While many people have long known about the manufacturing practice of "region coding" (as well as the challenges that come along with foreign disc playback), there are still a majority of people who know little to nothing about it, or who are simply new to the whole idea. Upon performing a bit of research about region codes, they'll most likely stumble across some websites providing codes and software hacks for Blu-ray and DVD players which claim to give an ordinary player the ability to play discs from other regions (foreign-coded discs). While this is somewhat true, and while a good majority of those hacks will in fact work to some extent, they're still simply not much more than that; "hacks".

 

Although it's a common misconception that there's little difference between an "overpriced" region-free player and the "hacks" that can be entered to allow region-free disc playback, this actually couldn't be further from the truth. To clarify this confusion, we've provided some pros and cons, as well as some explanation of the differences between a true region-free player and region code software hacks.

 

Region-Free, or No too Region-Free

One of the biggest reasons that region-free players are preferred over software hacks is the fact that a real region-free player has been professionally modified. The internal hardware of the player has been altered to change how the system itself actually reads and interprets the discs. There is no forcing or tricking the player, and no "new codes" involved. The player has been modified and will continue to remain modified.

 

In many instances, the software hacks or "codes" that can be entered will work. However, there's just as many instances where they'll fail. The codes are often inconsistent, ever-changing and can vary from region to region or sometimes even from disc to disc, depending. It can be a major hassle, not to mention the time you'll spend scouring the internet for the newest codes and then trying to implement them. But aside from avoiding the endless annoyance of the software hacks and codes, there's still many more legitimate reasons that a professionally modified player is more beneficial.

 

The Cons of Software Hacks

• Most players have a specific, set number of times that they can be "hacked" or switched to another region. After that, the ability to switch regions will lock up, rendering the player useful only for whichever region it's been locked into. It's a very common occurrence for this to happen, and with no warning or chance to switch back to your native or default region setting.

• A good majority of the time, the "hack" you found online will not work after a software update. If you have no control over when your player updates, you could be stuck waiting for someone to post the new hack codes on a forum. Not only is this an inconvenience, but if your player updates while you're using another region setting, there's no telling if you'll ever find a code to change it back.

• Once a player has been hacked, the manufacturer warranty is null and void in most instances. Even if it's due to something other than region hacking, there is a good possibility that you could be left without a replacement or that you might be charged for repair instead of receiving a replacement.

 

The Pros of Hardware Modified Players

• Hardware modified players, when properly modified, will continue to work for the life of the player.

• Since a warranty on the region-free modification is generally provided by the company who performed the mod, there is no worry about the player being rejected by a manufacturer due to the modification.

• While some of the cheaper modifications have been know to fail to work after firmware updates, high-quality mods will continue to work, even after the updates. This means you can connect to the internet or wireless network without worrying about how updates will affect the player's functionality - something you can't always do with a hacked player.

 

When you spend your hard-earned money on a Blu-ray player, there is no reason to risk your investment just to play discs from another region. Why take chances with codes and software hacks when this is what region-free players are specifically meant for? If you're serious about watching movies from other regions, you need an efficient, secure and reliable way to watch foreign discs without risking the quality and functionality of your Blu-ray Player - with a hardware modified region-free player, that's what you get.

 

The Added Bonuses

Aside from the ability to play discs from various regions, region free players almost ALWAYS come with other added benefits. The most popular advantage is the addition of worldwide voltage capability and built-in PAL/NTSC conversion.

 

The worldwide voltage allows the player to operate at any voltage (110v-240v) which means it can be used literally in any country in the world. Just flip a switch on the back, depending which voltage you need to use it at. This feature is perfect for those who travel or live abroad.

 

The built-in PAL/NTSC conversion is another huge bonus for two reasons: Some foreign discs are in PAL format which will not work on an NTSC TV unless you use a video converter, and if you use the player in a foreign country, they might use PAL TV's and now your NTSC discs will not play. The built-in converter eliminates the need for a external converter, period.

More importantly, the combination of all the modifications is what counts. They go hand-in-hand, because a region-free player with worldwide voltage and built-in video converter ensures that you can play a disc from anywhere in the world, while you're in any location around the world, and from any TV. You cannot get that from a software hack.

 

The Overlooked Benefits of Region-Free DVD Recorders

Remember the days when you used to record your favorite TV shows or movies from your TV using your VHS recorder? At that time, it seemed like the greatest technology in the world. All you had to do was pop in a blank tape, wait for the show to begin and press record. Some VCR's even had the option to set a timer so you could record shows when you weren't even home. Your movie collection consisted of a stack of VHS tapes with handwritten labels that you could watch at any given time. But times have changed since then, and nowadays we're in the middle of a digital technology revolution where every few months there's better, faster, more appealing technology being developed. In turn, it's released at such a fast pace that it can truly hard to keep up with.

