Choose A Region-Free Blu-Ray DVD Player

There’s no better way than a Region-Free Blu-Ray DVD Player to ensure you can watch your favorite movies and concerts at home abroad. Computers and SmartPhones (although they are technically media players) have much more limited functionality, and far inferior audio and video qualities, than do Blu-Ray DVD Players.

Some of the best concerts and movies I’ve ever attended were in my media room at home, via Blu-Ray DVD. If you’re like I am, you may even have a small collection of movie and concert DVDs that you like to watch over and over again with friends. Or, maybe you just loathe kicking back next to someone you don’t know at the movie theater, while they frown upon your pajama pants and bedroom slippers. So you trek  down to the local DVD depot every Saturday night to rent.

Avoid Foreign Compatibility Issues With Region-Free Blu-Ray DVD Players

For audio and video lovers like us, nothing is worse than relocating to a foreign destination and being confined to viewing our favorite movies and concerts on a computer screen. Or suffering through at the local movie theater in a language we don’t fully understand.

And then there are the other major compatibility issues. World voltage considerations, regional coding and foreign video conversion standards  that can prevent us from accessing our media craves at all overseas.

But thanks to Region-Free Blu-Ray DVD Players, you and I can listen to what we want, watch anything we want, in different languages, anywhere we want... at any time around the world. Region-Free Blu-ray Players play all your regular DVDs, Blu-ray DVDs and CDs. And the reasonably-priced newest models offer tons more features to enhance your media life at home abroad.

Consider Smart Features From The Best Region-Free DVD Players For Expats 

The best region-free Blu-ray DVD players for expat living feature Smart technology. Here is a list of Smart features you’ll want to consider when making your purchase.

• Wi-Fi Built-in: Conveniently connects to your modem or router wirelessly.
• Video Streaming: Allows you to stream movies and videos from all the paid popular streaming sites, like Netflix, Hulu Plus, and Amazon, and the best free streaming sites. You can also access content from sites like YouTube and Flickr, as well as internet radio providers like Pandora and Spotify.
• 3D Viewing: Connect with a 3D capable TV, 3D discs and 3D glasses to view your favorite three-dimensional movies and documentaries.
• 4K Upscaling: When connected to an Ultra HD TV, this feature converts regular high  definition to the higher 4K resolution.
• BD Live: Gives you internet access to extra online content, like movie trailers and video games, related to your movie DVD.
• BonusView: Allows you to access bonus content offline in a picture-in-picture layout while you’re viewing your movie.
• DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance): Allows you to access media (including music)    stored on your personal devices that are on the same network.
• Multi-channel Surround Sound: If you have a Dolby Digital Sound System or Digital Theater System, this will be an important feature for the ultimate sound experience.
• Multilingual Support: Lets you choose dialog or subtitles in different languages to accommodate you new expat circle of friends.
• USB Connections/Memory Card Slots: Allows you to play digital media files like music, videos, photos and slideshows from an external drive on your TV, and add extra memory capacity.

For your lengthy travels to and fro, you may want to check out the new International Portable Region-Free Blu-Ray DVD Players and take a few of your DVD concerts and movies along for the ride.

Before you purchase, check out this  Region-Free Blu-ray DVD Player Comparison Chart.

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Updated: 01/31/2020

 

Now that 4k is really starting to explode in popularity, we feel that it's important for us to cover the basics about 4k UHD Blu-ray Players, including their region-free capabilities. As region-free specialists, it's our duty to get this information out there so consumers can make informed decisions about their purchases; more importantly, so they can be sure they're getting the product & features that they're looking for and expect.

There have been a lot of misconception floating around the web regarding the idea that all 4k UHD Blu-ray Players are region-free. How did these rumors start and what are the facts? We're not sure exactly how they started, but let's take a closer look at the facts.

Also read our related article on the Current Best Region Free 4K Blu-ray Players!

What is Region-Free?

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.

Are all 4K UHD Blu-ray Players Region-Free?

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.

Region-Free 4K, Blu-ray and DVD Players

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.

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.

What is the BDV-E3100?

