"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.

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!

In recent years, 4K/UHD (Ultra HD) content and devices have taken the world by storm. This is such a popular feature that we have actually discussed it in-depth in a past article. For many, this has been the natural progression of things. To improve their viewing experiences at home, it was an obvious decision to upgrade from their former Full-HD (1080p) setups. For others, this decision holds much more weight.

Whether it is a lack of expendable income, concerns about longevity, or simply a lack of interest, there are plenty of individuals who have yet to move on to a full 4K setup. For many, their concerns stem from the potential cost of building a full setup to run 4K/UHD content- after all, a 4k television, 4k blu-ray player, and the videos to play on these devices all cost money. If cost is an issue, you could benefit by upgrading your devices piecemeal.

The premise of having a full 4K/UHD setup is obviously tempting, as it should be. These devices provide beautiful, entrancing viewing experiences that are notable improvements over their traditional Full-HD counterparts. However, each component of a 4K setup has its own benefits; they all serve different purposes which, even alone, serve as upgrades to a traditional setup.

4K/UHD Televisions

Many 4K/UHD Televisions have the unique feature of upscaling their video output to higher resolutions. Upscaling refers to the act of taking footage that is rendered at a lower resolution than what is native to the television (so in this case, it could be 1920x1080 or 1080p footage) and rendering it at or near the expected resolution (UHD or 3840x2160).

Upscaling

I need to be clear here and stress that this does not produce the same level of quality that one would experience by playing UHD content on the same 4K television. Upscaling is an in-depth process that, in essence, uses various algorithms to automatically take videos (which are long sequences of images, or ‘frames’, for our purposes) and increase the number of pixels that make up each frame. This needs to happen incredibly quickly in order to not be noticeable by the viewer.

[caption id="attachment_1575" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Figure A: 1080p - Zoomed in 200%.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1576" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Figure B: 1080p image upscaled to 4k. Zoomed in 200%.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1577" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Figure C: True 4K, zoomed in 200%.[/caption]

The resulting image is dramatically improved from that of standard 1080p, but still not nearly as detailed as true 4K. Figures A-C shows a highly zoomed-in (200%) comparison of the same image at 1080p, Upscaled 4K, and Native 4K. The effects of upscaling are clear: the native image is highly pixellated, with a great deal of 'tessellation' (the jagged edges around objects). The upscaled image is much less jagged, and while it is blurry it is still a drastic improvement over its predecessor. The final image of the three, the Native 4K image, clearly has a greater amount of detail than the others due to its incredibly fine resolution. If the difference is not noticeable, look a bit closer at the screen. From distances, they appear more similar due to their size, while on a large television they are extremely noticeable.

This is perhaps the most noticeable means through which a 4K television can serve as an upgrade without opting for additional upgrades. Even non-4K video will suddenly look better upon acquiring this new television! Aside from that, many streaming services such as Hulu and Netflix offer the option to stream 4K/UHD content, although one should ensure that their internet connection is fast enough to handle it prior to making the commitment.

4K Blu-ray Players Without 4K Televisions?

There is one upgrade on the path to a full Blu-ray setup that could potentially be more noticeable than all others- 4K Blu-ray players. Even without with a 4K Television, these could significantly improve one's viewing experience. There are some caveats I would put in place here, however. While a 4K Television will provide a blanket improvement on video quality through upscaling, many 4K Blu-ray players offer the option of improving video quality through 'downscaling'.

Put simply, downscaling is a process wherein an image is rendered at a higher resolution and then output at a lower one. While this might sound pointless, there is a notable difference. These images obviously do not have the full, incredible detail one would see in a 4K image. At the same time, a downscaled video will typically look better than the alternative 1080p version. There are other considerations to make, such as the source of videos; streamed videos see a loss in quality no matter what, simply as a result of them downloading over time. However, that is as much an issue of internet connection speeds as it is hardware. For Blu-rays specifically, downscaling can drastically improve image quality.