 

Thanks to the widespread activity of the internet, we can find pretty much anything and everything we'd want to watch - and for free. Also, with the invention of TiVo and similar devices it's easier than ever to keep a digital library of movies and shows. However, these technologies have their downsides.

 

First off, the internet requires that you have a connection, otherwise you won't be watching anything online. While that's typically no big deal, it's less convenient than watching something on your TV. Even if you connect your computer to the TV, you're still either watching it streaming (which can take time to load) or you're downloading it from somewhere, which means valuable space is being taken up on your hard drive. Additionally, depending where you get the downloads from could also cause you to have problems with your internet service provider due to the introduction of rather strict new copyright legislation.

 

Secondly, the digital recording options of TiVo and similar devices allow you to store recordings but they're only digital copies. They have space limitations and the services usually require a contract - not to mention the fees for usage. While these options seem convenient and actually ARE convenient for the general purpose of recording something for later use, they only provide so much flexibility. In the end, you still don't have an actual physical copy.

 

Enter The DVD Recorder

The DVD recorder offers much better recording power than the internet or TiVo, and for more reasons than one. While it may not sound like cutting edge technology, the DVD recorder has plenty of benefits that go overlooked or ignored.

 

Since you're only recording what's on your TV screen, The DVD recorder works independently of your PC or cable box giving it a few advantages over the other options. Sure, you can simply record a show or movie that's on TV, but why would you want that? Especially considering that you'll be recording a bunch of commercials. Instead, consider the fact that your cable provider probably has an 'on-demand' service included with your cable. Depending on your cable provider (and their terms and agreements) you could have hundreds or even thousands of movies, shows, and television series that are commercial free and available right at your fingertips. Play it on your laptop, in the mini-van for the kids, or even take it along with you while traveling if you have a portable DVD player. Ass an added benefit, most models are able to record onto dual-layer discs which are perfect for recording TV series or movies with sequels.

 

Region Free Recording

Here's another great benefit to the DVD recorder; they record discs as region-free! That means they'll play on any player, anywhere in the world. If you've got a friend or relative overseas who'd like to see your latest family movie or maybe just a movie that's not available in their location, chances are that a copy made with your computer won't work on their player. Your computer's dics-burning software encodes it to be playable only on electronics that are native to your region. The region free DVD recorder, however, totally eliminates this problem. You should be warned though that depending on the model it may not record in PAL format, so be certain to check with the seller before making a purchase.

 

Region Free Playback

Don't forget that the region-free DVD recorder is not ONLY a recorder - it's also a region free DVD player and can play discs from any region around the world. If you're in the market for a DVD player and want that old-school ability to record directly from your TV, consider purchasing a region-free DVD recorder. It'll give you a nostalgic feeling of creating your own copy of a movie, except for this time around you have a plethora of sources to record from instead of the limited selection of what's being broadcast on TV.

 

For more information on region-free DVD recorders or to browse some of these player to get more information and view technical details, visit our Region-Free DVD Recorders section.

 

Voltage Converters for Thailand

While Thailand is a popular country for many North American tourists, as well as a popular place to relocate for business, there are many differences, both cultural and economical, between this beautiful country and the western world.

 

One thing that might not come into consideration for most travelers is the 220 volt standard electrical system. In North America, the standard voltage is 110 volts, and this is the voltage that nearly all of our electronics and appliances are designed for. In Thailand, the 220 volt standard is a much higher voltage than our electronics can properly handle and any attempt to use 110 volt products with the Thai electrical system can result in damaged electronics, the risk of electrical shock and even fire.

 

To properly protect your sensitive and expensive electronics, as well as yourself, you'll need to utilize what's known as a voltage converter, or voltage transformer. A voltage converter is a device that is designed to change the voltage to the proper operating level of your electronics. In the example of using North American electronics in Thailand, a Step-Down voltage converter will be needed, as it will reduce, or "step-down" the voltage from 220 volts to 110 volts.

 

A step-down voltage converter is generally inexpensive and well worth the investment to ensure the safe and proper use of your electronic devices. Converters are easy to use, and work by simply plugging directly into the wall outlet. The converter simply processes and reduces the voltage internally, and then delivers power directly to your electronics via its own built-in outlets which your devices plug right into.

 

The kind of electronics you are going to use in Thailand are what will determine the type of voltage converter you need. There are many different sizes of voltage converters and they are rated by wattage, or the number of watts. If you're using a low wattage device, you'll be able to get by with a smaller converter, but you'll need a higher wattage model if you plan to use electronics that require a higher number of watts to operate. More information on voltage converters for Thailand can be found in our voltage converter buying guide. Keep in mind that as a safety measure, it's highly recommended to purchase a model that's rated for a wattage approximately 3 times higher than the devices you'll be using.

