The VideoLAN Forums

Neither would the previous version either though, so it's not a total suprise.

Is there anything I can do to help analyse the problem so as to get a fix in?

Also, can someone explain about regions...I have DVDs from many regions and my DVD player s/w says it has one change left before it's fixed. Is there any way around this? It seems like vlc doesn't pay any attention to the region code, is that right?

Max.

Hardware Overview:

Machine Model: PowerBook G4
CPU Type: PowerPC G4 (2.1)
Number Of CPUs: 1
CPU Speed: 800 MHz
L2 Cache (per CPU): 256 KB
L3 Cache (per CPU): 1 MB
Memory: 1 GB
Bus Speed: 133 MHz
Boot ROM Version: 4.37f3
Serial Number: beep

ATA-3 Bus:

MATSHITA DVD-R UJ-815:

Capacity: 4.28 GB
Manufacturer: MATSHITA
Model: MATSHITA DVD-R UJ-815
Revision: DWDB
Serial Number:
Drive Type: CD-RW/DVD-RW
Disc Burning: Apple Supported/Shipped
Removable Media: Yes
Detachable Drive: No
BSD Name: disk12
Protocol: ATAPI
Unit Number: 0
Socket Type: Internal
OS9 Drivers: No

example DVD that won't play (only play the copyright notice and the BBC intro) :
"More Great Comedy Moments" - "Favourite Clips from the Best of Contemporary BBC Comendy"
Region 4
PAL
DVD38045
BBC

Also, can someone explain about regions...I have DVDs from many regions and my DVD player s/w says it has one change left before it's fixed. Is there any way around this? It seems like vlc doesn't pay any attention to the region code, is that right?

DVD hardware changes regions and not VLC. VLC can play any DVD as long as your drive is willing to play it. Apple allows you only to change region 5 times. Since you've changed it 4 times, next time you change it, you'll be stuck in the region you used last so be careful because you'll be unable to play some of your DVDs!

Way out is to patch your firmware so it is region free. Look here for help how:

http://forum.rpc1.org/viewforum.php?f=30

And that is how regions work. It's the most idiotic system ever created in my eyes, but it's there none the less.

What errors are reported in the Messages window after you tried starting the disk? Could you post the entire contents of that window?

Also, can someone explain about regions...I have DVDs from many regions and my DVD player s/w says it has one change left before it's fixed. Is there any way around this? It seems like vlc doesn't pay any attention to the region code, is that right?

DVD hardware changes regions and not VLC. VLC can play any DVD as long as your drive is willing to play it.

Hmm. Wierd. I could have sworn that if Apples DVD Player s/w wanted my to switch regions, I could just quit it and fire up VLC and it would play it fine. Am I wrong, or could there be some explanation for this?

Apple allows you only to change region 5 times. Since you've changed it 4 times, next time you change it, you'll be stuck in the region you used last so be careful because you'll be unable to play some of your DVDs!

Yeah, I know...and it won't let me change it that last time either. It says I have one more change left, then says, "There was a problem...bla bla...Error: 070001", and a button saying "OK"....unfortunately there isn't a button saying 'Not OK! Dammit'

Way out is to patch your firmware so it is region free. Look here for help how:

http://forum.rpc1.org/viewforum.php?f=30

I've looked into it, and I will check the link, but my previous extensive searches have not found a way of changing my particular drive :

Model: MATSHITA DVD-R UJ-815
Revision: DWDB

This region thing is really pissing me off. It's like they expect people who move from country to country to buy new DVDs each time! Anyway....

Max.

DVD hardware changes regions and not VLC. VLC can play any DVD as long as your drive is willing to play it.

Hmm. Wierd. I could have sworn that if Apples DVD Player s/w wanted my to switch regions, I could just quit it and fire up VLC and it would play it fine. Am I wrong, or could there be some explanation for this?

Apple allows you only to change region 5 times. Since you've changed it 4 times, next time you change it, you'll be stuck in the region you used last so be careful because you'll be unable to play some of your DVDs!

Yup, I just tested this....right now, it is behaving really strange. I can play region 1 or region 2 disks and it doesn't bother asking me to change anything - with either vlc or Apple's DVD Player s/w. How can that be?

Hmm. Further testing shows that my 2+4 and 4 disc won't play. When I try a 2+4, Apple's DVD player tries to change it to region 2 (from region 1).

Strange.

I don't have many 2+4 and 4 discs; most are 1 and 2, so I am happy with the way it is, I think.

Any thoughts?

Max.

I read about dl patch to make up "Region Free" DVD drive. goto the url below to read up yourself. I havent try yet.

http://www.opuscc.com/download/index.shtml

... "Region Free" ... I havent try yet.

I have

Mr XVI made one recently for the Matshita UJ-815 :

http://xvi.firmware-flash.com/

what a nice man!

Get it here :

http://forum.rpc1.org/portal.php

specifically :

http://forum.rpc1.org/dl_firmware.php?download_id=1449

even more specifically, I used this :

http://superdrive.cynikal.net/files/uj8 ... 5_X101.dmg

from :

http://superdrive.cynikal.net/

(notice all the warnings...ie don't blame me)

It was a nice Christmas present for me, I can tell you

Max.