Multi-regional DVD players
 

Can anyone tell me whether it is possible to buy multi-regional DVD and CD players in Canada, or do you have to start your collection again? Also will my computer work in Canada? Any help gratefully received.

Re: Multi-regional DVD players
 

Yes you can, many players can be hacked, rumour has it the $30 Nova player is one of them. Biggest problem isnt the region code, its the PAL format. PAL is largely ignored here, so PAL/NTSC equipment is usually high end $$$.

What you need is a multi region DCD player that can convert PAL disks to NTSC output, sure some recent newcomers will have some model numbers to hand. Failing that you need a new TV that will handle the PAL input from the DVD player, but that is going to be expensive as there is nit much dual format demand here.

I have converted DVDs on my PC from NTSC to PAL, so its almost certainly possible to do the other way, if an inconvenience.

Many people bring there old PAL format TV / DVD with them and run it off a 110 to 240V transformer so they can watch there old tapes and disks. Transformers are relatively cheap and there are many threads about that here.

CD is not regionalised, so its not an issue.

PC will be no problem, they nearly all have 110/240V power supplies, so its as easy as flicking the switch on the back of the box.

Re: Multi-regional DVD players
 

I am not an expert at all, but I thought that it would be ok to use your DVD's on a multi region player.

We have an NTSC/PAL video player in the UK, and irrespective of what TV you have, it will play the video on to your TV. Therefore if you have a multi region DVD player, does not the same apply to the DVD, ie it can play on either TV.

Cheers

Peterb

Re: Multi-regional DVD players
 

When I was in Vancouver in June, I was searching round (researching) multiregion dvd players. London drug company only had one in (some obscure brand) but Radio Shack in the Pacific centre had a Samsung one that was around £40 - £50 (can't remember what the model was). From this, there are few about, you just have to look for them.

Hope this helps a bit.

Re: Multi-regional DVD players
 

Multi-region is a licensing issue for DVD players ... they carved up the world many years ago into regions ... doesn't refer to NTSC/PAL TV formats.

Re: Multi-regional DVD players
 

The DVD will send the signal to the TV in the format it was recorded be that NTSC or PAL/SECAM

A lot of the better European TV's will sense NTSC on some video inputs and correct for it..

Unfortunately virtually no standard North American TV's will sense for PAL

In essence the DVD will play , but the picture will be in black and white if your lucky..

That is why I bought my UK TV over with me… I’ve got the best of both..

Re: Multi-regional DVD players
 

So you therefore need a transformer as well, I've heard all sorts about those and thought they weren't any good. Can you run your TV off a transformer, and what effect does it have?

Re: Multi-regional DVD players
 

About a year ago while still living in the UK I purchased off of Amazon the cheapest DVD player I could find.(£30) It was made in China with some obscure brand name of "Yamada" and it's model number was DVD 200. It's multi-region with both NTSC and PAL outputs and on the back says "100-240 volts". So I bought a plug convertor from Radio Shack and it seems to work perfectly here. The only snag was I had to change the output from PAL to NTSC via a menu and of course I couldn't see the menu once I connected it to the TV here in Canada. Fortunately I brought with me a small black and white PAL TV that I was able to use to change the menu with.

Re: Multi-regional DVD players
 

You need a big enough transformer to cope with the surge when the set is first switched on. We run TV's quite happily on 750W transformers.

I'm glad we brought our electrics over. We would have kept more things if we had known it would be ok on the transformers.

Re: Multi-regional DVD players
 

My hobby is/was electronics so I built a hybrid powersupply, 110v 60hz in 240v 50hz out.

For what its worth I run my UK kettle (3000watt) as well as my Dyson over here...just tap into the 220v circuits..

Re: Multi-regional DVD players
 

One more thing, you say you would have brought more items over, such as what? We have all our electric household items at the moment, but assumed from what we have been told that we would have to try and sell all of them. We have all the usual stuff, ie washing machine, tumble drier, hi-fi, tv et al, so what could we realistically bring with us. Bearing in mind I am an electrical idiot, and rewiring a plug is about as far as it goes!

Thanks

Peterb

Re: Multi-regional DVD players
 

What are the insurance implications of running UK devices here??? Transformers etc are probably OK, as long as they are UL listed, but if you are jerry rigging the 220V main line hydro that comes into the house* to run your own wiring for washers, dryers, power tools etc, isnt there a really big danger that your insurance will have grounds not to pay out in the event of a fire??? Not worth the risk IMO. Hard enough to get those buggers to pay up without giving them a ready made excuse!

Some items using motors or internal clocks may not function correctly on the different 60Hz AC frequency, but I've never seen a comprehensive list. FWIW it always struck me as more trouble than it was worth to bring major appliances over.


*this supply then split into two 110V circuitsfor household supply

Re: Multi-regional DVD players
 

If you have a multiregion DVD player and/or Pal/NTSC TV you're happy with do check the back of them - we've been surprised to discover that ours are dual voltage (a Wharfedale cheapo from Tesco, and a Toshiba) and so will be bringing them with us.

Re: Multi-regional DVD players
 

The wife had a lot of kitchen 'gadgets' we would have brought. Breadmaker, the george foreman grilling thing food processor, just that sort of stuff.

Re: Multi-regional DVD players
 

I would recommend that you install proper 220v sockets where you intend to use 220v devices, I believe inspection run around $70 from Hydro One if you plan installing the wires your self or you can get an approved electrician to install it… (probably the best route) then you put the correct plug on the appliance.. IMHO not worth it for white goods, as most house here come with then in th deal.. but power tools etc in a garage.. ideal and for the kitchen nearly all the kitchen sockets already have 220v in them its just a case of changing the sockets.(if you know what your doing)