The VideoLAN Forums

hello,

I am new to this forum and relatively new to VLC. I have a macbook intel core duo with os X 10.4.10. My computer is locked to Region 2 unfortunately (I didn't realize I had run out of changes). Since then I am not able to watch DVDs from zone 1 even with VLC. Is there a way I can rectify this problem?

Thanks for your help

V

It depends on the actual hardware you're using... with some drives there's just no solution, unfortunately. What exact DVD drive do you have? Open the System Profiler and look into the ATA section (or USB or FireWire, if it's an external drive).

I'm sorry, but there is no chance to get this working again except by unlocking your MBP again by Apple Care (which is your customer's right as your drive's manufacturer is required to do so, at least once).

Since about 3 years, VLC can only play DVDs from the same region as the drive is set to. That's due to a change in the drives' firmwares. Search for RPC1 vs RPC2 if your interested more deeply in this issue.

I'm sorry, but there is no chance to get this working again except by unlocking your MBP again by Apple Care

Maybe you're too pessimistic... as I was saying, it really depends on the exact drive the OP has. For selected models, the firmware can be updated with an unofficial RPC1 patch, and after that the problem is solved.

That's correct, but I doubt that such a firmware exists for new drives. Additionally, flashing your firmwares voids the warranty of your driver, which you should think about before doing it.

I doubt that such a firmware exists for new drives

And yet someone came up recently with a patch for Matsushita's UJ-857 (frequently found in Macbooks these days)
But you're right aboyt the warranty, and obviously the OP would have to be warned about this.

Thanks all for your replies.

I ended up updating the firmware from http://www.rpc1.org. So now my drive is region free (macbook intel duo; used to have hbea version of firmware for the Matshita UJ-857).

best

V

Saw you posted that someone came up with a firmware flash for the "unflashable" uj-857 from Matshita...
I have a slightly older Matshita uj-845e in my Powerbook G4 - did anyone make a firmware patch for that for Region Free playing of DVD's???

Equally my gf has the same issue with her MacBook - her drive is a Matshita cw-8221 - any firmware flash for that one?

Any advice would be AWESOME! I have literally SCOURED the internet looking for a solution - I am a business travelr between the U.S. and Asia-Pacific and cannot keep switching my Apple DVD Player region code back and forth. I am sure you know what I mean.

Thank you!

Saw you posted that someone came up with a firmware flash for the "unflashable" uj-857 from Matshita...
I have a slightly older Matshita uj-845e in my Powerbook G4 - did anyone make a firmware patch for that for Region Free playing of DVD's???

Equally my gf has the same issue with her MacBook - her drive is a Matshita cw-8221 - any firmware flash for that one?

The Matshita UJ-845 isn't quite there yet, but I assume that there is hope: http://forum.rpc1.org/viewtopic.php?t=43012
No news regarding the CW-8221, and probably none to expect.

Can someone tell me how to open my DVD player please? I have the same machine as Vince.
Macbook Intel Core 2 Duo with the U857 DVD drive. Its locked on Zone 1 and I have 3 more changes. But I want it opened as 150 of my DVD collection (300) is zone 2!

Any help is appreciated. Once i go to that RP??? website, where do I find the "firmware" (whatever that is) and how do I 'install' it. I work with systems but not from this perspective, so please excuse my confusion with all the terminologies! Ta!

I have a slightly older Matshita uj-845e in my Powerbook G4 - did anyone make a firmware patch for that for Region Free playing of DVD's???

Will wonders never cease? The UJ-845e can now be patched as well: http://forum.rpc1.org/viewtopic.php?t=43082

Preyan, the URL above should answer most of your questions. The ZIP archives containing the firmware (be sure to select the one exactly matching your drive) should contain the necessary instructions to install it.

Hey everybody!
I just downloaded and installed the UJ-845E patch from Ben over at
http://forum.rpc1.org/viewtopic.php?t=43012

Installation went smooth as glass (Powerbook G4, OS X 10.4.10, all background programs turned off, disconnected from internet, i.e. nothing to interfere). Took about 5 minutes at the very outside, then the patch asked for a simple restart.

I had previously downloaded Region X 1.0.3 for PPC (that was a bit hard to find and a bit old, but I want everyone to know it works GREAT) and I have now tested both the new firmware and Region X several times....
IT ALL WORKS PERFECTLY!!!
NO MORE REGION ISSUES EVER AGAIN!!!
(p.s. be sure to read the Region X docs in the Region X "Help" menu - really makes it all a piece of cake).

answer yes
download dvd43 program at http://www.dvd43.com
WHAT DOES IT DO...
DVD43 will decrypt (unlock) a movie DVD so that your copy program can read it. If the DVD structure is non standard, your copy program needs to take care of that.
HOW TO INSTALL:
Run the setup file which installs DVD43 and leaves a happy face icon on your task bar. DVD43 will run in the background and decrypt movies on the fly.
HOW TO USE DVD43:
Insert the DVD you want to copy and wait for DVD43 to detect it (smiley face turns green). Start your DVD copy software and copy your movie.

i had my computer dvd locked in zone 2. i use asus dvd program. i just downloaded dvd43.
when i wanted to watch a dvd i just clicked on the asus icon and the dvd started,if the dvd would not work all i did was to click on the dvd43 icon and it started. the dvd43 icon is normally in the quick start area but i exit the program if i am not using the dvd

Hi
I have the same problem. Have a Powerbook pro 2,4 GHz intel Core 2 Duo and running Mac OS X version 10.4 11. My Disk, however is the FUJITSU MHW2160BHPL
Is there any patch I can use that will work for it?

Thanks!

Looked at my ATA section under system profiler..
'This computer doesn't contain any ATA devices. If you installed ATA devices, make sure they're connected and powered on.'
I think I may have just found my problem.. :/ Any halp guys?

Hi, I have a Mac OS X and my DVD drive is stuck on region 1 when I'm in region 4. I have no idea how to do any of the firmwire stuff, nor do I know what any of it means. Please help. I hate not being able to watch movies on my computer anymore. ):