"Region Free" or "Multi-Region" Blu-ray players are Blu-ray players which have been converted to work in any region of the world. These devices also play DVDs from any region in the world, including regions 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8. They are built to play Blu-rays from any Zone / region in the world, including Zone A, Zone B and Zone C. Our top 10 best players are divided into different categories- not everyone's Blu-ray needs are necessarily the same, so we have outlined below what we believe to be the best 10 Blu-ray players available right now for varying needs.

Best Value: LB BP165 / BP250 Region free blu-ray player

This LG blu-ray player is perfect for those that already have streaming built into their TV or another streaming device such as Amazon's Fire Stick or a Roku. Most modern televisions have wifi and streaming built-in regardless, so the feature is really not necessary in blu-ray players for many people. The upgraded Region Free version of this player will play any region DVD, Any region Blu-ray and offers fantastic picture and sound quality. It doesn't play the UBD 4K discs- for that there is a step up player we will talk about below. But other than those missing features, this player is really the best value you are going to find. It's versatile and plays many different formats of DVDs, CDs, and other discs and content from USB. Customer reviews have also been excellent for this device. Its durability is true and tested, as it has been on the market for some time now and they haven’t made many changes to this model.

Pros:

• Upgraded version is region free for DVD and Blu-ray
• Excellent picture with 1080p up-conversion
• Plays video and Audio from USB
• Durable Construction
• Easy to connect and use

Cons:

• Does not have wifi
• Does not feature streaming
• Is not a 4K UBD Ultra HD blu-ray disc player

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Best Overall player: Panasonic DP-UB9000 Region Free 4k UBD blu-ray player

The Panasonic DP-UB9000 is a fantastic device that is arguably the best high-end replacement for the famously excellent Oppo Blu-ray players. With arguably the best 4K HDR quality available, tone mapping, and impeccable audio quality. This is a player meant for those who want an Oppo replacement, which is to say that it is a player for those who want a top of the line Blu-ray player that will last them a very long time. The only real downside to this player is that it is not universal- some formats are not supported, specifically SACD or DVD-Audio discs.

Pros:

• The closest thing we have to a new Oppo Blu-ray player
• Fantastic audio quality
• Build quality reduces vibration and interference
• Plays numerous audio and video formats
• Perfect for audio/videophiles

Cons:

• Doesn't support SACD or DVD-Audio
• The price might be outside of the budget of some

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Best Value region free 4K UBD Ultra HD blu-ray disc player: LG UBK80 Region free UBK 4k Ultra HD blu-ray player

With the ability to play Ultra HD, 3D, and Standard Blu-ray discs, the LG UBK80 is a versatile machine for what you are paying. Full 4K support, along with HDRand high-end surround sound format support, really drive home what a bargain this device is. At $250, the UBK80 provides essentially everything one could want from a new Blu-ray player, without breaking your wallet.

Pros:

• Support for Ultra HD/4K, 3D, and Standard Blu-rays
• Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, and DTS Master Audio support
• HDR Support
• Fantastic price point

Cons:

• Does not support video streaming services

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Best Value Region free 4K Player with Streaming: LG UBK90 Region Free UBD 4K Ultra HD blu-ray player with wifi

The LG UBK90 is a Blu-ray player that is very similar to the UBK80, but with one key difference: It has wi-fi support built into the device. As a result, the UBK90 is the perfect Blu-ray player for those who are interested in the UBK80, but really wish it offered streaming support.

Pros:

• Support for Ultra HD/4K, 3D, and Standard Blu-rays
• Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, and DTS Master Audio support
• HDR Support
• Fantastic price point
• Wi-fi/Streaming support
• Overall an excellent player, there isn't much bad to say about it.

Cons:

• Doesn't have some of the less common streaming apps, but has all major ones.
• Lacks a few high-end features such as tone mapping and HDR conversion.

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Best Value 4K Player player with Dolby Atmos and Streaming: Sony UBP-X700 Region free blu-ray player with Dolby Atmos and Streaming

The Sony UBP-X700 offers silky smooth 4K streaming/playback, fantastic HDR, and a small stature which will please those who would prefer to not have a larger, clunkier device sitting around their living room. This device also offers high-end audio playback through Dolby Atmos, a very welcome feature for those who want to have the full cinematic experience.

Pros:

• 4K Streaming/Playback
• HDR
• Dolby Atmos Audio Playback
• Small Size
• Great value
• Has nearly all the video features one would desire
• Great colors

Cons:

• Sound is decent, but not the same as the much more expensive Yamaha and Panasonic options

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Best Region Free WiFi player: Sony BDP-S3700 Region free blu-ray player with wifi streaming

The Sony BDP-S3700 is a great, affordable way to turn any TV into a Smart TV. On the surface, it is a standard Blu-ray player; at closer examination, it actually features a great number of apps which will allow one to stream movies and television shows to one’s TV without any additional devices. As a result, this is a great alternative to purchasing a smart TV if one would rather purchase a larger, non-smart TV while retaining all of those features. Similarly, phone mirroring is a unique feature that is extremely useful; users can simply pull content up on their phones and ‘push’ things to the screen in front of them. This is perfect for parties or just casual viewing.

