When we moved to the USA, we had a shock. In the UK, multi-region DVD players are common, with cheap models retailing for the equivalent of $50 or less in every supermarket. Add to that the fact that 90% of TVs will play NTSC signals, as used in the USA and Asia, and playing discs from other countries is as easy as can be. Over here, most TVs will only display NTSC, and not the PAL signals used in Europe. Also, the vendors have severely locked down DVD players by region, so American consumers can't play foreign DVDs.

Well, I brought with me a collection of 150 DVDs from the UK, Europe, Hong Kong, China and Japan. I refuse to buy them again, since in many cases I picked the best version available. Even if I did plan to re-purchase them, many are simply not available in an American, Region 1 disc.

Although players are available on the cheap in the UK, I spent a little extra on a Pioneer player in 2003, which is still in use by a family member now. It had a great... Read more

Bought this after hunting around for a DVD player and getting thoroughly confused by the different options available. My requirements were as follows:
1) I wanted a Multi region player since I have discs from India and the US and I also make my own at home.
2) I wanted a USB input on the player and preferably the ability to play DivX files
3) I wanted to have the option to use HDMI at a later stage when I purchase a HDTV

I rejected all the Philips DVP series players because of poor reviews I found in other brand reviews (like for other Pioneer players). Many of them said those didnt last long. I am not fond of SONY because SONY has the reputation of being very selective about what it plays and is very fussy when it comes to slightly damaged discs.

I chose this because most Pioneer players had wonderful (if fewer) reviews and I decided to try it out. It arrived fast and it works great. I have used the standard component cables to connect it to my... Read more

When I began to look for a multi-regional player I read the review from Skinny Guy and got hooked. My wife and daughter love to watch Bollywood, German, and videos from the UK. I had purchased a rather complicated system for them to do so about 5 years ago which also played their VHS from other regions. It drove my wife bonkers trying to constantly switch from one device to the other and she finally would only watch those movies when we were all present. We purchased our first HD TV earlier this year and this player with its up-scaling capabilities has made viewing everything in our library a true joy. Just insert any DVD and press play. The instructions state that you can only play in your area but they are incorrect. If you really want to watch everything from anywhere in the world, then buy this unit!!