Th BDV-E3100 is a powerful home theater combo package that includes a Blu-ray Player and surround sound system. All you'll need is your TV. The setup consists of a region-free Sony Blu-ray Player and a 1000 watts of crystal-clear surround sound via a subwoofer, center speaker, dual pedestal speakers and 2 wireless rear speakers.

What can the BDV-E3100 do?

The better question is what can't it do. For a home theater & blu-ray system, the Sony BDV-E3100 is highly capable. With 1000 combined watts of audio glory and a region-free player that can do practically anything you'd ever expect from a Blu-ray Player, you can't go wrong. Here's just a few of the great options and features of this package:

 

• Worldwide Voltage allows this system to be used in any country, anywhere in the world. It's been specifically designed to work with 110 - 240 volts, unlike regular models.

• Plays both Blu-ray & DVDs from any region in the world (0-8 for DVD and A,B,C for Blu-ray). This means that no matter which country you are in or which country you purchase your discs from, they will all play, without fail.

• Bult-in WiFi which gives you a world of possibilities, literally. Browse the web, use apps & social media, stream your favorite movies & music or share media from other devices in your home, wirelessly, directly to your TV.

• Internal PAL to NTSC conversion allows this player to be used with any TV in the world.

• 3D Playback that's fully compatible with 3D movie titles and your 3D-ready TV.

• Features Bluetooth for simple sharing of audio from your cell phone, laptop or tablet directly to your 1000 watt surround sound system.

• Optical audio input, analog audio input and USB input.

• Frontal USB port for simple USB music & media playback.

• Sony Entertainment Network with over 300 streaming services like Netflix, Youtube, Hulu & Hulu Plus, Pandora, Amazon Instant Video and many, many more.

• Sony Sideview, which lets you share videos or images from your tablet or smartphone on the TV screen.

 

And that's just getting started! See the complete list of details and technical specifications here.

What Else Do I Need To Know?

We all know that there are a million options to choose from when it comes to a blu-ray player or a home theater system. The prices range from high to low, and it seems that manufacturers and retailers are constantly releasing new models that claim to have newer and better features. But let me ask you, is there anything in the list above that's missing from what you'd expect your Blu-ray player to do? We doubt it. To top it off, this is a Region Free combo that works with any voltage, plays any discs and works with any TV in the world no matter where you are. It really doesn't get any better than that.

How Much Is It and Where Can I Get One?

This is the best part - the price. If you're in the market for a surround sound system, you might expect to pay anywhere from $250 to $400 for something decent, depending on the wattage and the brand name. Similarly, you can expect to pay from $150 to $300 for any decent blu-ray player. Keep in mind, neither of those purchases will feature worldwide voltage, region-free playback, or internal PAL to NTSC conversion.

 

The Region Free Sony BDV-E3100 Multisystem Home Theater does all of the above. It also has those upper-level features like 3D Playback and built-in Wifi. All at a super-low price of just $329, right now. Are you really going to pass that deal up?

This package is not available in stores. The region-free and multisystem capabilities are the result of professional hardware/software modifications performed by specialists and this package is only available to you from 220 Electronics, the world's leader in region-free, multisystem and 220-volt electronics.

 

To take advantage of this awesome deal, check out the Sony BDV-E3100 today on our website. Don't forget that if you find a lower price anywhere, we'll beat it. Get on the road to a high-quality, capable and flexible home theater experience today.

 

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!

 

One of the most common domestic uses for 220-volt electronics and appliances here in the US is the leisure travel industry. From boats & yachts to RVs and other travel-ready vehicles, 220 volts is the standard electrical platform. Therefore, when you're ready to equip yourself for comfort and entertainment you'll be looking for retailers who specialize in 220 volt appliances that provide a simple plug & play solution to your needs. Unfortunately, the overpriced and often negligible selections offered by many marine & RV outfitters can make it an expensive venture. You could easily end up paying far too much for the purchase and installation of so-so products that aren't really what you had in mind in the first place.

 

On a more positive note, there are retailers such as ourselves who not only offer our products to the marine and RV industry, but to the millions of people who travel abroad, purchase properties, or relocate overseas to countries where 220 volts is the standard. Due to our large volume of sales, we're able to offer the guaranteed lowest prices on an impressive selection of 220 volt electronics and appliances of all types and styles from the top brand names in the world. Instead of settling for appliances that will simply "do the job", we provide you with the ability to find exactly what you're after - and at a fraction of the price you'd pay elsewhere.

