Voltage Converters and Foreign Plug Adapters for Overseas Travel
- By Josh Vick
- Jun 22, 2016
Posted in voltage converters and traveling with electronics
Posted in Blu-ray New Releases, Blu-ray players, 4k Ultra-HD and region free
Also read our related article on the Current Best Region Free 4K Blu-ray Players!
By default, most Blu-ray Discs and DVDs utilize a special region coding within disc. What this coding does is provide information that's read by the Blu-ray or DVD Player to determine if the disc is compatible with the player. Around the world, Blu-ray Discs and DVDs from specific regions are embedded with a code that is native to that region only. Likewise, most Blu-ray and DVD Players around the world are designed to only play discs that are encoded for the local region. For example, a Blu-ray Player sold in the United States is only setup to read and play discs sold in the United States. A Blu-ray Player from Asia is only setup to read and play discs sold in Asia. Attempting to play a disc from Asia in a Blu-ray Player purchased in the United States will result in an error message, and the disc simply will not play. The player is reading the disc, recognizing that it's from a different region and determining that the disc is incompatible.
The reasons for region-coding discs are many, but to keep it simple and understandable, the main reason for region-coding is that movies are not always released at the same times around the world. In some countries, movies are still being shown in the theaters while other countries already have them on Blu-ray. In order to protect profits and ensure that people aren't importing discs from overseas before movies are in theaters, the production and distribution companies (in conjunction with electronics manufacturers) developed region-coding.
Region-coding works as follows: Blu-ray discs feature 3 separate regions - A, B, and C. On the other hand, DVDs feature 9 different regions - 0 through 8. You can see a region-code map here for more information. The only discs that will play on your player are the discs sold in the same region where your player was bought; and the only way around this is to purchase a region-free Blu-ray player. But we'll get to that later.
No, and this is where the misconception and misinformation come into play. For some reason, manufacturers have decided not to code 4K discs by region. In other words, if you have a 4K movie title, it should play in any 4K player, regardless of what country the disc came from. However, this is only true for 4K discs. Any other disc, such as a non-4K Blu-ray or a DVD, will not play in the 4K player.
The rumors that have been circulating claim that all 4K UHD Blu-ray Players are region-free. This has created a lot of debate and confusion, and it also has many consumers deciding that they need to purchase a new 4K UHD Blu-ray Player so they can watch movies from anywhere in the world. Again, this could not be further from the truth.
A real region-free player will play any disc, from anywhere in the world. The ability of 4k Players to play any 4K disc does not make the player region-free. In fact, as 4k becomes more widespread on the global marketplace, the discs may very well be region-coded. For all we know, the only reason these discs aren't being coded as of yet is to help promote growth of 4K technology - nothing more than a marketing tactic. While we cannot verify the reasoning behind 4K being regionless, we can definitely assure you that a 4K Player will not play standard Blu-ray or DVD discs from any region.
The only way to ensure that you can play any disc - be it 4K, Blu-ray or DVD - from any region in the world is to purchase a Region-Free 4K Blu-ray Player. These units are not available in stores, and they're sold only through retailers who specialize in Region-Free electronics. These specialty retailers professionally modify their units and carry the same exact models as major retailers.
One of the biggest problems is that people will see a specific brand & model of Blu-ray Player being sold by a Region-Free retailer and assume that they can purchase that same model from Best Buy and it too, will be region-free. These people will then purchase foreign discs and attempt to play them, only to realize that the player is not region-free, leaving them in a state of confusion. The ONLY way to get a region-free model is to purchase one from a region-free retailer.
As specialists in region-free electronics and with over 35 years in the industry, we hope that this article was able to help clear up some of the confusion. While we'd hope that anyone who is looking to shop for a region-free player would purchase one from us, we're more concerned with spreading correct information. The bottom line is that there's only one way to acquire a true Region-Free 4K Blu-ray Player: By purchasing one from a reputable, region-free retailer.
Posted in Blu-ray players, 4k Ultra-HD and region free
Posted in 4k Ultra-HD and multi-system tv
If you're getting ready to relocate overseas - either temporarily or permanently - you're undoubtedly facing a lot of decisions when it comes to your belongings. There's a lot to consider, both in regards to your possessions and the cost of replacing them. Should you bring your things with you? Should you buy new things upon arrival? There can be some tough choices to make.