Pros:

• Wi-fi support, streaming
• Numerous apps available
• Excellent player for most setups
• Durable, great for playing DVDs and Blu-rays of any region

Cons:

• Only outputs up to 1080p video

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Best Region Free 4k Upconversion player: Sony BDP-S6700 Region free blu-ray player with 3D wifi streaming and 4K upconversion

The Sony BDP-S6700 is essentially a high-end version of the BDP-S3700. It fixes the problems which existed with the former, specifically it being only able to access 1080p content. Instead, this model supports 3D and 4K content, with 4K upscaling for non-4K content. This is a huge bonus, as it still provides all of the fantastic content that the former model did. The 4K support is only for upscaling content to 4K, which should be kept in mind when purchasing.

Pros:

• 3D Support
• 4K/UHD Upscaling for non-4K content
• Great streaming options
• Bluetooth upport

Cons:

• Does not actually play 4K content, only upscales

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Best Region Free player with Excellent Audio & composite audio outputs: Yamaha BDP-S681 Region Free Blu-ray Player with 4K Upscaling

The Yamaha BDP-S681 features 4K Upscaling for non-4K video as well as composite audio outputs for A/V receivers. As a result, it can be used with a wide variety of home audio setups, making it a great entry-level device for a home theater. This is definitely a device made for audiophiles, constructed with the intent of being used alongside a Yamaha A/V receiver of your choice. That said, it will work just fine with other brands.

Pros:

• 4K Upscaling
• Fantastic audio opportunities
• Composite audio output
• FLAC, high-quality audio file support

Cons:

• Lacks true 4K due to emphasis on audio quality

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Best Region Free 3D player: LG BP550 Region Free 3D Blu-ray Player

For its price, the LG BP550 is a great option for anyone who wants 3D Blu-ray support without spending much money. While it lacks some of the fancier options that more expensive Blu-ray players might offer, it allows for a budget device that still lets you have the 3D experience you crave at home. It loads discs quickly and has a very responsive interface, and built-in Wi-fi lets you stream videos to your non-smart television.

Pros:

• 3D support at an unbeatable price
• Built-in Wi-fi and streaming support
• Loads quickly
• Low latency, responsive menus

Cons:

• Lacks support for some high end formats such as 4K/UHD

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Best Region Free 3D 4K Player with Streaming and Dolby Atmos: Sony UBP-X800M2 Region Free Multi Region 4K UHD Blu-ray Player

The Sony UBP-X800M2 provides a great all-around device with both quality audio and video output. The sound provided by Dolby Atmos is crisp, and the video quality is always clean and stable. The addition of Wi-fi is, as always, welcome even if not needed. A particularly interesting feature to this device is that it offers Bluetooth output for audio, allowing one to use Bluetooth headphones as opposed to a speaker setup. This is great for those who want to watch movies without disturbing those around them, or those who just have nice headphones and would prefer to use them for their viewing experience. While it may not have the best audio or video options on this list, the UBP-X800M2 is sure to please with its options.

Pros:

• Dolby Atmos support
• Bluetooth audio
• Crips video output
• Wi-fi streaming
• HDR to SDR conversion
• Tone mapping
• Great value for all of its features

Cons:

• Dolby Vision's menu, as well as HDR10+, can be a bit clunky. You need to understand the settings before making major changes

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Overall, these are what we consider to be the ten best region free Blu-ray players on the market for 2020-2021. You can’t go wrong with any of these players, as each has its own unique perks which makes it worth considering.

Visit 220-Electronics.com for all of your region free Blu-ray player needs! At 220-Electronics, each device is personally customized to work with all codes and in all regions- guaranteed. We have excellent customer service and can help you to decide which player is best for you, ensuring you are happy with your final purchase.

There are so many televisions on the market today; how does one possibly choose which one to purchase? This is a common problem to be sure, and it only grows more difficult by the year. Of course, price is the most obvious answer and, if price is one's primary concern, then most of this article will seem irrelevant as it covers more in-depth features. For those who want more from a television, however, I will break down some of the more interesting things to consider when buying a new television today.

Primary Features

The most obvious features one should be looking for on a new 4K television are, naturally, size, brand, and price. These often go hand-in-hand- you can typically look at the price of a smaller brand's television then guess what larger ones will cost. Prices also vary widely based upon the brands of products, so

4K/UHD televisions have some features which, at this point, are fairly standard. First and foremost is HDR, or "High-Definition Range". This is a technology which notably improves a display's contrast, particularly in regard to darker parts of videos. HDR is quite common now, but is absolutely worth considering when shopping around.

Refresh rate is another commonly overlooked feature of televisions which can make a notable difference.

Secondary Features

One must always consider the number and type of connective ports available on the back of televisions when shopping around. This is a fairly obvious thing to consider, but not necessarily one which immediately comes to mind when picking out televisions. Specifically important are the number of HDMI ports and the presence, or lack thereof, of component capability. A lot of older devices, such as DVD players and video game consoles, require component cables to connect to televisions; adapters which can be expensive and bulky are otherwise required.

