by the manufacturer, but is not illegal in most countries. Some players have a provision for modification using special command sequences to a code free mode by using a remote control. Several retailers sell DVD players that are already modified for multiple regions, or in some cases, they provide instructions on how to install the region change features that are already built into the player.

NTSC, SECAM and PAL

Most countries have television standards that are incompatible with those of other countries. These TV standards can be broadly classified into three categories, NTSC, PAL and SECAM.

The initial TV (color) broadcast system, released in 1953 in the U.S., was based on the standard called NTSC (National Television System Committee). NTSC runs with 525 lines/frame and 30 frames per second. NTSC is the TV format used in Canada, Japan, Mexico, Philippines, Taiwan, United States, and other countries

In the 1960s, the PAL (Phase Alternating Line) standard was presented in many European countries, most of Africa, China, India, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, North Korea and other countries - with the exception of France. The PAL standard uses a more expanded channel bandwidth than NTSC, providing more picture quality. PAL uses 625 lines/frame and 25 frames per second.

The SECAM, also known as Sequential Couleur Avec Memoire or Sequential Color with Memory, standard came to France in the 1960s. SECAM also has identical bandwidth to PAL, but it transmits the color information sequentially.

Decoding NTSC and PAL with the Flip of a Switch

NTSC and PAL standards are incompatible with one another. With a multi-system TV, one can view both the NTSC and PAL formatted DVDs. A regionfree DVD Player with a built-in PAL to NTSC and NTSC to PAL converter enables a viewer to watch different system DVDs. A codefree DVD player is able to decode NTSC and PAL with a simple flip of a switch, enabling the user to watch imported DVDs on the same DVD player. External converter boxes are also available, such as the Emerson EVC1595. Several high-quality converters are available from companies such as Tenlab, Snell, and Wilcox.

There is a range of additional features available in a code free DVD player, such as the multi-format playback, which allows the user to playback formats other than DVDs. Most multi-format DVD players are compatible with CDs, MP3s, DVD audio, DVD-R/DVD-RAM, CD-R/RW, and WMA. However, it is always advisable to read the specifications before buying, because not all players are compatible with the same formats.

Parental Control and Other Great Features

Another useful feature is the parental control, which give parents the control in choosing movies based on the movie ratings allowed for playback. Another extra includes a zoom function that magnifies an image on the screen. The shuttle or jog function allows frame-by-frame scanning, and dual laser for better playback of audio discs.

Codefree DVD players are available online at affordable prices. The great features and the codefree benefits make it a worthwhile investment.

Where to get REGION FREE DVD players/recorders. To prevent the latest movies from reaching countries where a film has not reached theaters yet, Hollywood studios imposed a block. This regional coding is a digital flag on the disc that tells the DVD player where a particular DVD comes from. This is supposed to prevent the disc from being used by an incompatible player in another country. A normal DVD player can only play discs designated for the player’s own particular region. However, a codefree DVD player is a capable of playing DVD discs from anywhere around the world. A codefree DVD player can play DVD discs from all 6 regions and both standards, PAL and NTSC. That’s every DVD movie on earth! PAL-NTSC 110-220 volts DVD/VCR Combos for use worldwide. CODEFREE DVD / PAL-NTSC VCR combos and MULTISTANDARD VCRs will play 100% all known DVD discs including FRENCH DVDs. You can buy region free and region free converting DVD players and region free DVD recorders from http://www.mindlogic.com in California. They give you a LIFETIME Warranty and ship worldwide. Tel.800-514-2984 or tel. 925-686-9945

Digital Versatile Disc recorders can be used with a digital television to record your best nature programs and movies as well as to see pre-recorded news programmes. Superb image and sound quality, nonetheless the recording facility means that they are extremely more expensive than DVD players and besides they are also harder to use than Video Cassette Recorders. The number of recordable models available possibly well also add to the buyers’ confusion.

Having the correct connections between your Digital Versatile Disc recorder & your television & stereo can undeniably make a considerable difference to the general quality of the sound and image. Prices reduced on Panasonic DVD Recorder at Sound and Vision!

The connections to consider:

S-video connection: This is the next best thing to component video and is a choice for all Digital Versatile Disc Players that do not have component output & also tellies that don’t encompass component input. You could require another cable but the picture difference should be beyond doubt worth it.