 

Our immense inventory covers practically every aspect of modern living and creature comforts, including all the little things you could possibly need on your yacht or RV. From large 220-volt flatscreen TVs and surround sound systems to Blu-ray players, ranges, refrigerators and even washers & dryers. Interested in a blender to mix up margaritas while you cruise the Florida Keys or a waffle iron for enjoying a fresh breakfast off the coast of Belize? No problem at all. In the market for an electric chainsaw to trim up some firewood on an RV trip through Canada? We have it, and we can help you make yourself feel at home, regardless of your location.

 

We have over 35 years of experience in the industry and have provided our products & services to thousands and thousands of satisfied customers over the decades. We've helped to furnish the homes of retired corporate CEOs who made retirement in Fiji, US Diplomats living in Saudi Arabia, and we even regularly provide voltage converters and other products to the US military. Make no mistake, not only will we provide you with the lowest price guarantee by undercutting our competitors, we also provide personal customer service that is second to none.

 

If you're in the market for electronics or appliances for your boat, yacht or RV, don't hesitate - contact us today. We also provide installation services if needed. Simply tell us what you're planning to equip and we'll provide you with a free, no hassle consultation. When you're dealing with the global leader in 220-volt electronics and appliances, you know you're in good hands. Visit 220-Electronics.com today or call 877-578-0587 to find out how we can make life easier, more affordable, and most importantly, more comfortable.

The human race has made some truly remarkable steps forward from a technological perspective over a relatively short period of time. We can look back at what life was like 100 years ago and it's almost unimaginable. We can even take a look at we have today from just a mere 30 years ago and it seems like it'd be impossible to survive on a daily basis without the convenient (and often necessary) technology we have today.

 

Thanks to computers and communication, especially the internet, the world is connected in a much different fashion than it was just 20 years ago. Information is available at our fingertips, we can purchase products from practically anywhere on earth at any given time thanks to mobile technology, and we can communicate with others with ease, on seemingly endless platforms. It doesn't seem that impressive when you're living it unless you take a minute to remember what life was like before the internet boom. It'll often leave you wondering how we were able to complete simple tasks without specific technologies that we have today, and it might leave you feeling a bit nostalgic. However, there seems to be some things that will never change.

 

For example, the ability to watch a blu-ray disc. We have this fascinating technology which allows us to enjoy cinema in high-definition from the comfort of our own homes, yet we can only watch Blu-ray discs from our home country - foreign discs won't work. Additionally, we can't take our Blu-ray player overseas when we travel and expect it to work with either the foreign discs or with the foreign TVs. Of course, the reasons behind this are complicated; they are the cause of both political and financial interests and we won't get too deep into that right now. What we will say, is that although our technology is something to be revered, it can also be very limiting. For example, certain capabilities or features that should come naturally with a certain product or device don't, and for no other reason than because there is more money to be made by excluding the capabilities altogether. It's kind of a bummer that what is so great can equally be so limited when it doesn't really have to be.

 

Why aren't Blu-ray Players and Blu-ray discs utilizing a global format, along with TVs, so that any player can read a disc from anywhere else and be played on a TV from anywhere else? Why should we have to pay for technology that is self-limiting?! We don't like that idea, and we feel like it's not fair.

 

There is, however, another side to the story. Thanks to technology - yes, the same technology that limits our technology - we have the ability to circumvent the issues we see as being problematic with the technology in the first place. Sound confusing? It doesn't have to be. Back to the Blu-ray players. We've utilized technology that fixes the problem with Blu-ray technology, and our technology DOES allow you to play discs from anywhere in the world, on any TV in the world; and, the player will work at any voltage! Problem solved, no? Of course it is. But you might ask "how?". It's quite simple actually.