One should also consider how a TV will be displayed. Will it be mounted on the wall, or sitting on a TV stand? Will it need specific brackets to be mounted, or do they come with the television? These could be notable roadblocks down the line if not considered early enough. If a television has all of the features you desire while needing some extra work to be mounted, it could still be worth considering- if the price is right.

When shopping for a multisystem TV, it is vitally important to ensure that the television is, in fact, multisystem. Only certain retailers sell truly multisystem hardware; many have purchased TVs from Amazon only to be disappointed when it arrived and only worked in one region.

Conclusion

Ultimately, only you know what features you need most in your new multisystem 4K television. This article's goal has not been to tell you what is most important, but instead to provide ideas for what you might consider when shopping around. If you want to start shopping for a multisystem television, visit 220-Electronics.com. Run by experts in the field, 220-Electronics provides the best multisystem televisions at the best prices- guaranteed. Visit 220-Electronics.com today to get started!

When it comes to shopping for Multisystem 4K Televisions, there are a number of features which are worth comparing. Some are obvious, such as resolution, size, or smart features. Refresh rates are likely not the first thing considered when shopping for new televisions, but they should be among them. Today, I will be breaking down refresh rate and explaining why it is a significant feature in multisystem TVs.

What's a Refresh Rate?

On the most basic level, refresh rates affect the appearance of objects in motion on a screen. That's not very informative, of course, as there are quite a few details which go into this. The first thing one needs to understand is "motion resolution", which is not the same as a TV's default resolution. On old LCD televisions, images blurred when in motion due to the response time required for pixels to change. Nowadays, this is not much of an issue. Instead, the issue is how our brains respond to the images they interpret. Some individuals notice, and despise, motion blur. Others do not, and simply do not understand the problem.

As someone who despises motion blur, I can describe it somewhat. While in motion, sometimes an image will literally blur as it moves across the screen. What makes televisions with high refresh rates unique is how they deal with this problem. There are a couple of methods, but the most common involve turning the TV's backlight, or portions of it, off between frames. This technique, called 'backlight flashing', can reduce motion blur and thus lead to an improved image overall. The dimming is done at such a rapid rate that the dark screens are imperceptible to the naked eye, which does make it an effective method.

The other commonly used technique to reduce motion blurring is called frame insertion (or frame interpolation). As opposed to dropping empty frames between others occasionally, this method actually creates new entirely new frames based upon those it falls between. As a result, the final output image is much smoother than one sees as a result of alternative methods.

What Does it All Mean?

The short answer to all of this is that any TV with a refresh rate greater than 60 Hz is 'artificially' enhancing it. Contemporary video is recorded at either 24 frames per second or approximately 60. Anything over 60, then, is increased through methods such as those discussed above. If you are someone like myself who finds motion blur to be highly distracting, it is worth your time to seek out higher refresh rates. Not only will you save yourself some headaches, you will be enjoying the optimal 4K Multisystem Television experience.

Are you interested in shopping for multisystem televisions? 220-Electronics.com is the best place to buy high quality multisystem TVs. The staff at 220-Electronics.com are highly knowledgable and dedicated to providing the best equipment for their customers. Contact the experts at 220-Electronics today to get started!

What Are the Best Region Free 4K Blu-ray Players Available Going Into 2020?

Before we dive into which is the best, let’s first establish exactly what a region free 4K blu-ray player is. Blu-ray players utilize the new UHD 4K Blu-ray discs, often referred to as 4K Blu-ray discs, UHD Blu-ray discs, or Ultra HD Blu-ray discs. These same players will also work with Normal Blu-ray discs. Blu-ray discs around the world come in different ‘regions’. These include Region A, Region B, and Region C. Region Free or Multi region 4K Blu-ray players will play any of those region Blu-rays; as a result, you can purchase a disc from anywhere in the world and watch it on these specially upgraded Region Free Blu-ray players.

These devices also play Standard DVDs from any region. The standard DVD regions for different parts of the world are Region 1, Region 2, Region 3, Region 4, Region 5, Region 6, Region 7 and Region 8.

With all of that said, lets get down to the Best Blu-ray players for 2020.

 

Our Top Picks

The short answer is: it depends. It depends upon what criteria you are looking for. Do you want the absolute best Audio and Video quality, or do you want very good audio and video quality at a more moderate price? Below you will find our current favorite Blu-ray players and whom we feel they would best suit.