 

Educating yourself about the different voltages between countries, especially before embarking on a trip or relocation can save you precious time and money. The last thing you want to experience is a broken laptop on a business trip, or an electric razor that's started a fire in your hotel room. Not only are these situations a major inconvenience, they can also completely ruin your trip depending on the circumstances.

 

At 220-Electronics, we have a wide range of voltage converters for Thailand, ranging from simple travel converters to high-powered converters rated at 15,000 watts. With over 30 years of experience in the international electronics industry we hold the knowledge and product inventory to ensure you have safe travels each and every time, regardless of your destination. Visit our website at www.220-Electronics.com for more information and to browse our complete selection of voltage converters. If you still have questions or concerns, of expert staff will be glad to assist you in making the correct purchase for your needs. We look forward to hearing from you, and we hope you enjoy your trip to Thailand!

So you've purchased your Region-free Blu-ray Player, now what? You have quite a few viewing options at your disposal, depending on the reason you've purchased the player. Generally speaking, most people fall into one of the following categories.

 

1. Those looking to play discs from a specific single region other than their own.

2. Movie lovers who have seen titles available in other regions and want to be able to purchase and watch those titles in their own home.

3. Those who already own discs from another region and wanted to be able to watch them.

 

Whatever your reason may be, it's highly probable that you've already found a source for purchasing movies from other regions. However, there are a few very good retailers out there who you may have not heard of. While there are plenty of overseas websites where you can buy Blu-ray and DVD discs coded for a specific region, most of them don't offer discs from all regions. In other words, there are only a handful of decent websites catering to people who want to browse discs from all regions of the world.

 

You can thank us later - Here is one of the best, most unique sites who offer hard-to-find Blu-ray and DVD discs from other regions. That is, assuming you're into horror, Kung-Fu, cult favorites and odd documentaries.

 

Who: www.DiabolikDVD.com

 

What they sell: DiabolikDVD specializes in "demented discs from around the world". They sell DVDs from all over the world including the UK, Russia, Hong Kong, Europe, Japan, Australia, etc. The inventory includes discs from both NTSC and PAL formats, DVD Regions 1-6, and Blu-Ray Discs.

 

These guys carry some really cool titles. If you're truly into movies and checkout their website, we guarantee you'll find a few things that you simply must have. While you probably won't find (actually, we guarantee you won't find) the latest release of Transformers or Sex and the City, you can rest assured that they'll have those rare movies that nobody else has. If they don't have it, they can get it for you; Just ask them.

 

Why buy from them: This small business keeps things simple, has an amazing inventory, phenomenal customer service, and as their website says "We care about you and we are active members of the film community." Not to mention the fair prices, speedy global shipping and an constantly changing inventory. Enough Said.

 

Go check these guys out right now and buy yourself a few DVD's or Blu-ray discs from other regions. Explore the world of cinema from the comfort of your own home, and hopefully, in HD with surround sound.

 

Over recent years, Samsung has captured an impressive share of the electronics market by combining cutting edge features, innovation, reliability and competitive prices. Combined with the fact that the technology offered by Samsung is on the leading edge of the industry, there's no question why consumers find the brand so favorable on all levels.

 

Samsung's 6000 Series TV's are no exception to this rule, so we've decided to provide a little insight and write a review on this impressive line of Smart Tv models. We'll focus on three specific sizes - the 50", 55" and 60" models.

 

First off, the 6000 Series are Smart TV's that are equipped with some truly amazing interactive abilities, either built-in or accessible via the Samsung App Store. Stream digital media, chat with friends (yes, chat right from your TV), connect with other devices in your home and even use your smartphone as a remote - the possibilities are seemingly endless.

 

The Samsung App Store alone is a masterpiece in the making, giving you direct access to premium apps that are designed specifically for your TV. Connect to your favorite media sources like Netflix and Hulu Plus, stay up to date with the latest interactive sports info from ESPN, or use social media accounts like Facebook and twitter. Better yet, the content of the app store is always expanding so you'll always be up to date with the coolest features.

 

The Smart TV experience doesn't stop with apps, either. Connectivity via Wi-Fi also lets you utilize DLNA networking so you can share movies, photos, music, videos and more with any other device in your home that has DLNA capability. In a way, it's like your own little home media library. Want to watch a movie on the big screen that's downloaded to your laptop? Simple; DLNA networking lets you do this with ease, and most importantly, without wires. It's a really great feature, especially for homes with different devices. Between your Desktop, laptop, android or iPhone, and tablets, you can have a huge mess of media. Once you have everything setup, DLNA acts as a central hub for it all and provides seamless sharing across all devices.