 

We have developed a professional modification procedure for Blu-ray players that allows them to play discs from anywhere, to work with any TV regardless of its color format and to work safely and properly at any voltage. It's a universal player, and there are names for it such as region-free, code-free, and zone-free. Best of all, it remains under warranty and still retains all the options and functionality that it would if you purchased it directly from your local electronics store. We're not talking about some special unknown brand of Blu-ray player here, either. We're talking about practically any player you'd like, from the top brand names. We have them, region-free and ready to ship.

 

The moral of the story is that technology isn't so bad after all, because wherever it's been limited, there's an alternate technology to make it limitless. For more information about purchasing your own region-free Blu-ray player, visit our website at 220-Electonics.com today where you can browse all of our products and shop at the guaranteed lowest prices in the world. 

After 2 years of manufacturing their players with a unprecedented stealth-like design, sony has taken it back to square one with their 2015 Blu-ray model lineup. While the new models are definitely more "stackable" than the awkward yet cool-looking models of 2013 & '14, they're also more functional.

 

This year Sony has replaced their BDP-S5200 with the BDP-S5500 which boasts improved streaming capabilities with access to over 300 streaming apps available at your fingertips, and more importantly, connectivity with Playstation Now, allowing you to direct access to hundreds of PS3 games which can be played on your TV without - that's correct, we said without - a game console (made possible with use of the DualShock 4 controller). The access to Playstation Now is groundbreaking in itself, and, what can we say other than it's a genius idea for Sony to utilize it's ownership of Playstation and expand it into their Blu-ray lineup.

 

All the old bells and whistles remain snugly in place with the 2015 lineup, including 2D to 3D Conversion, 3D Playback, built in Wi-Fi, and the must-have Miracast technology to let you mirror your smartphone onto your TV screen.

 

There are plenty of other great features that come wrapped up inside this new 2015 model that make your home theater experience one of sheer enjoyment and flexibility but one of them that's not available from the factory is Region-Free capability. At 220 Electronics, we have the Region-Free Sony BDP-S5500 Blu-ray Player in stock right now - and it's guaranteed to play any DVD or Blu-ray disc in the world - better yet, from anywhere in the world. With worldwide voltage and built-in PAL to NTSC conversion, there's no reason not to take a look at these; especially if you're a fan of foreign movies.

 

Aside from the BDP-S5500, there are also two other great models with a lower pricetag which are the Region Free Sony BDP-S3500 which lacks 3D Playback and the Region Free Sony BDP-S1500 which lacks 3D playback and built in Wi-Fi. If you can deal without having 3D and don't mind a hardwired ethernet connection, these are still excellent choices and both still compatible with the Playstation Now feature.

 

We have to say that the hands-down most impressive aspect of the 2015 model is the awesome ability to connect with Playstation Now, but we'll let you decide for yourself. There's a lot to be had from Sony Blu-ray this year and you just might find yourself placing an order very soon.

 

Stay tuned to learn more about this cutting-edge unit and it's complete features, specifications and capabilities.

 

Even in the world of cutting edge electronic technology, sometimes it seems impossible to find two devices that are compatible. We have laptops and smartphones, wireless speakers, surround sound systems, cameras, audio devices, USB ports, HDMI ports, ethernet, charging devices, converters, wireless remotes and the list goes on and on. We have drawers full of chargers and cables, batteries, adapters and manuals. Often times we find ourselves having to purchase a device that allows us to properly use the device we just bought; it can seem like complete madness. Then, other times we find ourselves jumping with joy at the fact that our new purchase was so simple to use - just like it says on the box.

 

While we'd like to think that all this technology would make things easier, sometimes it seems like more of a hassle than it's worth. There are hundreds if not thousands of major electronics manufacturers - and let's face it - they're not all working together to make sure your devices are compatible. Surely you can mirror movies from your iPhone to your TV but it only works with certain TVs, and of course there's bugs and if you DO manage to figure it out, the phone usually disconnects from the TV once the screen locks. We've all been there where we just can't seem to achieve what we want.

 

Let's jump forward to Blu-ray and DVD technology. Aside from surround sound or hard to reach wires, Blu-ray and DVD Players are relatively easy to hookup and use. They come assembled, have a power cable connected and then require audio/video to be connected to your TV - not a huge chore. But what comes into play, and what we're going to focus on is the ability to travel internationally, relocate or utilize your Blu-ray or DVD player with foreign TVs and even play discs from other countries. This can cause some major headaches if your unversed in how it works. In fact, many people are unaware that this is nearly impossible without the proper technology.