1. Sony UBP-X700 Region Free
   Sony’s UBP-X700 is the best region free 4K UHD players for many people In a small footprint, it packs cutting edge video and audio features. These include Dolby Vision, HDR10, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X. It will deliver excellent sound and video for most mid to high end residential home cinema’s. All the features packed with a very attractive price makes this our Favorite multi region 4K Blu-ray player at a fair price. If you own a Sony TV as well, that only adds icing to the cake as this player has unique features when used with Sony televisions.
2. LG UBK90 region free
   LG’s UBK90 region free Blu-ray player is not far behind Sony. In fact, some would say it’s even better. If you’re an owner of a LG OLED or other LG 4K TV then this will probably quickly move to your your Number 1 pick for a UHD region free 4K Blu-ray player. It boasts HDR10, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos. It also features 4K Streaming of Netflix, YouTube, and other streaming services. It’s really a toss-up between these 2 players when it comes to excellent players at attractive prices.

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A little treat for reading this article: Also look at the LG UBKM9 4K region free Blu-ray player. This device is identical to the UBK90, but can be found at a lower price! LG made it for one of the big box retailers, but has now made it available to all. It makes a great alternative to other options if you seek an even lower price point.

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Other Great 4K Blu-ray Player Choices

The Sony UBP-X700 and LG UBK90 are our top picks, but there are plenty of other high-quality options to consider. Some other 4K Blu-ray players we consider to be high quality include:

1. Sony UBP-X800M2 - This is a great player for those who do not want to compromise on Video or Audio.
2. LG UBK80 - The UBK80 is a great player with all the most desired video and audio features. It doesn’t have any streaming capabilities, but most televisions these days are Smart TVs regardless so you will likely miss out on nothing.
3. Sony UBP-X1000ES - This is Sony’s top-of-the-line model at a slightly higher price point. Despite this, it’s great for High end systems.
4. Pioneer UDP-LX500 - If you’re looking to spend a little more cash and just want the absolute best in Audio and Video, look into the Pioneer UDP-LX500
5. Samsung UBD-M8500 - If you have a Samsung TV and want to keep things simple and use the same remote, this is a great choice. Although Samsung is no longer making 4K Blu-ray players, these are the last ones they made. They have a fantastic build quality and excellent features for Audio and Video.
6. Samsung UBD-M9500 - The UBD-M9500 is similar to the UBD-M8500, but is a notable step up from the latter.

Shopping for region free 4K Blu-ray players can be intimidating, given the huge number of options available. This can be doubly true when searching for devices which will stand the test of time. The region free 4K Blu-ray players we have listed here are what we consider to be the best on the market, our personal recommendations. If you are interested in shopping for region free 4K Blu-ray players, visit 220-Electronics.com today to find the devices discussed here at unbeatable prices. If you have questions, the 220-Electronics support team can assist you with any problems you are having in regard to choosing a device.

Soundbars are all the rage at the moment, as they are a simple and affordable way to get higher quality audio from televisions. Most major audio (and television) brands now have their own soundbars available for purchase. To newcomers in this industry, most soundbars likely seem the same, with many looking primarily at brand. However, there are a number of soundbar features which are relevant to consumers and should be considered before buying.

Why Buy A Soundbar?

Soundbars are alternatives for standard home audio surround sound setups. Typical setups consume a much larger amount of space, requiring an A/V receiver, multiple speakers, and a lot of wires. Soundbars, by contrast, consist of long bars which pack everything you need into a compact space. This is much more convenient for those who lack space or have no desire to build a new surround sound system.

Are soundbars as good as full audio/video surround sound setups? Not necessarily- it really depends on what your price point is, because price ranges will vary widely between soundbars and high-end A/V setups. That said, lower-end A/V setups are still fantastic upgrades to normal televisions. In the same way, a soundbar will make a notable difference to any standard television audio.

What Size Soundbar Should You Get?

This is simultaneously the most and least obvious specification to look at when soundbar shopping. First off, you should measure the area in which you wish to put your soundbar. This could be in front of your television, in a cabinet below, or even above; make sure the soundbar you choose will fit before you buy it. Next, it's suggested that soundbars should only be, at most, the same width as your television. Longer soundbars can work, but aesthetically they are much less pleasing unless somewhat hidden away below the television, such as in a cabinet.

Active vs. Passive and Number of Channels

It is incredibly important to determine whether you want an active or passive soundbar before shopping, as there is a significant difference. Passive soundbars require a separate A/V receiver or amplifier to function, and probably even a subwoofer. These are additional purchases which will take up even more space. They have higher audio quality than active soundbars, but are ultimately more expensive to set up and get going. Active soundbars, by contrast, have built-in amplifiers. Active variants are thus the more traditional, all-in-one devices which are typically expected when one talks about soundbars. Even though they are not quite on the same level as their passive counterparts, they are still notable upgrades to otherwise normal television setups.

Regarding channels, the rule is typically that the more, the merrier. Channels refer to the number of audio sources, to put it simply. Two channel speakers, for example, would have a left and right channel. Three channels would add a center one, while five channels would then add two additional ones in the rear. This is meant to simulate a three dimensional sound experience, and it is commonly accepted that the more one has, the better. Five is the standard these days, but seven channel systems are ideal for the most part. Naturally, price increases along with the number of channels, however, it is worth noting that five channels are the standard at this point for soundbars. Finding anything lower would be an exception.