Often times, people choose to sell their belongings and buy new things when they arrive to their destination country. The reasons for this can be that they're not going to pay for shipping their things overseas, or, that they're already shipping certain important things and don't have the space for anything else. But sometimes, the prices you'd sell your belongings for is exceptionally less, often 20% of what you paid for them new. This is especially true with electronics. You're actually losing money. So what do you do if you bought a new 60" Smart TV just 6 months ago and are moving to Japan or the UK? First, you need to take into consideration that both of those countries utilize an electrical voltage of 220 volts, which means that your North American TV (manufactured for use with 120 volts) won't work there. You have two options. You can sell or give your TV away at a huge loss, or you can take it with you. But wait, didn't we just mention that your TV won't work overseas? That's correct, but there's a solution. What is it? A voltage converter. Voltage converters or voltage transformers as they're often called, allow for the voltage to be converted either up or down, providing a platform to plug in your electronics safely and securely no matter where you are in the world. For example, a step-down converter will step the voltage down from 220 to 110, allowing you to use your 110-volt TV in a 220-volt country. Relatively speaking, it's a simple concept. While you may have heard about multisystem TVs, which are also an excellent choice, they're not of much help when you have to fork out another chunk of change for a new TV when you just recently spent over a thousand dollars on one (or maybe much more) less than a year ago. A voltage converter is the cheapest and most effective way to do it. It's financially beneficial and it takes less time to buy one than to sell your TV and buy another. Voltage converters for TVs are very common, and rather simple to use. Simply plug your voltage converter into the wall outlet (using the proper plug or plug adapter if needed), set the converter to the proper setting (step-down in our case), and simply plug your TV directly into the voltage converter. It's really that simple. So, will you bite the bullet and splurge on a new TV, or will you make the smart decision and spend significantly less for a voltage converter? The choice is yours. For more information on voltage converters, check out our voltage converter buying guide. It will tell you everything you need to know about voltage converters for TVs. While you're there, you can browse our huge selection of voltage converters and make an informed decision on what you're going to do. Safe travels!There's nothing more luxurious than a nice, cold room during the hottest days of summer; or even winter - depending where you live. Air conditioning units have come a long way throughout the years and split air conditioners (also called split unit or mini-split air conditioners) are much more powerful and energy efficient than ever before.
At 220-electronics, we sell a variety of split air conditioners that are specifically designed for 220 volt use. Of course, they will also work with 230 or 240 volt electricity. If you live or reside in an area where these units are unavailable, or, where they may have a relatively high cost with a less than desirable selection, it's time to consider your options. Since we offer global shipping, there are many cases where it's actually cheaper to buy from us and pay for shipping than it is to buy locally. This is especially true with the larger BTU air conditioners such as 18,000 or 24,000 BTUs. Why spend more money when you don't need to? Our selection of 220 volt air conditioners consists of the top brand names like Frigidaire, Westinghouse, GE, Panasonic, Sharp, and LG. Choose from simple & basic units as well as the more highly optioned models which come equipped with advanced cooling features and convenience options. Whether you're looking to cool a single room, your whole home, or your business or office, we have exactly what you need to get the job done. Most importantly, we offer the lowest prices anywhere. If you see a better price advertised online, we'll beat it. Get started today by browsing our selection of 220-volt air conditioners and comparing prices. We might be able to save you a nice amount of money, or at least allow you to purchase a better & stronger model than you might be able to afford when purchasing elsewhere. What are you waiting for?Posted in 220 volt major appliances
Are you ready to upgrade your home theater? Interested in purchasing something for overseas use? Thinking about upgrading to a Region-Free Blu-ray Player but not sure what to get? In need of a 220-volt home theater system? If you answered yes to any of those questions, we have something special for you that can do it all; The Sony BDV-E3100 Region-Free Home Theater System.
Posted in Blu-ray players, multisystem home theater and region free
The latest major advancement in TV technology is the recent development and transition from high-definition (1080p HD) - which has been the standard for the last 15 years - to the mind-boggling clarity and depth of 4K Ultra-HD (or 4K UHD). While the technology has been in the works for several years now, it's taken some time for manufacturers and production companies to introduce it to the public.
