DVD Zoning Question

[GregM]

Friends,

On a recent trip to Russia I purchased a number of DVD's of Russian movies. Mind you, these are fully legal, purchased at a real store. However, when I insert them into the ThinkPad, the default software says something about Zoning, and how I only get to see five DVD's from that zoning five times before it is set as default, and I can't switch it back. This means that after five DVD's, I can't see US movies on my computer anymore.

Now, I understand all the regulations and piracy precautions, but what is the way to get around this for someone who just wants to watch movies that he purchased around the world, and not worrying about zoning? Is there different software that is indifferent to this nonsense that is recommended?

Best,
Greg

[christopher_wolf]

Yup, there are various tools and packages that let you tweak the zoning on the drive firmware. There was a thread about this awhile ago here, a search should find it.

In addition, DVDRegion and CSSFree have been known to work well on the T4X Series.

[GregM]

Any help with the thread? I just did some searching and couldn't find it. Checked out DVD Region and CSS Free, and it sounds great, but perhaps there is an easier solution?

Thanks,
Greg

[bill bolton]

but perhaps there is an easier solution?

1. Don't buy DVDs from outside your "home" region!

2. Buy a stand alone "region free" DVD player to play your "foreign" DVDs

Other than that, there isn't a easier solution.

Cheers,

Bill

[GregM]

Ha! Well, thanks Bill. In other words, quit being cheap and follow the common solution? =)

Purchased DVD Region + CSS Free (http://www.dvdidle.com/dvd-region-free.htm), and it seems to seamlessly integrate with WinDVD. Everything is working just as before, minus the silly zoning restrictions. So far so good.

Many thanks for all the help, as always.

Best,
Greg

[Torque]

Use AnyDVD. Sorts out everything.

[christopher_wolf]

DVD-X appears to be a good solution too, but I see you have everything working as intended. Enjoy!