Other Things to Look For

Dolby Atmos: Dolby Atmos is a technology which adds two up-firing speakers to the top of soundbars, bouncing sound waves off of the ceiling. This is a high-end technology so don't expect to see it on lower-end (cheaper) models. It makes the resulting audio closer to that of actual surround sound when compared to other devices.

Additional Speakers: Some devices do allow additional speakers to be connected to them, but many others do not. This is something to keep in mind while shopping around, as it could be a make or break feature for you in the long-run.

Connective Ports: This is another super obvious thing, but you would be surprised how much of a problem it can cause if you do not consider it prior purchasing your soundbar. HDMI is standard now, so it is typically assumed that both televisions and soundbars will have HDMI input/output. Optical is also fairly standard, an even better alternative than HDMI in most cases. USB, Bluetooth, and WiFi are not rare options, but none inherently improve audio quality on their own. Wireless soundbars are unique in that they allow other devices to connect remotely, eradicating the need for all of these cables. In some cases, such as the Samsung HW-J450, the soundbar can wirelessly connect to appropriate subwoofers or other devices.

Conclusion

Soundbars can be intimidating to shop for when entering the market. Hopefully these tips can help you out when you start shopping for a new audio setup- there are a huge number of soundbars out there, given the many brands which exist along with their individual yearly models. Sorting out the one which is right for you is intimidating, but absolutely doable.

220-Electronics.com has a wide selection of soundbars, available today at affordable prices with quick shipping. 220-Electronics specializes in 220/240 volt electronics and region-free/multisystem entertainment devices. If you are on the market for 220/240 volt soundbars, visit 220-Electronics today!

The Samsung UA-55NU7100 from 220-Electronics.com is a high quality, multisystem television which follows in Samsung's tradition of producing top-notch televisions at decent prices. The UA-55NU7100 is feature-rich and offers a wonderful display at a reasonable price.

Samsung UA-55NU7100 Features:

The Samsung UA-55NU7100 is, as stated before, a 55" 4K/UHD (Ultra-HD) television; this means it comes with all of the features one has come to expect from similar televisions. The UA-55NU7100 boasts HDR support right out of the box, ready to provide praiseworthy contrast and color saturation for your favorite films, shows, and games.

Aside from 4K and HDR support, the UA-55NU7100 is, as one should anticipate, a smart TV. Its Smart TV features fall in line with those of other Samsung televisions, using their proprietary user interface as opposed to relying upon names such as Roku or Google Play. Despite this, they still offer all of the apps one would expect a Smart TV to have. Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, Sling TV, Disney+, and many others are all available. Samsung's TV+ is also included, a service which provides free television to users. The downside to this is a limited selection of shows.

We never had any issues with the television regarding responsiveness or drops in picture quality. It was, throughout our time with it, consistent in its high quality. Samsung has not failed consumers in providing a television which will stun buyers!

Multisystem Modifications

As usual, all televisions bought at 220-Electronics.com feature multisystem support. This means that the UA-55NU7100 is usable around the world. All it takes to switch between regions is the push of a single button. Through this action, one can swap between different regions with ease. As a result, 220-Electronics' UA-55NU7100 is perfect for those who often move or travel for work- or, those who simply want a TV which will work outside of the USA.

Again, this is only true for models from 220-Electronics.com. Others will lack these features, instead simply working in a single region.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the Samsung UA-55NU7100 feels like a high-end model despite its extremely reasonable price point. With its multisystem modifications, the model from 220-Electronics surprised us with its versatility and consistent quality. This is a fantastic television with beautiful graphics and excellent 'smart' features.

If you are interested in purchasing a new television, such as the Samsung UA-55NU7100, check out 220-Electronics.com. If you desire a television  that is multisystem or region-free, 220-Electronics is your absolute best bet. 220-Electronics' expert staff custom-modify every television to function worldwide; you'll find prices which can't be beaten, too.

Region free Blu-ray players are not particularly common; we at 220-Electronics modify ours personally to play discs from around the world. There are some really good reasons to seek out a region free Blu-ray player, despite their lack of mainstream sales. Today we will be discussing some of the reasons one might desire such a device, and the benefits of having one. Just as a note for those unfamiliar with this topic, the Blu-ray region codes are as follows:

• Region A: North America, South America, U.S. Territories, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and other areas of Southeast Asia
• Region B: Europe, Africa, Middle East, Australia, and New Zealand.
• Region C: Asia (except for Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and other areas of Southeast Asia)

Typically, discs will only work on devices in a set region based upon where the disc was purchased. Region free devices bypass this, allowing discs from any region to be played on the device.

Play Foreign Blu-rays

This one is really notable for fans of foreign films, foreign dramas, anime, and independent films. These tend to be more niche releases which are, by proxy, often unavailable outside of their respective regions. As a result, one much import these Blu-rays in order to own them. Unfortunately, they are not going to be natively playable on a standard Blu-ray player from outside of said region.

While this may not effect most individuals, it is a notable problem for collectors. If one has (or is starting) a notably sized collection, having to collect Blu-ray players for multiple regions can be a pain- and expensive. Instead, a single region free player can solve this issue at a lower price point.