Today, there are more and more movie titles being offered in 4K. A growing number of streaming media services and TV channels are offering 4k resolution, but the Ultra-HD picture can only be enjoyed with the use of a 4K TV. Prices were astronomical at first, similar to any new technology, but the increased production on 4k TVs helped to bring prices down drastically in 2014. As 2016 moves on, we're sure to see an increase of both 4k movie titles and channels, as well as a more widespread availability of 4k compatible TVs. What's 4k UHD? Well, the current most common & popular resolution which has been used for quite some time now is 1080p Full HD. As the name implies, the 1080p resolution utilizes 1080 pixels. With 4k HD, the resolution in 3840 x 2160 pixels, which translates to double the resolution of 1080p. It might be hard to believe that there could be an improvement over the picture quality of a Blu-ray disc and an HD TV, let alone twice the resolution - but it's here. And it's expected that half of all US households will have a 4k TV in the next 8 years. So, moving forward to multisystem 4k TVs, you might be wondering what the benefit is? First off, due to the large demand for consumer electronics in the United States there is a huge amount of imports from China & Japan (two of the largest electronics exporters) which helps to keep the inventory up and prices down. In other countries where the number of imported electronics are lower, the prices are naturally higher and the selection is often very limited. The markets are usually populated with generic brands and the most popular name brands such as Samsung, Sony, and LG go for prices that are near twice as much as in the US. What this means is that it's much cheaper to purchase a TV from the US and pay for overseas shipping than it is to purchase the same TV in South America, for example. Purchasing a multisystem unit guarantees that the TV will work anywhere in the world, regardless of the voltage or color system being utilized in that country. People in these countries where the cost of electronics are higher are able to acquire these units at a more affordable price without having to worry about using a voltage converter or video converter. Secondly, multi system TVs are ideal for anyone who is moving or relocating overseas, either short-term or permanently. There's no need to purchase a TV that costs more in a foreign country, or to be stuck choosing from a rather stale selection of brands and models. By purchasing a multisystem unit and taking it overseas, there's no worry about compatibility. You can be in Brazil for two years, Thailand for a year, the UK for a year and then return back to the US with the same TV. Multisystem TVs are also useful for companies who regularly take part in international trade shows and need an effective way to offer a TV display without repeatedly purchasing a foreign TV each time they travel. Third, when we take a look at pricing and demand, 4k TVs are simply not affordable at all in certain parts of the world. The market for them may be very small and the selection of 4k movie titles might be non-existent. The ability to purchase a 4k TV for the same price as a regular TV is a very attractive option for many, especially when used in combination with a Region Free Blu-ray Player which will allow you to watch foreign movies which are more readily available in 4k resolution. It's actually easy to see just why multisystem models are so valuable to a growing number of people around the world. They offer greater flexibility and more affordable pricing than regular models. But what is it that literally makes a 4k TV "multisystem"? That's a good question. Multisystem TVs are units that have been professionally modified by companies specializing in this type of technology. The base model is bought from the manufacturer in bulk and then modified with both upgraded hardware and software. The end result is a TV that can work with any voltage from 110 volts to 240 volts, which covers the expanse of voltage utilized in different regions of the world. Moreso, in different regions the color system that produces the picture is different, and multisystem TVs have internal converters to handle this. No matter where you take your multisystem 4k TV, you're never going to need any type of external video converter or voltage converter to make it work. Everything is built directly into the unit, and the unit keeps it's same appearance. It's really a great technology and it makes life easier for millions of people. If you're in the market for a 4K TV and plan to move overseas soon, or if you're living in a country where the costs are too high and the supply is too low, a 4k multisystem TV is the perfect solution. Visit our website to browse our selection today and you'll agree that there's no better option than to purchase a multi-system model.Posted in multi-system tv and traveling with electronics
If you're relocating overseas, you're probably no stranger to the fact that it involves a lot of planning and preparation. Aside from dealing with passports, visas, banking and securing a home in a foreign country, you'll still have to furnish your new living space and prepare to make the transition into your new home. One of the most tiresome things about a foreign relocation is the initial adjustments and creating a space that genuinely feels like home. You can expect to spend a good amount of time and money shopping for necessities such as beds, appliances, electronics and more - all of which can be a bit overwhelming in an unfamiliar place. On the other hand, there are options to simplify this process and streamline your transition.