 

While Smart TV is definitely a great selling point, that's not the prized feature of the Samsung 6000 series TV's. These models have a whole lot to brag about, so let's check it out.

 

Ultra Clear Panel - this feature virtually eliminates glares from sunlight during the day and interior lights at night. By actually absorbing ambient light, the Ultra Clear Panel can sustain a clear and visible image without viewing distractions. Additionally, this technology helps provide a deeper color display and increased image quality.

 

ConnectShare - If you don't want or need the whole DLNA experience, ConnectShare lets you view your favorite media via USB drive. There's no need for networking, just plug your USB stick into the port on the TV and use the menu to select and view whatever you have stored. It's easy and convenient, not to mention a neat way for the whole family to view photos or home videos on the big screen!

 

Wide Color Enhancer Plus - This feature helps to deliver the picture with the exact colors that were intended to be seen, without enhancements. No fancy adjustments, just the raw color as intended by the artist/director/producers.

 

Eco Sensor - This awesome feature detects the lighting in the vicinity of the TV and auto-adjusts the picture accordingly. If it's dinner time and all the lights are on, the picture gets brighter - if the lights are out and you're ready for a movie, the images dims down and adjusts to the perfect brightness for your home theater experience. It saves a bit of energy and gives you the best picture possible for all environments.

 

HDMI - Since the 6000 series features 4 HDMI ports, you can connect up to four compatible devices at once. Surround sound, a gaming system, and your Blu-ray player can all be connected to HDMI at the same time for example. Connect whatever you'd like and it's always ready to use in HD quality. Additionally, the Anynet+ feature lets you condense all of the remote controls from your HDMI-connected devices into one.

 

It's truly enough to make you never want to leave your TV. While the Samsung 6000 TV's have some really great special features, they're still jam-packed with all the little conveniences you're hoping for. It's the little things that count, and Samsung definitely didn't cut the 6000 series TV short.

 

All 6000 Series Models come with the following options:

 

- 1920x1080 Native Resolution

- Full HD 1080p Resolution

- 5,000,000 to 1 contrast ratio

- Clear Motion rate of 240

- SRS theater Sound

- Dual audio channels

- Down firing + full range speakers

- Wi-Fi capability (with LinkStick)

- Smart Hub

- BD Wise

- Closed Captioning

- Game Mode

- Auto Power-Off

- Auto Volume Leveler

- Clock and Sleep/Wake timers

- 4 HMDI inputs

- 1 rear component input

- 2 composite inputs

- 1 PC input (15 pin)

- 1 Audio Mini-Jack input

- Ethernet Port

- 3 USB ports

- 1 Optical Digital Audio output

- 1 DVI Audio input

 

On top of the high-end home theater performance offered by the 6000 series lineup, these are also Multi-System TV's. If you're unfamiliar with Multi-System TV's, they work in any area of the world, with any voltage (110 volts or 220 volts) and any color format (PAL, NTSC, Secam) without the need for a converter. You can literally take these TV's anywhere in the world without worrying about compatibility or functionality.

 

All in all, the Samsung 6000 LED Smart TV's are an excellent choice for your home theater. They provide an extremely powerful and flexible experience that delivers the finest in modern television technology. For a closer look at all the sizes and options of this Multi-system Samsung TV, visit our website at www.220-Electronics.com where we have over 30 years of experience as international electronics specialists.

When it comes to Blu-ray players there's a seemingly unlimited amount of models to choose from, many with their own unique and impressive features that offer cutting-edge technology for your home theater. But how do you decide what Blu-ray player is best for your needs? Research. Read reviews, compare prices and options, then decide which features you can or cannot live without. Depending on the brand, the technology and the features, the difference in pricing can be drastic from model to model.

 

Today, we're going to review a very economical and relatively inexpensive Blu-ray player that's not only affordable, but highly functional. It's the Region Free LG BP220 - and it offers a big bang for your buck.

 

LG has a reputation for offering next-level technology that's reliable and highly usable. Considering this, the LG BP220 Blu-ray player has hit its mark perfectly by providing just the right combination of attractive options, flexibility and ease of use. As a player that falls into the "less than $150" category, we were very surprised with the overall quality as well as the capabilities it offers.

 

We'll begin with the fact that the BP220 offers the LG Smart TV experience. Using a simple and clean user interface you can connect to a variety of apps, movies and streaming media including YouTube, Netflix, Hulu PLUS, Pandora and more. Some services are free while others are paid, but regardless, you'll have endless audio and visual entertainment right at your fingertips. Setup is easy and although the model doesn't have Wi-Fi, a wired connection works flawlessly and gives you access to all your favorite services including the LG app store. It also has DMP, or DLNA capability, meaning you can connect and share media with other devices in your home.

