Tagged with '4k blu-ray'

10 Best Region Free Blu-ray players for 2020-2021 - Multi Region Blu-ray

"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.

Best Region Free 4K Blu-ray Players of 2020

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

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

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

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

 

Our Top Picks

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

  1. Sony UBP-X700 Region Free

    Sony’s UBP-X700 is the best region free 4K UHD players for many people In a small footprint, it packs cutting edge video and audio features. These include Dolby Vision, HDR10, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X. It will deliver excellent sound and video for most mid to high end residential home cinema’s. All the features packed with a very attractive price makes this our Favorite multi region 4K Blu-ray player at a fair price. If you own a Sony TV as well, that only adds icing to the cake as this player has unique features when used with Sony televisions.
  2. LG UBK90 region free

    LG’s UBK90 region free Blu-ray player is not far behind Sony. In fact, some would say it’s even better. If you’re an owner of a LG OLED or other LG 4K TV then this will probably quickly move to your your Number 1 pick for a UHD region free 4K Blu-ray player. It boasts HDR10, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos. It also features 4K Streaming of Netflix, YouTube, and other streaming services. It’s really a toss-up between these 2 players when it comes to excellent players at attractive prices.


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


Other Great 4K Blu-ray Player Choices

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

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

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

Benefitting from 4K Without a Full 4K Setup

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"]Courtesy of red.com. Figure A: 1080p - Zoomed in 200%.[/caption]

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

[caption id="attachment_1577" align="aligncenter" width="300"]Image courtesy of red.com. 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"]Comparison between downsampled 4K and standard 1080p. 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 and 4K Streaming. 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:

Blu-ray Players

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!

Sony UBP-X1100ES Region Free 4K/UHD Blu-ray Player

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.

Region Free 4K Blu-ray Players

region free 4k blu-ray playersIt's been awhile since 4k technology was first introduced on the market, but it wasn't until last year that the major brands began releasing their 4k Ultra-HD Blu-ray Players. As soon as they hit the shelves, specialty retailers began selling modified, region-free versions of these popular 4k Blu-ray machines to a specialized market of travelers, movie fans and anyone looking for a universally compatible movie experience.

 

Region Free 4k - What's the Difference?

It might not be obvious, but Blu-ray Players are actually quite limited in how they can be used. Manufacturers produce these players to be used in the country or region where they're sold, and not much more. A North American Blu-ray player can only play North American discs, operate at 110 - 120 volts, and only be used with a North American TV. If you're living in North America, there's really no problem. However, if you travel with your player or want to purchase foreign discs online, you're going to have problems.

 

Region Free 4k Blu-ray Players are the exact same players sold in major department stores, but they have the added benefit of global compatibility. These units are professionally modified to work with any voltage (110 - 240 volts), with any TV (whether PAL, SECAM or NTSC), and with discs from any region of the world (DVD regions 0-8 and Blu-ray regions A, B, and C) without hassle. It's a plug & play solution for using your player anywhere in the world to play any disc without using expensive converters and having a mess of extra cables.

 

You can choose from the same popular brands and models sold by major retailers - the only difference is that the Region Free unit is a more capable player.

 

Where to Buy a Region Free 4k Blu-ray Player

Again, we must note that Region Free 4k Blu-ray Players are not available at major retailers, and they can only be purchased from specialty stores. There is a lot of confusion as people see region free models advertised online and then expect that all players of that model are region free. You should not buy a player unless it's specifically advertised as being region-free, and sold by a retailer who performs these modifications to 4k Blu-ray Players.

 

With over 35 years of experience in selling international electronics and appliances, we are specialists in Region Free 4k Blu-ray Players. We stock a huge inventory of region-free players from the top brands, including high-end models from the finer names like Oppo, Denon and Pioneer. All of our players have been modified professionally and come with a warranty. They are easy to use, reliable, and can be used anywhere in the world, with any voltage, and nearly any TV. We ship anywhere in the world and best of all, we guarantee the lowest prices. Check out all of our Region Free 4k Players here and shop from the comfort of your own home.

 
 
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