SCART leads: A traditional form of connection used in the UK is the SCART lead. This permits both sound and image signals. SCART connections are universally found on DVD players along with tellies. Gold protected SCART leads supply a significantly superior connection. A SCART connection will give you a significantly better picture than S-Video can and is close to component benchmark. SCART cables are not conventionally incorporated inside players. You may possibly be expected to shell out approximately twenty five pounds

Audio connectors: DVD players, predominately the more dear models, can have countless of audio outputs. Outputs are traditionally likely to comprise of phono, digital coaxial and digital optical. If you are connecting to a separate hi-fi system this could possibly be a very much valuable attribute to have.

Progressive scan is the up-to-the-minute word in the Digital Versatile Disc recorder marketplace & whilst more top end recorders do incorporate it, it can not actually be used unless on the other hand you have a digital TV. With it your movie can be refreshed at 60 times per second as a result helping to make a clear roughly flicker free image and is greater to anything that is made available by the different interlaced scanning methods.

Most teenagers today won’t remember what the entertainment world was like before the days of satellite television. They simply take the hundreds of entertainment channels for granted, unlike the adults, who remember just how tedious things could get before the luxury of satellite television exploded on to our screens.

Satellite television is hugely popular in America as well as in other civilized countries around the world. There are many benefits to having satellite TV - it’s not just a case of there always being something to watch - although this is one of the main attractions for many people. However, satellite TV is also the source of a great deal of information, which can be used for education as well as
entertainment.

What Sort of Channels You Can Enjoy

Satellite television will give you access to just about every type of channel you could hope for. You will enjoy numerous channels that are packed with comedy and drama; you can relax whilst watching a wide selection of sports channels covering every type of sport you could hope for. You’ll be kept abreast of what’s happening in the world with a range of news channels that cover both national and international news; and you can enjoy the latest blockbusters with a wide choice of movie channels.

The kids will also be delighted with satellite television. They can enjoy the entertainment value of a wide choice of kid’s channels, from cartoon and comedy to drama and movies. From Disney and Nickelodeon to Cartoon Network and Fox Kids, the choice is endless, which means that on weekends and during holidays your kids will never be short of things to watch.

Your kids will also enjoy having access to a wide selection of informational channels that provide both interesting and educational programming. Channels such as Discovery Science, National Geographic and Animal Planet can help your kids to broaden their horizons as well as provide valuable information to help with their education.

And let’s not forget the incredible choice of music channels - a delight for both adults and kids. You can enjoy listening to all sorts of music, from retro or classical to pop and rock. So, as you can see your satellite television system will enable the whole family to enjoy enhanced entertainment and information.

Why Go for Satellite Television Instead of Cable?

Independent research carried out on customer satisfaction has already proven that satellite television customers enjoyed far better prices and a more enhanced service than cable television customers.

While cable customers appear to be paying more than average, receiving a limited service and forking out on monthly rental charges and additional fees, satellite television customers are able to enjoy free installation of the necessary equipment, and they do not have to pay rental for it. One simple monthly fee gives you access to crystal clear pictures, a wealth of choice and top quality service.

Getting Satellite Television Online

There are three choices of satellite television providers in the Unites States, and these are: DIRECTV, Dish Network and Voom. There are also a number of retailers from whom you can buy your satellite television equipment, and you will often find some great offers from retailer to retailer. This is why it is better to compare the deals on offers rather than just rushing into the purchase of your satellite television equipment.

The easiest way to make comparisons on the various satellite television deals being offered is to go online, where you will find all sort of excellent and cost-effective offers from satellite television retailers. You can enjoy such benefits as free installation, free equipment, heavily discounted receivers, free trials on various channels and free periods on your satellite television package.

The Internet is an effective tool with which you can quickly and easily view the various offers available from each retailer. The popularity of satellite television is huge and is expected to continue to grow in the future, so the competition between these retailers is fierce. Each will try and beat their competitors with a range of incredible deals and prices, and as consumers, we are the ones that benefit from this.

By comparing the various offers online, you can make a far more informed choice with regards to which deal is going to prove the best value for your needs and your budget, enabling you to enjoy the benefits and entertainment of satellite television at a really affordable price. With so many deals available from these retailers, it is possible to get a fabulous deal on cost and service on your satellite television package, so you can make the most of your television viewing experience.

