Top 10 Multi-Region Blu-ray Players: Software and Hardware

Just like DVDs, Blu-ray has various region codes to follow. This DRM encrypts a Blu-ray disc with a specific region code to be accessed by a particular country. This means an unmatched disc to the video player will likely lead to errors. But with modern media players, you wonder if a multi-region Blu-ray Player exists and supports region codes A, B, and C without limitations. You are actually correct! A couple of software and hardware support every region code, unlocking the content effortlessly. You are in the right place as you are about to learn about various Blu-ray players.

• Part 1. Do Multi-Region Blu-ray Players Exist?
• Part 2. Top 5 Multi-Region Blu-ray Players (Hardware)
• Part 3. Top 5 Multi-Region Blu-ray Players (Software)
• Part 4. How to Change the Blu-ray Region
• Part 5. FAQs about Multi-Region Blu-ray Players

Part 1. Do Multi-Region Blu-ray Players Exist?

Yes, this type of Blu-ray player does exist. But what made it special compared to a regular Blu-ray player? One reason is the full support of other region codes, allowing you to open and play restricted discs.

As you may know, the film industry does not distribute movies all around the world at the same time. This is to allow the distributors to control the release date, pricing, and content. Some movies are restricted to other countries to avoid dishonoring cultures and traditions, while another reason is to prevent illegal reselling. All of these are what makes the region code important.

But if you are not aware of which region code your country belongs to, here is the full region code list:

1. Region A- This region code includes most parts of Southeast Asia, Japan, Korea, North, South, and Central America.

2. Region B- Include Europe, Australia, the Middle East, Africa, and New Zealand countries.

3. Region C- It has China, Russia, India, and the rest of the remaining countries.

And there you have it. The region codes are why you need a multi-region Blu-ray player to enable the playback. Surprisingly, some movies are coded as Region ABC. This means a movie can be played on a regular Blu-ray player without restrictions. Popular films with this rare region code are Pulp Fiction, The Hobbit Trilogy, The Avengers, Iron Man, and more.

Part 2. Top 5 Multi-Region Blu-ray Players (Hardware)

a table of the 5 devices comparison

The following descriptions are for the Multi-Region Blu-ray Players to elaborate on each feature, distinctive performance, and highlight. Stay tuned to see which one is best to purchase with the provided pros and cons.

Sony Multi Zone

Sony is a premium brand that provides excellent personal and home entertainment devices. For Sony Multi Zone, it emphasizes versatility for region-free playback. Other than a Full HD video, the multi-region Blu-ray player also supports streaming and playing PlayStation Now with a DUALSHOCK 4 controller. Moreover, it allows you to stream other platforms with a valid subscription or broadband connection. The Multi Zone Blu-ray Player unit is much cheaper and has decent video playback compared to other Sony players.

Panasonic S700EP-K

If you want a cheaper multi-region Blu-ray player with a high-quality streaming experience, Panasonic is the best to consider. The device can play NTSC DVDs from any country, giving you a high resolution of up to full HD 1080p. One of the special features of the Panasonic S700EP-K is its ability to resume playback even after a power failure, so you can continue with the streaming once the power is on. You can also expect its excellent CD ripper to create digital files instantly.

LG Blu-ray Disc & DVD Player

The multi-region Blu-ray and DVD player has stunning Full HD visuals, making home entertainment more enjoyable. While it has an excellent video performance for most HDTVs, the device also ensures high-definition sound with a compatible sound system. Set it up with a simple HDMI cable, and you can stream more videos online via streaming platforms. Alternatively, it supports wireless internet connectivity, so you can avoid messy wires when setting it up.

Dynastar LG UBKM9

Another LG model is recommended as a 4K Blu-ray multi-region player. It embodies the word ‘region-free,’ supporting all region codes with Dolby Vision for enhanced visual quality. Another highlight of the media player is its ability to upscale low-quality videos up to 4K if you want to watch on a 4K TV. Other than Dolby Vision, you can expect Dynastar LG UBKM9 with DTS and Dolby DTS for smooth streaming.

WGC Sony

In another case, you can sacrifice 4K playback and settle for Full HD 1080p, WGC Sony is a great multi-region Blu-ray player. It is half of the price of Dynastar, but it has most of the specs, including the entire support of DVD and Blu-ray region codes and PAL/NTSC. It also allows you to personalize the interface to improve the user experience. Like Dynastar, WGC Sony supports Dolby TrueHD for high-quality audio tracks.

Part 4. How to Change the Blu-ray Region

Sure, multi-region Blu-ray players exist, and you can choose one to watch movies freely. But an alternative way of watching footage with a different region code is to use Blu-ray Ripper. It is a desktop tool that helps you extract data from a disc and convert it to common formats like MP4, MOV, FLV, and others. It can upscale the resolution from 1080p to 4k UHD in a single click. Moreover, with its top-speed acceleration, you can save time, ripping Blu-ray quickly without losing quality. Here’s how to use it:

Step 1.Download and install the Blu-ray Ripper on your device. Open the app and insert the disc into the optical drive. Click the Load Disc button and select the video you want to rip.

Step 2.Proceed to set the profile by choosing the output format, resolution, bitrate, and more Click the OK button to apply the new settings

Step 3.Click the Convert button to rip the Blu-ray videos. By default, the videos will be saved in the Blu-ray Ripper folder, but you can change that by clicking the Browse button at the bottom part of the interface.

Blu-ray Ripper is the extra help you need if you can’t get a multi-region Blu-ray player. It is easy to use but results in a high-quality ripping process. You can download it for free on Windows and Mac.

Part 5. FAQs about Multi-Region Blu-ray Players

• How do I change my Blu-ray Player to Multi-Region?

  The process involves changing the firmware and its remote control commands and settings. But keep in mind that this attempt can lead to a violation of the terms of service for the software.

• Are Blu-rays still region-locked?

  Yes. The region coding will remain as it is for Blu-ray and DVD to control the distribution of films worldwide.

• Is a region-free Blu-ray Player illegal?

  It depends on the local laws and regulations. While owning one, you might consider copyright and licensing agreements, warranty, importing, and selling.

Wrapping up

To conclude, multi-region Blu-ray Players are a getaway to watch movies from other regions. Without altering the discs’ region codes, you can enjoy watching films with the given hardware and software solutions. But for instant playback without too much trouble, Blu-ray Player is the best pick in this post. Blu-ray Ripper is also a great addition to convert Blu-ray files to common videos for an effortless video stream.