Traveling for Work or Fun

There are many individuals whose jobs require movement around the world on a regular basis. Doing so can be stressful and, at times, rather dull- hotel rooms can only be so interesting. As a result, some have taken to bringing along video game consoles or their own Blu-ray players. This is where things get interesting- if one has a collection already, this is not an issue, but if one wants to purchase new films while abroad they cannot use them. Over the course of a multi-month trip, this can become a notable concern.

With a region free Blu-ray player, travelers can rest easy, knowing that any film they purchase will work with zero hassle. If a job sends you to Europe one month and Asia the next, their Blu-ray player will function in precisely the same way as before. Relaxation and one's favorite films, as well as newly purchased ones, are within arm's reach when one brings along a region free Blu-ray player.

Moving to Another Country

Relocating internationally is perhaps the most obvious reason to seek out a region free Blu-ray player. Movie collectors might have massive collections, owning hundreds of films on Blu-ray; upon moving, suddenly they have to have two separate players to appreciate their current collection while accruing more. Being limited to the films one already owns is something no movie buff would desire. The ideal situation would, naturally, be to purchase new films from the country one has moved to, and to play them on the exact same device as one's old films.

This is where region free Blu-ray players come in. By taking one when moving, you can keep your entire Blu-ray collection and enjoy it without fail! On top of that, you can purchase new Blu-rays without concern as to whether or not they will work; with a region free player, any disc you buy should work.

Conclusion - Considering Region Free Blu-ray Players

Ultimately, there is some serious appeal to owning a region free Blu-ray player. The reasons one might purchase one are likely fairly obvious. Moving, traveling, simply collecting films- these are all reasons why an individual might seek out a region free Blu-ray player. If you are interested in one yourself, 220-Electronics.com is the best place to purchase one. The Blu-ray players from 220-Electronics have the option to be custom modified to support Blu-ray regions A, B, and C. Modified players from 220-Electronics are simple to use, requiring only the flip of a switch to move between regions and play any Blu-ray in the world. Incredible customer support and fantastic prices only sweeten the deal. If you need assistance, contact support at 220-Electronics.com today and they will guide you along the way!

Constructing a Hi-Fi Audio Setup

The world of high-end audio is, if nothing else, intimidating to newcomers. For those who desire the best-of-the-best, this passion can lead to endless searches for the best equipment and better audio. That said, there are many ways to approach Hi-Fi audio, and such setups are endlessly customizable. That said, knowing what to buy and where to start are often the biggest hurdles for those wishing to expand their audio capabilities. Because of this, I feel it is worth attempting to provide a brief guide to what one needs to begin.

What's Most Important?

There are numerous components and variables to consider when constructing a Hi-Fi system, but in reality there are only a few necessary components. The "key" parts of the setup are the receiver, speakers, and the audio source. These are absolutely necessary, and each has a significant impact upon the final sound quality that the setup will produce. The audio source is your primary device which generates the signal that is then sent to your receiver and, ultimately, speakers. Sources include televisions, vinyl or mp3 players, Blu-ray players, etc. Without a solid audio source, the rest of your system's output will suffer.

Receivers do what their name implies- they receive multiple signals from your sources, then process and output them to speakers. These can be, and sometimes are, exchanged for amplifiers. For the purpose of this article, I will be working under the assumption that a full A/V receiver is desired.

First, you will want to consider what your source is. Are you wanting to boost the quality of  your home entertainment system? Do you just want better audio to come through your mp3 or vinyl player? If you are wanting a full home theater, you need to consider the television you are using along with the (assumed) Blu-ray player.

Your Sources

As stated before, your sources are those devices from which a signal is transmitted to your receiver and then speakers. In the case of a home theatre, these will likely be a projector, television, Blu-ray player, or a combination of such. These are each vitally important components of any Hi-Fi home theater, and should be treated as such. Choosing sources is easily one of the most important decisions one can make during this entire process.

For all of these, you will want to consider what types of surround-sound they support. I will go into more detail on this later, but for now know that they will likely support either 5-Channel, 7-Channel, or 9-Channel surround sound. As far as other audio technologies are concerned, some of the highest end, most sought-after features are DTS:X and Dolby Atmos support. These require specific A/V receivers and speaker setups, so it is worth keeping that in mind from this point onward. Your desired setup might require specific sources, receivers, and speakers in order to function correctly.

Televisions also have certain options that tend to scale with cost- specifically, 4K/UHD video and HDR are premium options today. Size is also going to scale with cost, particularly when it comes to televisions which have the former features. Blu-ray players will generally need to support many of these same features as well, so if you plan to have a Blu-ray and television-based home theater you should consider that.

A/V Receivers

From there, you will need to connect your television or monitor (and additional peripherals) to a receiver. Choosing a receiver can be tricky, but there are a few variables which are worth keeping in mind. Price is an obvious one, and receivers come in a wide variety of prices-ranges. Truly high-end ones can cost $1500 or more, while others are significantly cheaper. The primary differences will come down to the features available on each device, as price does tend to scale with quality when it comes to receivers.

