EFF Question "Tech" 1.  "Region Coding.  How does region coding prevent playback?  What are
the different ways to bypass this technological measure and how easy are they to accomplish?  
Are there DVDs that are coded to play in all regions?"

maintained by Rob Warren
last updated 3/20/2000

Introduction

Notes

	"On DVD each sector is 2064 bytes in length, 2048 of payload, 12 bytes of header
	and 4 bytes of ECC. The region coding is stored in header byte 12.  When decoding
	a stream the decoder reads all 2064 bytes and thus has the ability to implement
	Region Management controls.  There is no prescribed method for doing so and I 
	suspect there are as many different methods as there are players.  So there is no
	single easy way to disable region management for all players e.g. the method used
	to disable is unique to the player in question.  In some cases it's as simple as
	changing a switch inside the player.  In others its as simple as setting an option
	in the player setup screen.  In others it requires component part changes inside
	the player.  Yes tehre are players on the market that accept all regions and also
	support NTSC/PAL switchable operations.  These are most often non branded players
	from Pacific rim suppliers.  One such player is the Yamakawa DVD-Video player."

	(RH)

Conclusion

Sources

	The DVD Demystified FAQ
	Region codes at Pioneer, Corp.
	Coding information at Code Free DVD's FAQ
	DVD Tech Reference at ASUS
	DVD Region Patches
DVD-Discuss List References