[caption id="attachment_1567" align="aligncenter" width="300"] A comparison between 4K downsampled (left) and standard 1080p (right). Source: https://www.premiumbeat.com/[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1568" align="aligncenter" width="300"] A comparison between 4K Offline (Blu-ray) and 4K Streaming (YouTube). Source: https://www.premiumbeat.com/[/caption]

Other considerations need to be made when purchasing these devices. Additional hardware components, the quality of the upscaling and downscaling from devices, internet connection speeds, and the films themselves are all important. The ultimate point of this is to show that you can benefit from purchasing a new television or Blu-ray player now- even if you do not have a full setup ready to go. Some great examples of devices that have these features are:

Televisions:

• LG 50UK6470
• Samsung UA-48JU6400
• Samsung UA49MU7350

Blu-ray Players

• Sony UBP-X1100ES
• LG UP-870
• Samsung UBD-M8500

Of course, we recommend you ensure that you are purchasing a Blu-ray player or Television that explicitly advertises these features if you desire them. Not all devices feature proper upscaling or downscaling. If you are looking to upgrade slowly, it is certainly a possibility.

If you are wanting region-free Blu-ray players or televisions, 220-Electronics.com carries everything you need at fantastic, discounted prices. These devices are modified by professionals at 220-Electronics to work around the world at the press of a button. If you are interested in upgrading your home theatre, the staff at 220-Electronics can offer their assistance in planning and purchasing!

The Sony UBP-X1100ES, the successor to Sony's highly successful UBP-X1000ES, is finally here. While it is not radically different from its predecessor, it does manage to have updated features which are well worth the cost. Sony has a clear vision for the new UBP models, and they have been highly successful at maintaining it thus far.

What's Is the Sony UBP-X1100ES?

Sony's UBP-X1000ES was an attempt at stepping into the market of high-end Blu-ray players for audiophiles and other enthusiasts. Prior to this, a company named Oppo had dominated the enthusiast Blu-ray market. They stopped creating Blu-ray players a few years ago, leaving a gaping hole that someone had to fill. Sony chose to take up this role, as did companies such as Pioneer.

The Sony UBP-X1100ES was thus constructed with the enthusiast in mind. Outside, the device features a high-end, rigid chassis intended to prevent vibrations and interference that would reduce audio and video quality. On the inside, the UBP-X1100ES supports nearly any file format for audio, video, or images that you could possibly desire. In addition, it features HDR10 and Dolby Vision, as well as Hybrid Log Gamma HDR. Native 4K UHD support is also included, and the device does a fantastic job at upscaling full HD images to 4K. Built-in WiFi and streaming support are welcome features, including native 3D streaming.

Region-Free Features

The UBP-X1100ES' region-free features are phenomenal, allowing one to use it with any voltage, on any TV in the world. Blu-ray discs and DVDs from around the world function perfectly. This is great for individuals who have moved to other countries or collect foreign films. The worldwide voltage feature requires nothing more than the press of a button to shift between 120 and 220 volts, giving you the ability to use your UBP-X1100ES in North America, Africa, Asia, or Europe with no need for obnoxious voltage conversion. Its internal Pal/NTSC conversion offers compatibility with nearly any television. This Blu-ray player will be ready to go as soon as you remove it from its box! This feature is only guaranteed for devices purchased from 220-electronics.com, as they are modified by a team of experts. Any UBP-X1100ES purchased from other locations will almost certainly lack these region-free features.

Other Features

The Sony UBP-X1100ES has some other features that are quite nice. People often neglect 4K UHD Blu-ray players due to their lack of 4K televisions. In this case, Sony has specifically designed their device with these people in mind. Not only will the UBP-X1100ES output a crisp, beautiful 4K UHD HDR image on intended TVs, it will work on non-4K televisions as well! While the image output will not actually be 4K, it will produce an image rendered in 4K and then downscaled to full HD. This produces a gorgeous image when compared to standard HD. While not as perfect as the image of 4K Blu-rays on 4K televisions, it is a nice bonus and allows those who want better image quality to receive it without replacing their TV.

Support for BT.2020 color spaces was also a nice addition. BT.2020 provides a substantially wider range of colors than traditional TV signals, and drastically alters the natural qualities of colors output from video content. "Bravia Mode" is an additional mode they have added to encourage customers to purchase Sony televisions as well. While not a necessary feature, when using a supported television this device will output even smoother, higher definition video. While a nice bonus, it is in no way a necessity; it mostly serves as a small wink to those who own multiple Sony devices.

Conclusion

Overall, we have found the Sony UBP-X1100ES to be a fantastic device capable of delivering on the promises made by the company. As always, the region-free version of this player is not available in retail stores. You can purchase one today from us at 220-Electronics.com, ready to play region A, B, and C Blu-ray discs. Contact our expert support team if you have any questions or concerns, or if you are making the move from Oppo and want to discuss the changes with someone before purchasing.