When it comes down to features, there are a few that I would consider. What type of surround sound do you want? This might also effect the speakers that you go on to purchase, along with their price. You are typically going to be looking at 5-channel, 7-channel, and 9-channel options. Five channel audio offers a central channel, left and right front channels, left and right surround channels, and a subwoofer channel for bass. Seven channel is the same, but splits the rear channel and surround into four separate channels. This provides a notably more detailed and 'wider' sound than 5.1- as a result, it tends to cost more but is more commonly sought. Lifewire has an excellent article discussing these two types of surround sound, discussing their significance in greater detail. 

9-Channel surround sound is a newer technology and the most expensive of the bunch. ELITE A/V has an excellent article discussing this in more detail. They state:

"A 9.1 surround sound system consists of nine speakers and one subwoofer. It uses two front-height channels. Therefore, with its 2 extra channels, 9.1 offers more audio depth and dimension. 5.1 and 7.1, on the other hand, only deliver a horizontal soundfield. This means audio is directed at the viewer from just one vertical plane."

In general, this creates a more 'cinematic' audio experience and a much wider range of sound. The downsides are that, of course, it is expensive, along with the fact that it requires a highly specific setup to use.

Speakers

Speakers will likely be based upon the decision one made regarding one's receiver. This is because some forms of surround sound require specific speaker setups, thus one will have no choice but to go with certain options. That said, there are still some things to look for when speaker-shopping.

As already stated, surround sound is a necessary consideration- for example, if you want a 7.1 surround sound setup, you will need the appropriate speakers for a 7.1 channel setup to place in the correct locations. That said, there are other considerations to take into account. Size is one that is perhaps less obvious to newcomers. Speakers can come in massive packages, but also some very small ones. How much space do you have in your room, and would it be better to get wall-mounted speakers? It is also important to note that Dolby Atmos and DTS:X setups, which we recently discussed in another article, require up-firing (or ceiling-mounted) speakers to work appropriately. This alters the soundstage significantly, and is worth considering- they do require very specific speakers to work, however.

Speakers, much like receivers, come in a wide range of prices. 5-Channel speakers are going to be much less expensive than higher-end equipment, but it is worth considering the massive difference in audio quality between high and low-end speakers. Again, the cost of a Hi-Fi setup can vary heavily depending on how much one seeks to put into it.

Other Considerations

Obviously, these are only the most basic components to consider. There are numerous factors to take into account when starting a Hi-Fi setup. One of the more overlooked things is the actual outlet through which your hardware will be powered. This is the first step in the 'chain of events' which leads to the sounds being produced, and does have an effect. As BHPVideo notes, sudden power spikes or outages can damage your hardware. Replacing your outlet with one which features built-in surge protection can assist with this issue. Similarly, running everything through a power conditioner is a fantastic idea; these will not only protect your equipment, but also reduce 'noise' and generally aid in the production of a clearer, more pleasant sounding setup.

Cables are another component which should be considered due to their own effect upon how everything is transmitted throughout a given setup. Opting for the most expensive cables is not always the best option, of course. When it comes to speaker wire, Engadget suggests that 12 gauge copper wire is the most anyone should need. The other cables needed will vary depending on your own setup. If you have a 4K television, you will need high-speed HDMI cables to properly experience the visual end of your home theater. You will also likely need Power (AC), USB, RCA, and other cables; the same is true for these. Focus on acquiring decent quality cables with relatively pure connections, and you should be fine. These do all have an effect upon sound quality, but with diminishing returns; if you are on a budget, you can save money on these components.

Your Hi-Fi Home Theatre

Ultimately, your Hi-Fi home theater should be precisely what you want it to be. The level of customization possible in this hobby is honestly absurd at times, and with its popularity increasing there are even more devices being released than we saw in recent years.

If you are considering starting your own hi-fi home theater, check out 220-Electronics.com. 220-Electronics is a leader in 220 volt appliances, with custom-modified televisions and Blu-ray players which will work around the world.

When looking at high-end televisions and audio equipment in 2019, there are a few recurring themes which might be foreign to the uninitiated. Dolby Atmos and DTS:X are two competing technologies in the audio market which are commonly seen features on new televisions and audio receivers. For those not in the know, these names might come across as arcane. Today we will cover what Dolby Atmos and DTS:X are and what makes them different.

Dolby Atmos

Dolby Atmos is an audio codec which seeks to create a unique, 3D-Audio experience. Traditionally, audio is mastered for movies and music to be 2 Dimensional. Two speaker setups are the most common, and are what most televisions natively have equipped. Dolby Atmos requires use of an A/V receiver to connect your television to two pairs of speakers, mounted on the ceiling. These speakers, mounted in front of and behind the viewers, creates the sensation of three dimensional audio. Speakers created specifically to work with Dolby Atmos also exist, which remove the requirement of mounting speakers to the ceiling.

