Blu-ray Region Codecs: What is It

Part 1. What are Blu-ray Regions​

Let us first explain Blu-ray region codes. These are pieces of data that are embedded into a Blu-ray disc to serve as a restriction. The player reads the region code, which is incompatible if the disc will not play. Blu-ray regions are specific to a particular geographical location. A CD can only be played and read by a Blu-ray player intended to use in that region. In other words, it won’t play if a Blu-ray disc is inserted into a player that originated from another region, it won’t play. It is because the region code doesn’t match the player. Also, there are various reasons for different region codes besides profitability. It can be for religious groups and government purposes. Some organizations have strict authority over what content is acceptable for viewing or watching. In these places or areas, region coding effectively censors content known to be unethical, undesirable, or improper.

There are three separate Blu-ray region codes in total. The codes are alphabetically identified as Region A, B, and C. The Blu-ray discs manufactured in Region A are embedded with a region code A. With this, it is only usable with players from Region A. It is the same as the other region codes, B and C.

Check out more details below to give you more idea about the various Blu-ray region codes. Here is the Blu-ray region code list and map.

Blu-ray Region Code Map

Region A Blu-ray

This region covers South America, North America, and Southeast Asia.

Region B Blu-ray

It covers Africa, the Middle East, Europe, Greenland, and French Territories.

Region C Blu-ray

It is a region code that covers the rest of the world. It includes Asia, China, and Russia.

Blu-ray Region ABC

This region code is considered region-free. It is because it applies to all countries listed in Regions A, B, and C.

Part 2. How to Check Blu-ray Regions

Well, many people wonder how to check the Blu-ray region code. Here, we will give you detailed information on identifying a Blu-ray about its designed region. When you buy a Blu-ray disc, you can view the region code on the disc itself. If not, you can look for the back of the disc case and see various information, including its region code. But there are also various things you need to consider.

Note:

• Some discs may have no codes written on the disc cover or the disc itself. It means that the disc is possibly a region-free disc.
• The Blu–ray disc device or optical drive can play Blu-rays purchased in the same region. It means that Blu-ray disc players of computers purchased in Region A can only read discs recorded in Region A. It is an exception to discs or players that are region-free.
• It may be an Ultra HD Blu-ray disc if you can’t see any region code from the disc. These discs are region-free and can read and play on devices that support Ultra HD Blu-ray.

Part 3. Blu-ray Region Code Remover/Changer

As mentioned above, you can only play your discs in their designated region. But if you want to watch a movie from another region, removing or changing the region is the best way. In that case, we’ll gladly help you by introducing Blu-ray Master Free Blu-ray Ripper. It is one of the best Blu-ray region code removers that can easily remove Blu-ray region codes and convert to digital formats, including MP4, MOV, MKV, and many other common and uncommon formats. The program transfers Blu-ray discs, folders, and IFO files well.

Aside from that, you can also enhance the video if you want. The program offers editing tools like trimmer, cropper, merger, and watermarks. With this, you can have a good output. All in all, you can use this powerful tool to easily remove/change the region code and watch your favorite movies.

Part 4. How to Watch Blu-ray of Any Region

After introducing the powerful tool for removing Blu-ray region codecs, we want to further introduce you to the detailed steps of how to rip Blu-ray with this tool.

Step 1. Download and install Blu-ray Master Free Blu-ray Ripper on your computer. Launch the software.

Note: As its name suggests, it is free to use, and you can download it to have a try.

Step 2. Click the Load Disc button to select the Blu-ray movie you want to remove the Blu-ray region code. Then the software will analyze the Blu-ray and load it into the software.

Note: You can see that there are subtitles and audio track options, and you can choose the one you want to maintain.

Step 3. Click the Profile and choose a preferred format from its drop-down option. Here, we choose MP4 because of its good compatibility.

Step 4. Decide the destination folder from the Browse choice and click Convert to bypass the Blu-ray region code.

Part 5. FAQs about Blu-ray Region Codec

• Are Japanese Blu-ray region-free?

  Based on the research, Japanese Blu-rays are only sold in Japan. But it is also region-free. Blu-rays can also be imported to some places, making it better for the audience.

• What region code is Japan for Blu-ray?

  Since Japan belongs to the continent of Asia, then the region code of Japan in Blu-ray is Region C.

• Can Blu-ray players play any region?

  Sorry to disappoint you, but no. Not all Blu-ray players can play any region. Some Blu-ray players can only read a certain region code. But, if you are looking for a region-free Blu-ray player, you can see the ones mentioned above.

• Do regions matter for Blu-ray?

  Definitely, yes. It may also affect the manufacturer name that creates the Blu-ray players. Also, some restrictions in some areas must be followed, especially for the content of Blu-rays.

• Will German Blu-ray work in the US?

  Actually, not. The US or America is under Region Code A, while Europe is in Region B. With that, German Blu-ray can’t work in the US.

Wrapping up

With the help of the post, you now know more about Blu-ray region codecs. With this, you will know why some movies can’t play on a certain Blu-ray player. Also, thanks to the post, you discovered how to change or remove the Blu-ray region code. Blu-ray Master Free Blu-ray Ripper is a freeware and worth a try. Download it to rip your Blu-ray movies!