Oppo, a Chinese company renowned for its high-quality Blu-ray players which emphasized audio/visual fidelity over all other features, was hailed as the market's king in years past. Following a massive boom in their smartphone sales, Oppo ultimately stepped out of the Blu-ray player market and redoubled their efforts on the former. This left a gaping hole in the industry, as they were the leaders when it came to the development of high quality, top-of-the-line Blu-ray players for audiophiles in particular. UDP-LX500

Now, Pioneer has stepped up to produce a Blu-ray player in the same vein as Oppo's. The Pioneer Elite UDP-LX500 is a fantastic Blu-ray player for those who seek only the best in audio and video content. Whereas most companies in the industry continue to push streaming and other auxiliary services, Oppo (and now Pioneer) are bringing forward devices which offer only the best in audiovisual interfaces.

 

Audio/Visual Components

Pioneer truly went all-out when designing the Elite UDP-LX500. Every single aspect of the device has been constructed with only the best in mind, and the ultimate goal was clearly to produce the most fantastic audio and video on the market. They have achieved this through a few different methods.

One cannot discuss the UDP-LX500's unique features without first acknowledging its Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC). DACs are devices which conver digital signals to analog ones. These are standard fare for audiophiles, but those on the fringes of the hobby might be confused by the idea. Digital audio, what one typically hears from Blu-ray players or computers, is inherently 'lossy'. It has a lower bit-rate, lacking detail and dynamic components which make music have depth. DACs convert digital audio to analog, providing sound waves that are smoother and audio of a much higher quality. The UDP-LX500's DAC is arguably the cornerstone of the device and is what immediately makes it similar to those made by Oppo.

 

Construction

Pioneer's "Zero Signal Terminal" technology is present in the UDP-LX500. This is a proprietary technology which aligns the device's AV receiver and the ground level. What results is a high-quality signal between the two, reducing interference and providing much clearer sound and video.

To add to this, Pioneer has introduced a unique method of construction with their Elite line. In order to keep the device sturdy and prevent vibration during playback, they have built a 1.6mm thick chassis reinforced by a 3mm steel plate. Together, they provide a real heft not found in typical Blu-ray players. Pioneer also made the decision to split the device's internal components into three "blocks". These divide the power supply, drive and digital processor, and analogue audio components. Separating these parts reduces magnetic and electrical interference between them, ultimately producing higher quality output. They have also split the internal circuit board into six layers, further reducing digital noise.

 

Region-Free

The Blu-ray player’s region-free features are phenomenal, allowing one to use it with any voltage, on any TV in the world. Blu-ray discs and DVDs from around the world function perfectly. This is great for individuals who have moved to other countries or collect foreign films. The worldwide voltage feature requires nothing more than the press of a button to shift between 120 and 220 volts, giving you the ability to use your UDP-LX500 in North America, Africa, Asia, or Europe with no need for obnoxious voltage conversion. Its internal Pal/NTSC conversion offers compatibility with nearly any television. This is a ready-to-go Blu-ray player that is equipped with everything you could possibly need out of the box.

 

Other Features

Much like Oppo's Blu-ray players, Pioneer has removed video streaming services from this device. Streaming features can lead to a large amount of electronic interference, along with taking up space that could be dedicated to hardware meant to improve A/V output. One can still play high-quality music files through a USB device, despite the lack of streaming.

Some other features of the Pioneer Elite UDP-LX500 are:

• Acoustic Damper Tray for Better Audio
• Detailed Disc Information On-Screen Display
• Jitterless Sound Transmission via Dual HDMI Output
• Low Latency Dolby Vision
• SDR/HDR Preset Modes for Optimal Display Performance
• Precision Quartz Lock System
• Two Channel Audio, Multi-Surround, Bit-Stream
• Plays Ultra HD Blu-ray, Blu-ray, DVD, SACD, and Audio CD discs
• Front and Rear USB Ports for High Quality Audio Playback
• HDR10 Support
• No Radiation Holes, Reducing Sound From Internal Movement

As always, the region-free version of this player is not available in retail stores. You can purchase one today from us at 220-Electronics.com, ready to play region A, B, and C Blu-ray discs. Contact our expert support team if you have any questions or concerns, or if you are making the move from Oppo and want to discuss the changes with someone before purchasing.

-The 220 Electronics Team

While Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and other video-streaming services have grown exponentially in popularity throughout the last decade, they have failed to kill the DVD and Blu-ray markets. Despite their ease of access, they fail in ways which physical media have not and never will. I would like to take a moment and discuss the reasons why physical media will never die, even in the face of digital content streaming.