 

Region-Free

Firstly, let's quickly discuss the fact that for reasons beyond our control, Blu-ray and DVD discs are embedded with a digital code called a region code. What this does is ensures that a Blu-ray Disc or DVD purchased in Europe will only work with a player that was also purchased in Europe. The same goes for other regions of the world - a North American player will only play discs purchased (and encoded by default) within North America. If you purchased movies overseas, either in person or online, the chances are they will not be recognized and will not play on your player at home.

 

For Blu-ray, there are 3 different regions - A, B, and C. For DVD, there are 9 different regions, 0 - 8. Discs from other regions are simply not compatible unless played with a player that was manufactured to be used in that region.

 

Luckily, there is a workaround. A Region-Free Blu-ray or DVD Player is a player that has been professionally modified (by a third-party, they cannot be purchased in retail stores) to play any disc from any region of the world. This allows you to travel with your player, relocate with your player or purchase movies from other areas of the world and actually watch them ON... your player! That's right. These units are basically guaranteed to play a disc from anywhere in the world - and that is a wonderful thing. But, there's more potential issues.

 

Worldwide Voltage

The next issue with traveling or utilizing foreign electronics is the fact that different areas of the world use different standard voltages. In North America, the voltage at your normal electrical outlet is 120 volts. This means that all players sold in the US (as well as all other electronics) are designed to operate at the standard 120 volts. Likewise, Europe and much of Asia operate at a standard voltage of 240 volts. Any attempt to simply plug in a 120 volt Blu-ray or DVD Player into a 240 volt outlet would be catastrophic, at least for your player. The voltage is far too high and would literally fry your device within seconds, if not instantly.

 

Again, we're going to deep the advantages of the technology behind a Region-Free Player - since they are made to play discs from any region, most are also modified to work at either voltage, from 110 volts to 240 volts. All you need to do is flick a switch on the back to set the proper voltage input and it can be used anywhere in the world. There is no need for an external voltage converter, although you might need a plug adapter since foreign electrical outlets vary.

 

Needless to say, you've already got a player that can play discs from anywhere in the whorl and can also be powered by any voltage in any country. That is cool! But still, there lies one more problem, and this one is with the TV.

 

PAL to NTSC Conversion

The last problem with trying to utilize a foreign Blu-ray or DVD player is that foreign TVs use different color and video formats and sometimes a different frame rate. This is determined by the electronic signal that is encoded digitally. The two most common standards are NTSC and PAL, and you probably wouldn't even know about them unless you're reading this.

 

NTSC is the North American standard format and it transmits 30 frames per second. Each of those 30 frames is composed of 525 individual lines. PAL is used mostly overseas, and with this format there are only 25 frames per second and each is made up of 625 lines.

 

A NTSC TV (basically any TV in North America) will not work with a player that is from another country where the format is PAL. The same goes for using a NTSC player in a country that utilizes PAL, since the TVs will all feature PAL formatting.

 

Generally, you'd need an external video converter that changes the signal from PAL to NTSC or from NTSC to pal so your player can operate with a local TV. Wow, this is really seeming to be quite a hassle. But again, we have good news as the vast majority of (but not all) Region-Free Players are equipped with internal PAL to NTSC converters which do all the dirty work for us. See? Technology isn't so bad after all. Just make sure you find a player that has the internal conversion before making your purchase.

 

In Conclusion

What we're seeing here is that Region-Free Blu-ray and DVD Players are a savior. They can save time, money, tons of headaches and offer a huge amount of flexibility by allowing us to watch a movie from anywhere in the world, on almost any TV in the world, at any voltage! Now that is what we call an accomplishment. We've also eliminated the need for a voltage transformer and external video converter completely. It's basically plug and play!

 

Naturally, as specialists in international relocation since 1979, 220 Electronics carries a wide selection of Region-Free Blu-ray and DVD Players. Best of all, we are able to guarantee the lowest prices in the world and we ship worldwide. You can shop from the comfort of your own home today at www.220-Electronics.com or just stop by to browse our large inventory. If you're concerned about using electronics overseas, we have all of the products and resources you could ever need.  