DTS:X

DTS:X is a slightly different take on three-dimensional audio. The key difference between DTS:X and Atmos setups are that DTS:X speakers need not be placed in specific locations. DTS:X speakers can supposedly be placed more freely, allowing for less restrictions. To add to this, there are no official requirements for the number of speakers one needs to use DTS:X.

To accomplish this feat, DTS:X speakers run a calibration during setup which assists the software in knowing where speakers are located. Through this, DTS completely avoids the most significant issue with Atmos setups. DTS:X also features a higher bitrate than that of Atmos, theoretically allowing for higher quality audio. Despite this, many listeners are unable to determine the difference in quality by ear alone. As a result, this is not necessarily something which should make up ones mind when purchasing a new device.

Which is Better?

While there are some clear advantages to using DTS:X, Atmos has its own winning features. DTS:X's flexibility is obviously fantastic for those who are setting up their system piecemeal or with little wriggle-room regarding placement. Its potential higher audio quality is also a boon, although it is questionable whether or not it will actually make a difference. Atmos has one particularly ideal feature which DTS:X lacks: compatibility. Dolby Atmos is compatible with Prime Video, Hulu, Netflix, the majority of Blu-rays, and more. DTS:X lacks this, only being supported by certain Blu-rays and 4K Blu-rays. As a result, Dolby Atmos is the way to go if you want a broad range of compatible services; DTS:X is worth going for if you primarily use your setup with Blu-rays and desire versatile speaker orientation.

In reality, the best option is to purchase a television and receiver which supports both options. On top of that, some soundbars now come equipped ready-to-go with Dolby Atmos support, featuring up-firing speakers. It is also worth noting that both are backwards compatible, with Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio depending on which brand you purchase. If you are interested in purchasing a new high-end audio setup, be sure to look at 220-Electronics.com for a great deal and quality support.

We have discussed the Energenie Pi-mote in the past. It is a fantastic device which opens up a world of possibilities to its users. We only mentioned some basic ideas in our last article, which really fails to show how versatile the device is. In this article, we will be looking at alternative uses for the Energenie Pi-mote. This device has a fairly clear use: turning electronics and appliances on and off, remotely. Despite this, there are some ingenuitive ways to use the Pi-mote which have been developed since its conception.

Around the House

There are quite a few fun ideas for the Pi-mote around the internet. Some more obvious projects involve controlling things like Christmas lights, air conditioners, heaters, etc. Other, more complicated projects involve scheduling pool pumps or household lights while on vacation. With some effort and knowhow, one could develop a system which monitors soil moisture and executes a watering routine when appropriate.

While not enough to convert one's residence to a full 'smart home', the Pi-mote is certainly useful in such an endeavor. By automating power, or adding remote capabilities to appliances which normally lack such options, one opens an entire world of possibilities.

Web Interfaces/Mobile Control

A fantastic, and not particularly difficult to implement, idea that some have taken to is controlling the Pi-motes with their smartphones. This can be done by creating a simple website, as seen in this tutorial. Following Penguin Tutor's tutorial, one can ultimately connect to a custom web interface by browsing to their Pi's IP address. This will only work while on the same wireless network as the Pi itself, but makes it possible to control outlets quickly and easily through a phone or laptop.

The benefit of this is that it allows for custom power control from anywhere in one's home. If one sets up their website to allow for multiple outlets to be controlled through a single button, they can then control intricate power setups through their phones. One can activate and deactivate speakers and televisions from anywhere, as well as air conditioning units, lights, and pretty much anything else they desire.

Broader Thinking With the Pi-Mote

Perhaps the most interesting project I have come upon so far stems from a software developer named Timmy O'Mahony. This individual has set-up a system wherein a power switch is briefly activated when a specific hashtag is tweeted. This illustrates just how many uses exist for this product, given a bit of ingenuity and know-how. To preface this project's explanation, they explain:

"A programmable remote power outlet switch is a great way to control a huge number of interactive installations and projects: turn on your garden water sprinklers with an SMS, play a horn when you receive a Tweet, turn on a light when your website goes down, start playing music when you enter the room … there are endless possibilities."  -Timmy O'Mahony

To follow his line of thought, perhaps a YouTuber could set up a speaker to turn on and play a brief sound effect whenever they receive a new subscriber. On the other hand, one could set up their home's appliances to activate whenever a specific text is sent out. A sprinkler, as O'Mahony suggests, is one option- another might be starting a group of party lights. Perhaps the party lights group could include a speaker setup which starts simultaneously, making party preparation a breeze. In reality, the applications are wide-reaching and limited mostly by imagination.

Conclusion

As you can see, this product's uses are not inherently as straight-forward as they might sound at first. Obviously one can use it to turn lights off and on, which is a perfectly suitable task. That said, the ideas of using it to automatically water your garden, respond to online interactions, or cut on/off with motion illustrate its versatility.

If you are interested in the Energenie Pi-Mote, you can pick one up from 220-Electronics today! 220-Electronics is a one-stop shop for 220 volt appliances and electronics, with the best prices in the market. Interested? Contact 220-Electronics support today to start upgrading now!