Audio/Visual Quality

When it comes to digital content streaming, there is typically some loss in terms of quality. This is based upon the service used, the amount one pays, and internet connection quality. While you certainly can stream HD content, it is less reliable than what one will receive from a Blu-ray disc. This is even more true when it comes to 4K content, as it requires phenomenal download speeds to acquire beautiful, seamless 4K video over the internet. Physical media, on the other hand, is capable of pulling off incredible visuals with little effort; the advent of 4K and 3D movies has proven that, as they are limited almost entirely to Blu-ray discs outside of few exceptions.

Streaming is notoriously harsh when it comes to audio quality. Even dedicated music-streaming services such as Spotify struggle with this problem, and while some services have found ways to get around some limitations, the general rule is this: digital audio quality is lower than that of physical, and streaming audio quality is lower than that seen on, say, a CD or vinyl. A part of this is the 'bitrate' of an audio track, or the amount of data stored in a single second of its file. The higher this number is, the better audio quality one will receive; in most digital audio files, the bitrate is 256 kbps (kilobits per second), while Dolby TrueHD has a maximum possible bitrate of 18 mbps (megabytes per second). Most audio tracks will never reach that lofty of a goal; the audio bitrate from Blu-ray discs has the potential to be a whopping seventy times higher than that seen through streaming services.

 

Building a Collection

Collectors will also never fully move to digital content, much less that seen on streaming services. Companies often sell 'collector's editions' of popular media. These might include special boxes, bonus merchandise for fans, special features, or other unique bonuses that are pertinent to fans. These are quite popular, particularly for television shows and films with dedicated fan-bases. As an example, the "Middle-Earth Collector's Edition" contains 30 Blu-ray discs which contain the entire Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. It includes dozens of hours of bonus content, extended, and cut scenes. This collection also contains digital downloads of each film, a unique box which presents the discs in the form of books, an art book containing sketches and concept art for the film, and more. While pricey, this is a must-have for fans of The Lord of the Rings and as such will sell well; streaming might be convenient, but it will never replace the sorts of bonuses seen in this example.

 

Ownership

It is essential to note what is perhaps the largest advantage of physical media over streaming services: not everything is available through streaming. There is a massive amount of content in the world which has not, and never will, be on any streaming platform. Even worse, the shows that you enjoy today might be removed at any time! On their website, Netflix writes:

"Netflix licenses TV shows and movies from studios and content providers around the world, and those licenses can expire if we don't renew them."

Netflix asserts they first check to see if the rights are still available and analyze a show's popularity and cost. They then discern any seasonal or localized factors which might be relevant. These explain how Netflix, among other streaming services, lose content that you might be a fan of. Popular content is not safe from this either, as their removal of Doctor Who in 2018 will show that even significant shows might end up nonrenewable. This is where Blu-rays and DVDs can come into play; fans of TV shows and movies will always want to have a permanent way through which to watch their favorites. Ultimately, streaming is an unreliable means through which to do so. When using a streaming service, you naturally do not *own* that video; even purchased digital versions of films have this issue. What would happen if you lost hundreds of dollars worth of films due to Vudu going out of business? This is an extreme example, of course, but serves to illustrate the shortfalls of digital content. Plus, Blu-rays typically contain digital copies of their content in question. This is typically free and serves as an additional bonus to purchasing a physical copy.

 

Physical Media Will Never Die

Digital media downloads and content streaming are obviously not going anywhere for the foreseeable future. They do, of course, serve as wonderful supplemental forms of entertainment. Having a wealth of content at your fingertips, ready to stream at any time, is a uniquely contemporary concept. This will only continue to grow in coming years. Physical media will never be left behind, despite this new technology. Collectors and fans will always want to purchase their favorite films and shows, whether it be for the unique bonuses, security, consistency, or quality found only in physical media. I, for one, am excited to see what the future holds for physical media.

Shop for region free Blu-ray and DVD players today, and recall just how amazing it can be to own your own movies and television shows!

-The 220 Electronics Team

One of our favorites - and also one of our best-selling players right now - is the LG BP300. This region-free model is a powerhouse of features and flexibility with an extremely agreeable price (under $150), making it an excellent choice for your home theater. Let's take a closer look at the BP300, it's options, and capabilities to give you a better idea of what you're getting for your money.