What many people aren't familiar with is the fact that in different regions the world, a different standard is utilized when it comes to electricity. By now - if you're planning an international relocation - you might be familiar with the voltage issue; if not, read on. In the United States and North America, we use a 120-volt electrical standard. This means that the electricity in our homes & businesses is fed to us at 120 volts, and subsequently, all of the electronics sold in North America are designed to operate at 120 volts. In other regions such as Europe or Asia, the standard voltage is 220 volts and all electronics are manufactured to operate at that voltage. To keep the explanation as simple as possible, electronics can only operate at the voltage they were designed for. Any attempt to use an electronic device with a electrical voltage higher or lower than it was designed for will not only damage the device, but pose an immediate risk of electrical shock or fire. In other words, you cannot simply take your electronics with you and use them in any foreign country. In order to minimalize the stress and hassle of shopping for appliances and electronics in a foreign country where the prices may be higher and the selection is likely quite limited, it's possible (and much more convenient) to purchase these items in the US with a reputable relocation service that specializes in 220-volt electronics and appliances. When compared to foreign countries, the North American prices will be lower, the selection larger, and they can deliver your purchase directly to your new home overseas at a time that's convenient with your arrival. The end result is that you're able to consult with professionals in your native language, purchase everything you need from a single place, pay a single bill, and arrange for everything you've purchased to arrive at the same time. Again, not only will this step help you save a lot of time and stress, but if offers a certain level of relief to know that everything's already been taken care of. Furthermore, you're able to shop for the exact brands and models you like instead of being limited to a rather bland selection. You really can't beat that idea. The knowledge and experience of a respected relocation expert will also help to ensure that you have everything you needed to "plug & play" in your destination country. If any plug adapters ro special cables are needed to use your new appliances & electronics, they'll be the first to tell you - and in most cases they will provide those to you for free with any significant purchase. Okay, so you've got the idea. You're going to need new electronics and appliances, and you have two options - purchasing them overseas or purchasing them beforehand. Which option should you choose? Let's take a look... Do you speak the native language of your new country? Do you know the area you're moving to well? Are you familiar with the best places to shop for electronics and appliances? Are you okay with taking whatever is available for purchase instead of shopping a broad selection? Do you want to take the risk of being overcharged for inferior products? Are you prepared to be told that the more affordable models are not available and the inventory only consists of the top-dollar products, forcing you to spend more than you intended to? If you answered no to any of these, than your best bet is to make your purchases beforehand. So how do you do it? First and foremost you're going to need a reputable company who specializes in 220-volt electronics and appliances and have a proven record in assisting people with overseas relocation. They'll need to be experienced with their products, have a good selection, competitive pricing, and be experienced with global shipping (not to mention well versed in any issues or pitfalls or potential issues with shipping and/or customs that need to be considered for your specific destination). The customer service should also be exceptional if you're going to spend a large sum and entrust them to a timely and proper delivery of your products overseas. Where do you find a company like that? Luckily for you, we are a company like that. 220-electronics has over 35 years of experience in assisting people with their international location by providing appliances and electronics that are suitable for any destination in the world. From the initial consultation (which is 100% free and without obligation) to the finalization of your purchase and delivery, we work diligently with our customers to provide the highest level of customer service. Not only are we highly knowledgeable about our vast product inventory but we have experience with helping people relocate in over 150 countries. It's experience like ours that gives you peace of mind and confidence to worry about the more important factors of your move such as transferring your savings to your new overseas bank, selling your home, or completing the paperwork involved for miscellaneous odds & ends; there's a lot of things to take care of, we know. Curious about where to start? Give us a call! We offer no-hassle consultations and we carry an enormous inventory of products, all designed to work at 220 volts. From the simple things like TVs and Blu-ray Players to the more serious purchases such as refrigerators or hot water heaters, we stock it all. We carry the top name brands and the newest models so you can ensure the latest technology, regardless of where you're moving. And yes, we will ship everything directly to your doorstep in practically any country around the world. We work with you and we work for you in an effort to provide a smooth, stress-free international move. We have helped thousands to do the same thing over the decades and our experience & reputation speaks for itself. Contact us today by calling 877-578-0587, or learn more and view our inventory at 220-Electronics.com from the comfort of your home. We're here to help and we're glad to answer any questions you may have about our products or services. We look forward to hearing from you and we congratulate you on your new adventure!Posted in Information, Blu-ray players, multi-system tv, international relocation, traveling with electronics and 220 volt major appliances
If you live abroad, are planning an overseas relocation or simply want to purchase a specific model or brand of TV that may not be available in your home country, a MultiSystem TV is the perfect solution.