You Can Start Enjoying Satellite TV with Speed and Ease

When you go online to browse the various satellite television deals, you can really speed up the whole process. Browsing from the comfort of your own home, you can find the most cost-effective or comprehensive deal for your needs and then place an order for the necessary equipment. Although you can install the equipment yourself, it might be better to have a professional come out and do it to ensure that you can start to enjoy your satellite television viewing experience as soon as possible. And since this service is often free of charge, there is no reason not to get a fast and professional installation.

With a choice of excellent packages to select from, you can enjoy a satellite television deal that is perfectly suited to your lifestyle and family. If you have kids, you can choose a package that incorporates the vast choice of kids television and educational channels. If you are something of a movie buff, you can select the package with the widest range of movie channels, and if you want to spend your spare time listening to the latest tunes, you can go for a package with a wide choice of music channels. The choice is impressive and there is sure to be a package that will suit the whole family.

About The Author:
Award winning author and freelance writer, Reno Charlton has completed a number of informative articles providing consumer information on such topics as Free Satelite TV Systems, Buy DirecTV, and Directv vs Cable.

As one who has been directly involved in selling DirecWay satellite internet products, sold competitive Enterprise Satellite internet products, has a background in financial analysis and business information reporting…. and studied HNS for over 4 years, I’ve come to the conclusion that the end might be near for DirecWay satellite internet in the U.S. Bear with me now……this ownership stuff gets a bit convoluted….keep in mind, this in no way affects DirecTV customers.

Last December DirecTV Group (Part of News Corporation - a Rupert Murdock company) which is the parent of HNS (Hughes Network Systems)-which, in turn owns DirecWay, decided to sell 50% of the operation to Sky Terra, which is owned by Apollo Management Group, a New York based private investment company with holdings in chemical, furniture and real estate companies in addition to it’s Satellite holdings. DirectTV Group cited the main reason for the sale of HNS/DirecWay was to focus on the core satellite TV business, DirecTV. DirecTV Group will treat the 50% they retain as an investment on their books and hand over the day to day management of the operations of HNS/DirecWay to Sky Terra-a VERY important revelation.

My bet is that Sky Terra will utilize the HNS/DirecWay assets in Europe to further Cable TV and internet operations they control there and systematically dismantle the U.S. operations ….ie DirecWay U.S. But who will buy a company losing 10’s of millions a year and sells a product that doesn’t work very well all too often? Nobody….but they will buy the leasees on transponders DirecWay has control of. And that is part of how they will make this highly leveraged transaction work.
I believe Sky Terra is laying the groundwork for dismantling DirecWay in this report filed with the SEC on April 5th: http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/756502/000119312505069877/dex991.htm

In the report they speak of one potential event after another that could easily undermine the inferred plans to continue to operate HNS…as if to tell the investing world, new plans are on the horizon.
The point of this opinion piece is to put DirecWay consumer and even commercial internet customers on notice…….seriously consider a change while the “gettin’s good”. As soon as they contractually can, I believe Sky Terra will put the assets of HNS to work in profitable niches like vsat commercial applications, sell Ku bandwidth to the highest bidder and try to get in on the balance of Homeland Security business still out there. Up to the present time DirecWay has been poorly directed and a complete financial disaster - just ask Rupert Murdock!
If you work for HNS and don’t have your resume’ on the street…….you might want to start typing!

If WildBlue and the others in the Ka Band internet business are remotely successful it will bring this to fruition even faster. Why? Sky Terra has control of a Ka band satellite under construction for launch in 2007(SpaceWay 3) - too far out for DirecWay/Sky Terra to have any impact on the market. They have the rights to another DirecWay Ka band satellite which is still on the drawing boards and I believe they are betting they can sell both of them for a handsome profit to one of the four active major Ka players: Telesat, WildBlue, SES Americom or EchoStar. This could be a very interesting year for the satellite internet business.

About the Author:

Randy Scott has been involved in the bi-directional satellite internet industry from it’s beginning as a Sr. Sales Engineer, consultant and business owner. Randy is the founder of VSAT U.S., a consulting and sales organization, representing the most prestigious satellite internet providers in the America’s. For more information about current VSAT satellite internet offerings including Ka band, visit http://www.vsatus.com or email randy@vsatus.com .

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