Streaming Media and Wi-Fi

The Region-Free LG BP300 has Wi-fi built in, giving you the ability to not only stream media from your favorite streaming services like Netflix and Hulu, but to reach other devices on your home network using the DLNA feature. If you'd like to connect to your massive music playlist or movie archive from your laptop, the BP300 can do that - wirelessly. You can also quickly and easily share media libraries and file directories from any capable device in your home, including your tablet or smartphone.

Full 1080p, Plus Up-scaling

It's not 4k, but can you really tell the difference? Okay, of course you can tell a difference - but that doesn't mean 1080p doesn't offer an amazing picture. The BP300 has impressive picture quality, and it'll even improve the quality of your non-hd discs, such as your old DVDs. Just pop one in and LG's upscaling feature enhances and upgrades the resolution to near-perfect HD quality. It's a fantastic feature to have.

Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD

For the audiophiles, the BP300 gives you something to smile about. With Dolby TrueHD and dts-HD compatibility, you can be sure you're getting the best audio pushed to your surround-sound speakers. These multi-channel HD audio formats provide amazing clarity, depth, and intensity that put you right in the middle of all the action.

Simplink

Simplink allows you to easily connect to multiple devices from your Blu-ray player, controlling them all with one central remote. This allows you to easily and quickly choose between TV or surround-sound speakers, instant media playback (TV playback begins when connected device begins playback), and power-off/on features that turn your TV on automatically when a selected device is powered up. It's a great and highly convenient feature.

Region-Free Playback

The Region Free BP300 is not available in stores. Our units have been professionally modified for global disc playback and will play Blu-ray discs from any region (A, B, or C) and DVDs from any region (0-8). No matter where you are or where you buy your discs, they'll always play. This feature is ideal for movie collectors and anyone who watches or purchases movie titles from overseas.

Worldwide Voltage

This player - unlike the models sold in department stores - is professionally modified to work anywhere in the world. It works with any voltage from 110 to 240 volts, so it can be easily and safely used at any time, no matter where in the world you are. There's no need for a voltage converter, even if you take it overseas!

The Region-Free LG BP300 Blu-ray Player has plenty of other features and capabilities. To learn more about this popular model - including all the technical specs - click here. You're getting a really nice value for your dollar with this one, and you'll be a happy camper if you pick one up. We're selling these at the guaranteed lowest price and we'll ship anywhere in the world. You can't ask for a better deal!

Two of the latest Region Free Blu-ray Players we're carrying from Sony are the BDP-S1700 and the BDP-S3700. These players are jam-packed with features and are completely ready for universal use. They'll play Blu-ray Discs from Region A, and DVD Discs from any region (0-8). They also feature worldwide voltage so they can be used anywhere in the world with electricity from 110 to 240 volts, and internal Pal/NTSC/Secam conversion which so they are compatible with any TV. There's no need for voltage transformers or video converters - these are plug-and-play, fully universal Blu-ray Players. If you want to play Blu-ray Discs from regions B or C, there is an option to upgrade your purchase for an extra $40. Both models come equipped with automatic DVD region-switching and 1-button switching for Blu-ray.

Region-Free BDP-S1700 ($99 w/Free Shipping)

• Not Wi-Fi Equipped but Features Ethernet Port for a Solid, Fast Connection

• Full HD Streaming (Over 300+ apps)

• Non-HD Upscaling to 1080p HD

• 7.1-channel Audio with Dolby® Digital TrueHD and dts® 2.0+

• Coaxial Output

• HDMI Output

• Frontal USB Input for easy Media Playback

• Compatible with Nearly all Audio/Video Formats

*$140 with Regions A, B, and C Blu-ray upgrade

Region-Free BDP-S3700 ($115 w/Free Shipping)

• Built in Wi-Fi

• DLNA Compatible for Easy Wireless Media Sharing

• Sony Entertainment Network (Over 300+ Apps & Streaming Services)

• QuickStart for Super Fast Disc Loading

• Sony Sideview (Smartphone Remote Control App)

• 7.1-channel Surround Sound

• Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD High Resolution Audio, and DTS-HD Master Audio

• Coaxial Output, HDMI Output, Ethernet Port

• Frontal USB Input for easy Media Playback

• Compatible with Nearly all Audio/Video Formats

*$155 with Regions A, B, and C Blu-ray upgrade

Both of these players are equipped with all sorts of playback features, simple and clean user interfaces, and much more. If you're in the market for a good quality non-4K Blu-ray player, look no further. We offer the guaranteed lowest prices and we ship to nearly any country in the world. See our complete inventory of Region Free Blu-ray Players today and shop with complete confidence. With over 35 years in business and thousands of satisfied customers around the globe, you can't go wrong with 220 Electronics.