 

In the Audio/Video area, we felt that the BP220 did quite well, often exceeding our expectations of quality. The player uses full HD 1080P playback, plus 1080P up-scaling which dramatically increases the picture quality of non-HD DVD discs. Blu-ray playback and quality was wonderful and it's truly hard (if not impossible) to differentiate from that of a much more expensive device. We used it in combination with a 55-inch LG smart TV and it performed very well, serving up a crisp image with deep colors and great detail.

 

Of all the discs we threw at it, it didn't fail to play one. It literally plays everything including DVD-R, DTS-CD and CD-R's. It also fully supports the most popular video formats such as MPEG2, MPEG4, MKV, AVCHD, M4V, 3GP, FLV, VOB and more. HDMI 1.4 and a video enhancement feature lends additional options, making the movie experience even more enjoyable.

 

As far as audio, we found no reason to say that the LG BP200 falls short. It comes equipped to support Dolby Digital(Plus), Dobly True HD and DTS 2.0 digital output. It features dynamic range control for configuring surround sound to your exact preferences while providing a theater-like experience in the convenience of your own home. Although this player might not feature the highly advanced audio options desired by the expert home audio buff, it is more than capable of high-performance sound delivery.

 

The BP220 also has the following input/output features:

 

• - Composite video out
• - HDMI out
• - Audio L/R out
• - Digital Audio Out
• - USB 2.0
• - LAN

 

Seeing as the model we tested was a region free player, it has advanced capability and convenience that come included for the price, making it a truly unbeatable deal.

 

The region free LG BP220 has worldwide voltage capability that allows it to work with a 110 volt or 220 volt power supply. This means you can use it anywhere in the world without the need for a voltage converter, making it ideal for those who travel abroad or have more than one home. Additionally, the region free playback feature lets you watch Blu-ray discs and DVD's from anywhere in the world without having to worry about region codes. It's perfect for people who buy movies when traveling or those interested in watching foreign films without complication. If that's not enough, it uses built-in PAL/NTSC conversion to ensure compatibility with any TV regardless of the color format. This region free player can be used to play any disc, on any TV, from anywhere in the world - we truly cannot express the coolness of these features; they genuinely make it a universal Blu-ray player.

 

overall, we've found nothing we didn't like about the BP220. It's stylish, smooth, highly functional and delivers a professional quality viewing experience for an amazing value. The added bonus of region free options really do make it an unbeatable deal and there's no arguing over that. LG has done very well with the BP220 Blu-ray player and in our expert opinion, the spot it has earned in homes around the globe is very well deserved.

 

Visit www.220-electronics.com for more detailed information on the region free LG BP220 Blu-ray Player. 220-electronics has over 30 years of experience in international electronics service and sales and offers a huge inventory of 110 - 220 volt electronics and appliances.

 

Are you thinking of relocating or traveling to Australia? If you answered yes, you've probably done quite a bit of research on the subject. You might be relocating for business, or simply taking an extended vacation to experience the "Land of Oz". While Australia offers quite an amazing experience, there's a rather important factor you may be overlooking - traveling with electronics.

 

If you plan to relocate, stay for an extended period of time or even take a short vacation, chances are that you'll be traveling with some sort of electronic devices. From an electric razor or hair dryer to a laptop or digital camera, it's nearly impossible to leave home and travel with out bringing along items that require electricity. Herein lies the problem.

 

In Australia, the standard electrical voltage is different from North America. In Australia, electricity is delivered at 220 volts, meaning 220 volts is what comes out of a wall socket or outlet. In North America, electricity is delivered at 110 volts. This causes complications and unexpected inconveniences for travelers who bring electronics along and are not prepared for this change.

 

When you purchase electronics, voltage is never a concern. This is because electronics are manufactured to operate at the voltage of the country or region on which they are sold. For example, electronics sold in North America are designed to run on a 110 volt electrical standard, while electronics sold in Australia are designed to run on a 220 volt standard. The devices are only intended to function with that specific voltage. In other words, you cannot just take your US purchased laptop to Australia and plug it into an outlet to charge - the result could be anything from an immediately ruined laptop to electrical shock or fire.

 

If this is all news to you, don't worry there's no need for alarm. Thankfully, there are solutions to using electronics overseas, with one of the most convenient being voltage converters. Using a voltage converter for Australia will let you to travel with any and all the electronics you need to be comfortable and productive on your trip.