When it comes to Blu-ray Players, you literally have hundreds of options to chose from. Amongst the different brands - some well-known and others not - you'll find a whirlwind of various models, each boasting their own features and cutting edge technologies as a lure to make a purchase. Of course, pricing is a huge factor and the competition lately is fierce among the top brands such as Sony, LG, Toshiba, and Samsung and more. Just as rapidly as the technology appears, it seems to be outdated within a matter of months as new models with new options appear on the market. If you're after the best of the best, sometimes it's better to just take a step back and look at the bigger picture.

 

Quality or Quantity?

At an average of about $200 a pop, Blu-ray players aren't cheap. Usually, they'll last a year or two without fail depending on how heavily used they are. Some will last much longer. Others will be moved into the bedroom or a guest room as you upgrade your home theater with the newest of the new in an attempt to capture the best quality and the latest features. But it all that really necessary? Do you need to purchase a new unit every couple years? Are you really upgrading to technology that's worth the new purchase? Are the cutting-edge features even something you're going to use? How can you get the best bang-for-the-buck and ensure you're getting a high quality unit that won't disappoint? Enter Oppo.

 

When Only the Best Will Do

Oppo has been around for a long time. You may or may not have heard of the brand. If you're serious about your home theater and have done any type of research about top-of-the-line units then you've probably came across the name before. You might have also looked at the price tag and had a mild stroke, wondering how in the heck the prices are so high on something that just plays movies. You might have even laughed at the price while wondering who's actually foolish enough to spend that kind of money. Or, you might have looked a bit deeper - you might even know someone who owns an Oppo.... Chances are, if you asked them about their Oppo Blu-ray Player they responded with overwhelming praise because... Well, Oppo rules!

 

Unlike certain products where you end up paying more for a brand name, a label or even solely for bragging rights, Oppo is different. Known for being one of the best performing Blu-ray manufacturers in the world, Oppo has set a precedent for delivering the highest quality available. From design and styling to functionality, reliability and lifespan there's not many who can confidently say they build machines that perform as good as an Oppo. So what is it - what's the big deal about Oppo Blu-ray Players and what makes them so special? How could they perform so well that they're worth 10 times more than a no-name player from Walgreens that you can pickup for $40?

 

Design. Dedication. Dignity

Well, to be honest, Oppo is known as one of the best simply because they are - and there's no arguing it. From concept to completion, these Blu-ray players have one intention - to deliver the absolute highest quality in all aspects.

 

From the rigid metal-chassis design that provides durability, protection, strength and balance to the high-end internal components, these things are built to work hard and do it flawlessly. Oppos uses Qdeo processor technology to visually outperform the competition time after time and has perfected the art of home theater. ESS Sabre digital-to-analog converters (DAC) as well as balanced and unbalanced dedicated stereo outputs, a toroidal linear power supply, and asynchronous USB DAC input boost the Oppo to an unparalleled level of audio quality.

 

It may all sound like techno-babble to you but here it goes, in laymen's terms: When you take the highest quality components available and use quality craftsmanship to combine them, you get a products that not only performs like no other but lasts longer than the others. With an Oppo, what you're going to get IS what you paid for - the clearest audio you can imagine, a picture so vibrant, crisp and vivid that you'll never want to own an inferior player again, and a build quality that has you wondering if this thing would survive a nuclear war. Seriously.

 

Check Them Out For Yourself

Are you sick of dropping $250 to unpack age a new player that has the weight of a loaf of bread? Sick of needing to wait seemingly forever for a disc to load? Tired of useless updates that seem to do nothing other than crash your machine or render certain features unusable? Sick of freezing screens, players that skip when the bass from your surround sound hits too hard? Sick of all these extra options that leave you feeling like you've been had since you don't really need them? So was everyone else who bought an Oppo. And now they'll probably never need to buy another Blu-ray Player in their lifetime.