For some people their home theater is an important aspect of their home, and they'll constantly upgrade to the latest and greatest models. New receivers, larger TVs, and more powerful surround sound speakers are common items purchased by home theater fanatics. On the other hand, some people just want something that works. They don't need 3D playback, a 82-inch TV, or a 1,000-watt audio video receiver. It's for this second group of less demanding consumers that we carry a lineup of more affordable Region Free Blu-ray Players with everything you need to watch Blu-ray discs from anywhere in the world.

 

Our region-free Blu-ray players are not available in stores. While they're the same models that are sold in stores, there's a difference. We take our players and have them professionally modified for global playback. They will play discs from any region of the world, they work with any voltage from 110 to 240 volts, and they feature internal PAL/NTSC conversion. There's no need for a voltage converter or a video converter. You can take your region-free player anywhere and use it to play any disc, from anywhere in the world, on any TV. The store-bought models don't have these universal, region-free capabilities.

 

Normally, you're looking at spending about $150 for a decent yet basic Blu-ray player from a major department store. If you just want to watch movies and have basic features that's fine - but if you want a player that can play any disc you put in it, you'll need something region free. Most region-free players are expensive as you're paying for the cost of the player itself plus the parts and labor for the professional modifications that make the player region-free. They can run anywhere from $150 to $450 for a decent low to mid-range model. However, there are exceptions.

 

What we've done is taken some of the most popular inexpensive players and modify them for global use while keeping a low price. The Region Free Sony BDP-S1700 is a full HD Blu-ray Player that features 1-button region switching and is just $99. Our Region Free Samsung BD-J5100 offers similar features at the same low price of $99. Both of these players offer streaming media services, but they don't have Wi-Fi so you'll need a hard-wired connection. Regardless, you're getting excellent flexibility and features for your dollar. We have many more low-priced models with additional features and options, all in stock and ready to ship at the guaranteed lowest price. Check out or complete inventory of Region Free Blu-ray Players today and shop with confidence.

 

At 220 Electronics, we have almost 40 years of experience with international electronics, and have sold to thousands of repeat customers. Our selection is second-to-none and we guarantee the best prices anywhere.

 

We have a great deal going right now on a powerful home theater system from Sony. If you don't currently own a surround sound system this is an excellent way to get started. The BDV-E3100 region free system comes equipped with 1,000 watts of power, plus all the features and functionality you could ask for. You'll get great sound, networking features to share your favorite movies and music, and plenty of options for streaming your favorite movies, TV shows and more.

 

This package inludes a Sony Region-Free Blu-ray Player plus a 1,000-watt Sony surround sound system consisting of 2 frontal speakers, 2 rear speakers, a center speaker and a subwoofer. That's a lot of power for the price (on sale now for just $369) - more than enough to provide a lifelike kick whether listening to your favorite playlist, cuddling up to a movie, or watching the game. The Blu-ray player is region free, which means you can use it anywhere in the world, with any TV, to play any disc. It will play foreign DVDs and Blu-rays, it works with any voltage (110 to 240 volts), and the internal PAL/NTSC conversion eliminates the need for video converters. This is a real universal player, ideal for any region of the world and partcularly handy for those who like to purchase films from overseas.

 

The player includes some great features and options in addition to its region-free capabilities. Naturally, it comes equipped with Wif-fi, because it makes everything better including your ability to wirelessly share media from other devices in your home. Have a laptop in another room or a playlist on your tablet? You can easily share all you media via your home internet connection, totally eliminating the need for messy wires and cables. You can also connect to over 200 apps for streaming media and music including your favorite free and paid services like Hulu, Netflix, Pandora, Amazon Video and more. You'll never run out of things to watch, that's for sure!

 

The BDV-E3100 is 3D compatible, so if you have a 3D TV you'll be glad to know you can use it for an in-depth 3D experience backed with 1,000 watts of high-quality audio. Bluetooth is another great feature built into the E3100 that allows for simple streaming and sharing from a mobile phone or tablet, giving you more flexibility than ever before. With all these features, can you really beat the price?

 

Remember, the BDV-E3100 region free home theater system is only on sale for a limited time. Be sure to check out this home theater package now for more details and to get yours while you still can.