 

A voltage converter is a device that plugs into an electrical outlet and alters the voltage, allowing you power your electronics the same way you would at home. They are safe, relatively inexpensive and very easy to use. The converter itself plugs right into the wall like any other electronic. The required voltage converters for Australia are called a "step-down" converter. By design, it steps the voltage down from 220 volts to 110 volts. On the front of the converter there are outlets for your devices to plug into, which (thanks to the voltage converter) have an output of 110 volts - the same output required to use your electronics properly, safely and without the risk of damage. It's a very simple and convenient way to use your foreign electronics overseas.

 

However, there is another factor to using voltage converters and it depends what you're traveling with - wattage. All electrical devices and equipment draw electricity, which is measured in watts. A cell phone charger, clock radio or an electric razor all use a rather low wattage of less than 100 watts. On the other hand, a hair dryer, curling iron or electric blanket draw a much higher wattage - some up to 1,200 watts. If you fail to purchase a converter with a sufficient wattage, you revisit the risk of fire, electrical shock or damage to your devices. To prevent that scenario, it's important to identify the number of watts you'll be using.

 

Anything that's electric will have a tag on the cord or a label on itself that states the wattage. For example, a hair dryer purchased in North America may have a label reading 110V, 720 watts. The label is telling you that the product was manufactured to operate at 110 volts, and draws 720 watts. Since you'll be using a converter, the 110V mentioned is not important. The fact that is uses 720 watts is quite important however, because with anything less it will not operate.

 

When purchasing a voltage converter for Australia, it's also very important to use the general rule that the wattage of your converter should be 2 to 3 times higher than whatever you'll be using. Certain electronics require a surge of power to start up, or might use a higher wattage if they're on a higher setting. Because of this, it's important that you have a higher voltage than recommended on the label to ensure there is absolutely zero chance of damage or failure of your electronics. Additionally, the extra voltage allows some flexibility should you need to use a secondary device at the same time.

 

Ideally, you're going to want to check the electronics you plan to travel with and make a quick, short list of their wattage. If you're bringing a 1,100 watt hair dryer, a 80 watt electric razor, a 190 watt laptop and 650 watt curling iron, you have a total of 2,220 watts. If you planned to use them all in unison you'd need (at least) a 2,500 watt voltage converter - and although it's unlikely you'd use them all at the same time, 2,500 watts is just over double the number of watts used by the hair dryer alone. It's always better to be safe than sorry when determining the wattage of the converter you're going to purchase.

 

Please keep in mind that while the voltage is different in other countries, often times so are the outlets themselves. There's a whole slough of different types of electrical sockets around the world. If your voltage converter doesn't come with foreign plug adapters than you'll need to purchase one of those as well, which can be picked up relatively cheap; usually less than $5.

 

Now that you've learned about traveling to foreign countries with electronics all you need to do is figure out your wattage and buy a voltage converter for Australia. At 220-electronics, we sell a wide range of voltage converters for use in all foreign countries. We are specialists in international relocation and have over 30 years of experience. Visit our website at www.220-Electronics.com to browse and buy from our complete inventory of voltage converters.

Being an electronics business based in North America, we understand that many people travel to Europe for business and vacation. Alternatively, many people permanently relocate to Europe. Regardless of the reason, anyone who's traveling or moving with electronics should understand that Europe's electricity operates at a standard voltage of 220 volts. Alternatively, the North American system operates at a standard 110 volts. This means that you won't be able bring and operate your electronic devices overseas by simply plugging them in. You're going to either need to buy new electronics when you arrive overseas, or purchase a voltage converter.

 

Since the voltage difference is such a common problem with those who travel or relocate, we've decided created an article about voltage converters for Europe. It's a cheaper and easier option than purchasing new electronics for overseas use. The following information will teach you everything you need to know about visiting or relocating to Europe with your electronics.

 

To begin with, it's common practice that electronics are manufactured to operate only at the voltage of the country in which they are sold. Since Europe uses a standard electrical delivery of 220 volts, people traveling from North America will find that their locally purchased electronics are not suited for use with the European electrical system overseas. The 220 volts encountered in Europe is too high, and can ruin your expensive electronics the second you plug them in. Sometimes this can even result in personal injury or a fire.

 

Fortunately, voltage converters offer an effective and economical solution to using electronics overseas. There are many different types of voltage converters but for the purpose of this article we're going to focus on voltage converters for Europe. These are called Step-down converters. A Step-down converter is used to lower (hence the term 'step-down') the electrical voltage from 220 volts to 110 volts. Step-down converters work by plugging directly into the foreign outlet/socket. The voltage converter's internal parts step the electricity down to 110 volts and then deliver it to the electrical outlets/sockets that are on the converter. All you have to do is simply plug your 110 volt electronics into the converter and you can safely and efficiently power your 110 volt electronic devices. It's truly that simple. However, there's another factor you'll need to consider before actually purchasing a voltage converter; Wattage.