 

But don't take our word for it. There are different models of Oppo players available to purchase from 220 Electronics and they're all region-free as well. This means they can play any Blu-ray or DVD from anywhere in the world, and they never require a video or voltage converter regardless of where in the world you're using it and no matter what kind of TV you couple it with. We don't want to keep you here too long. Check out our Region Free Oppo Blu-ray Players for yourself. Look at the options and check the specifications. Then do some research on your own. Check out the ratings and see what other Oppo owners are saying about the brand. If you're prepared, take the plunge. It'll be the last time you'll ever have to purchase a Blu-ray Player.

 

There's been a lot of brands who have jumped onto the DVD & Blu-ray market over the last 10 years, offering competitive pricing on cutting edge video technology for your home theater. From LG to Samsung and many lesser known brands, the market has been flooded with products boasting the best features available for your movie-viewing pleasure. With the long list of convenient new features and software being bundled into these next-generation players, many people overlook one of the more important factors in choosing a Blu-ray system - and that factor is quality.

 

Since the beginning of home audio, Pioneer has literally "pioneered" the industry with not only the newest advancements in technology, but with products of the highest quality. Today, nothing has changed and as electronics technology continues to move forward, Pioneer is tight there, doing what they do best. While Pioneeer offers a lineup of affordable Blu-ray Players that are loaded with features and available for very reasonable prices, they've also been working on something else - the Elite Series.

 

Elite Series Blu-ray Players are Pioneer's way of showing who lays down the law when it comes to construction, performance and overall product quality. Many of the newest brands are putting focus on smaller, lighter Blu-ray Players which often ends in owning a player that looks and feels somewhat "cheap". Pioneer has designed the Elite Series Blu-ray Players with a different idea - a sturdy, durable, long-lasting player that not only offers cutting-edge technology but a product that looks, feels and performs like something you're proud to own.

 

We currently stock the BDP-62FD Elite Series Blu-ray Player from Pioneer and best of all, it's region-free! The Region-Free Pioneer BDP-62FD is not available from Pioneer because it's been professionally modified to enhance usability. Not only does this player work anywhere in the world thanks to the worldwide voltage modification (110 - 240 volts), it also plays Blu-rays and DVDs from anywhere in the world regardless of region. You can take it anywhere and play anything on it - if that's not flexible, we're not sure what is. And better yet, it features internal PAL/NTSC conversion so it will work with any TV without the need for an external video converter. The Region-Free Pioneer Elite BDP-62FD is truly a plug-and-play device.

 

The region-free features alone make it indispensable, but surely it's the factory features that make it such an attractive player to begin with. Constructed with a heavy-duty chassis, the player is well balanced, sturdy and stronger than most in its class. The design is clean and chiseled featuring brushed aluminum faceplate, an attractive LED display and easy to use buttons. The frontal USB port makes it easy to view media from a flash drive without having to pull the paler out to access the rear - something we all can appreciate. But looks and convenience are only part of the equation, as the Region Free BDP62FD offers unparalleled performance that you'd be pressed to find from other popular players on the market.

 

This model is equipped with a Qdeo High-Quality processor that delivers fast & flawless video performance each and every time. It features 3D Playback, Triple High-Definition Noise Reduction and 36-bit Deep Color to provide a rich and lifelike image quality in the convenience of your own home. For those of you who care about quality, the Elite Series delivers. The difference in picture quality is noticeable and finely tuned to delve the best viewing experience available for all types of media and cinema from sports to kid's movies. And while Pioneer outdid themselves with the amazing video quality, let's not forget what Pioneer is known for - and that's audio. The audio quality is top of the line, even surpassing some players that are far more expensive than the BDP-62FD. Of course the HDMI delivers the best sound possible to your TV or home theater system, but it's the audio specs that make the difference. Featuring PQLS with HDMI, 192 kHz/24-bit Audio DAC, DTS-HD, Master Audio & Dolby TrueHD Decoders and a Sound Retriever Link, you can set the player up for flawless, lifelike audio to put you right into the action. It even has a digital coaxial output if you need it.

 

To believe it, you've got to see it yourself. View our Region Free Pioneer Elite Series BDP-62FD today and learn more about the player, it's specifications and pricing. We offer the best prices anywhere and will beat anyone's price, anywhere in the world, guaranteed.