As you may or may not know, the standard voltage of electricity varies from country to country, as does the standard color system for TVs and movies. A TV that's been purchased in the US will not work in Europe or Asia (and vice-versa) without two things - an audio/video converter which converts the color system to the proper format and a voltage converter which of course converts the electricity to the proper voltage. This is because cable TV, blu-ray players and movies formatted in regions such as Europe and Asia are designed for use only with TVs manufactured to utilize the native voltage and color system. If you're going overseas and plan to bring your foreign TV with you, you'll not only need to purchase a voltage converter and audio/video converter, but you'll have to take them along with you and make sure everything is wired up correctly. In short, this can be time consuming, costly, and more of a hassle than it's worth. You can always purchase a TV when you arrive to your destination, however, the price is likely going to be higher than it is in North America. The alternative (and the most simple solution) is to purchase a multi system TV that's been specifically designed to work at any voltage, with any color system, anywhere in the world. Multisystem TVs are not a new idea, the've been around for decades. They make it possible to travel or relocate without issue and enable you to utilize your TV wherever you go, without worry and without annoying cables or converters. There are generally three things that make a multi system TV invaluable. First, they utilize a simple switch that allows you to set the voltage for the country you are in. No need for a voltage converter, just plug and play. Secondly, they feature internal converters for all color systems (PAL/NTSC/Secam) so you'll never need to purchase or hookup any type of video converter. Third, once you purchase a multi system TV you'll never have to worry about whether or not it will work at your destination country. For example, if you're moving to the UK next year but want a new TV in your home right now you might delay your purchase since you'll be moving soon - but if you purchase a multi system model, there will be no need to make another purchase, you can simply ship your TV overseas with your other items and it'll be ready for use, without issue. Even if you're not moving overseas but live in a country where electronics might be more expensive than North America or the selection may be inadequate, you can easily purchase a multi-system model that's ready to work at 220 volts and have it delivered to your door for the same or lesser price than the cost of purchasing a TV locally. Keep in mind that multi system TVs are not sold in stores, as TVs are not typically manufactured to work in any country. What they are, literally, is the normal manufacturer's model that has been professionally modified (after the factory) by an electronics expert with the proper hardware and software to allow it to work anywhere in the world. Because of this convenient technology, it's possible to find a multi-system version of practically any model TV. All you have to do is find a reputable distributor or vendor of multisystem TVs. So where do you go to find and purchase a multi-system TV? Right here! As specialists with over 35 years of experience, and as one of the world's largest suppliers of 220-volt electronics, we have both the experience and inventory to make your purchase quick and simple at the guaranteed lowest price in the world. You can shop online from the comfort of your own home and have your TV at home and ready to use in just a short time. We carry all of the major brands and have a large selection to choose from, including LED, LCD, and Plasma models. From simple 1080p TVs to Smart TVs with 3D & Wi-fi, we have something to suit your personal needs. To learn more and to browse our wide inventory of multisystem TVs, visit our website today at 220-Electronics.com or call us at 877-578-0587 for direct assistance or with any questions. We're here to help and we're glad to assist you in making the proper purchase. We ship to nearly every country in the world and have a variety of shipping options available. Due to our large volume, we're also to beat any advertised price. It's a win-win situation! Don't hesitate, with 220 Electronics you're in good hands.Posted in multi-system tv, international relocation and traveling with electronics