 

Voltage converters are available in a variety off wattages, from 100 watts up to 5, 10 and even 15 thousand watts. In order to choose which voltage converter you should purchase, you're going to need to know how many watts your electronics use. The wattage can easily be found on the manufacturers label that's affixed to the device. Surprisingly, some electronics use next to nothing in wattage when overs use easily over 1,000 watts at normal operating power. This makes it extremely important to have a good idea of what kind of wattage you'll be using. If you still need help in choosing the right converter, view our voltage converter buying guide for more in depth detail.

 

Once the wattage you'll be using is determined, you're going to need to round that wattage up by 2 to 3 times. This is a precautionary measure that prevents accidental failure or malfunction should the voltage converter not be able to deliver the draw that your electronics are using. Generally speaking, if you need to use around 1,000 watts of power then you should purchase a 2,500 to 3,000 watt voltage converter for Europe. This will ensure that you can have multiple devices plugged in and operating without running the risk of failure, fire, or electrical shock.

 

Now that you have a better understanding of traveling with electronics, you'll need to find a reputable retailer where you can purchase a converter. 220-Electronics carries a complete inventory of voltage converters for Europe. We are specialists in overseas electronics with over 30 years of experience and carry high quality products offered to you at low, discount prices. Visit us now at www.220-Electronics.com to find exactly what you need to enjoy your trip and your electronics.

 

Blu-ray new releases for this week of February 25, 2013

This week we have quite a few interesting titles being released on Blu-ray. From Barbie to Silent Hill 3D, there's a bit of something for everyone and we're guessing there's at least one title on this list that you'd like to own. No, this week isn't at exciting as last week, but hey - it's the end of the month, and a short month at that, so let's make due with what we've got. There are over 40 new releases on Blu-ray this week (which you can see in the list below) and while we'd love to do a write up on each, that'd be a bit excessive. We will however, mention a few of the ones that caught our eye.

 

On the 26th, the quirky and quite controversial Holy Motors will be released. Some say it defies explanation, others say it's utterly hilarious and inspiring. We say you should watch it and then make your own judgements. The film is actually very unique and bizarre, offering a nice change of pace from the typical and predictable movies that have came out as of late. It is most definitely a must see for any true fan of cinema.

 

Also being released on the 26th is 500 MPH Storm, brought to you by Indy Entertainment Studios. If you like thrillers and disaster films, this one should right up your alley. When a weather experiment goes bad, a rash of massive hurricanes tear through North America. Even worse, the hurricanes are about to merge together into a "hypercane" that threatens the whole continent and everyone living within. Kind of scary, but we can't think of a better way to watch this one than in the comfort of your home in high-quality Blu-ray HD.

 

For horror fans, this week offers up Silent Hill: Revelation 3D, Zombie Lake, Oasis of the Zombies, and the incredibly low-rated Girls against Boys. Nothing too exciting in the horror area aside from Silent Hill.

 

There's quite a few retro releases that might interest classic movie fans such as The Red Menace (1949), Monsieur Gangster (1963), She Devil (1957), The Diary of a Chambermaid (1946) and Strangers in the Night from 1944.

 

On the kid's list for the week it looks like we've got Barbie, Scooby-Doo's Mask of the Blue Faclon, and Africa. Yipee!

 

The complete list for this week is right here:

 

Blu-ray New Releases for this week of February 25th, 2013

• 500 MPH Storm (Not Rated)
• Africa (2013 - Not Rated)
• A New Life (1988 - Rated PG-13)
• A Simple Life (2011 - Rated PG)
• Barbie in the Pink Shoes
• Battle Girls Time Paradox: Complete Collection (2011 - Rated TV-14)
• Border Run (2012 - Rated R)
• Chasing Mavericks (2012 - Rated PG)
• Chronicle of a Summer (1961 - Not Rated)
• Company of Heroes (2012 - Rated R)
• Diary of a Chambermaid, The (1946 - Not Rated)
• Dukas: Ariane et Barbe-Bleue (2011)
• Eagles: Farewell Live From Melbourne (2005 - No Rating)
• Eye of the Storm, The (2011)
• Girls Against Boys (2012 - Rated R)
• Heaven's Lost Property the Movie: The Angeloid of Clockwork (2011 - Rated TV-MA)
• Holy Motors (2012 - Not Rated)
• Hudsucker Proxy, The (1994 - Rated PG)
• Joshua Tree (1993 - Rated R)
• Lady for a Night (1942 - Not Rated)
• Master, The (2012 - Rated R)
• Monsieur Gangster (1963 - Not Rated)
• Mozart: La Finta Giardiniera (2006 - Not Rated)
• Nisemonogatari
• Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds: International Magic Live at the O2 (Rated E)
• Oasis of the Zombies (1982 - Unrated)
• Pfitzner: Palestrina (2009)
• Plain Clothes (1988 - Rated PG-13)
• Raven That Refused to Sing
• Red Menace, The (1949 - Not Rated)
• Rossini: Adelaide Di Borgogna (2011 - Rated Exempt)
• Sansho the Bailiff (1954 - Not Rated)
• Scooby-Doo! Mask of the Blue Falcon (2013 - Not Rated)
• She Devil (1957 - Not Rated)
• Silent Hill: Revelation 3D (2012 - Rated R)
• Strangers in the Night (1944 - Not Rated)
• Verdi: Il Corsaro
• Verdi: La Battaglia di Legnano
• Verdi: Luisa Miller
• WWE: Royal Rumble 2013 (2013 - Not Rated)
• Zombie Lake (1981 - Not Rated)

 

And remember, this is a list for the USA so if you want to see the movies early and you're from another country, don't order them unless you have a region free blu-ray player. Enjoy your week and enjoy your movies!

 

It's a new week, and for all of you movie fanatics out there this means brand new Blu-ray releases! The month of February has a lot of new titles being released on Region A Blu-ray Disc and this week is a busy one! There are some great new films arriving specifically for your viewing pleasure, as well as some amazing classics we've all been waiting for - not to mention and a handful of rarities too! There's even a few TV Series which are up for release. If you've been slacking on your Blu-ray collection lately, this list should definitely motivate you to catch up.

 

If you're from outside of North America (region code A), this week's releases are going to be even better news for you since you'll have the chance to order the Blu-ray before most people have even seen the movie. That is, assuming that you own a Player that's capable of playing Region A Blu-ray Discs. If you're in regions B or C, we guess you'll just have to wait until later to see all the good stuff. Alternatively, you always have the option to buy a region-free Blu-ray DVD player and watch movies from any region in the world. The choice is yours, but regardless, the new releases aren't going to wait for you so you better figure it out. Anyways, from happy and sweet to gory, chopped meat - here are your releases for this week.

 

Brand New Blu-ray DVD releases for this week of February 19th, 2013

 

• American Girl: McKenna Shoots for the Stars (2012 - NR)
• Anna Karenina (2012 - Rated R)
• Argo (2012 - Rated R)
• Atlas Shrugged Part II (2012 - Rated PG-13)
• Baka and Test: OVA (2011 - Rated TV-14)
• Battlestar Galactica: Blood & Chrome (2012 - Unrated Version)
• Best in Show (2000 - Rated PG-13)
• The Dictator (2012 - Rated R)
• Don Giovanni (1979 - Unrated)
• Easter Parade (1948 - NR)
• Fun Size (2012 - PG-13)
• Game of Thrones: The Complete Second Season (2012 - TV-MA) Combo Pack
• Hats Off to Dr Seuss (1966-73 - NR)
• Highlander 2: Renegade Version (1991 - Rated R)
• Innocent Bystanders (1972 - Rated R)
• The Insider (1999 - Rated R)
• Irreconcilable Differences (1984 - Rated PG) Special Edition
• Julius Caesar (1970 - Rated G)
• Les Miserables (1958 - NR)

• Live Nude Girls (1995 - Rated R)
• The Monster Squad (1987 - Rated PG-13)
• Monsters, Inc 3D (2001 - Rated G) 5 disc Ultimate collectors Edition
• The Nest (1988 - NR)
• Night of the Demons 2 (1994 - Rated R)
• Nova: Ultimate Mars Challenge (2012 - NR)
• On the Waterfront (1954 - NR) Criterion Collection
• The Package
• Prison (1988 - Rated R) Collectors Edition
• The Running Man (1987 - Rated R)
• Seeds of Destruction (2011 - Rated PG-13)
• Sinister (2012 - Rated R)
• Special Forces (2011 - Rated R)
• Sushi Girl (2012 - Rated R)
• TerrorVision/The Video Dead (Rated R) Combo Pack
• That Cold Day in the Park (1969 - Rated R)
• The Terminator (1984 - Rated R) Remastered
• The Thief of Bagdhad (1924 - NR)
• Tiger & Bunny: Set 1 (2011 - TV-14)
• Top Gun (1986 - Rated PG) 3D Limited Edition
• Undefeated (2011 - Rated PG-13)

 

Enjoy, and don't forget to bookmark this page so you can get the list of new releases each and every week. If you're from outside of North America and would like to view Region A coded Blu-ray Discs, don't forget to purchase a multi-region Blu-ray DVD Player today.