Is it worth getting a multi region dvd player?

Question

I live in England and have seen that several things that I want on dvd are region 1 only. I've seen multi region dvd players for only about £30 but will I need a different telly? And how can I be sure of getting the right stuff? I'd really apreciate some help, thanks.

Oh yeah and do you know anything about connecting it, is it the same as a normal player? I don't really know about electrical goods and I don't have tons of money so I really need your help, thankyou.

Answer 1

multi-region dvd player is worth it, beause of the choice.
Even some BBC programmes are only available in the US! eg Daniel Deronda and Vicar of Dibly box set.

The output should still be PAL, but most UK tvs in the last 10 years will recognise the North American NTSC anyway.
connection will be by SCART lead.
You need to check the number of SCART sockets on your TV. If there are none free, eg used by video, set-top decoder etc, you will need a mutli-socket adapter, these can either manually switch or automatically detect when one device starts playing, but this ccan confuse things if one starts up while watching another.

Why did they make regions?
the HD DVDs will probably be even more restrictive in where you can play them :(

Answer 2

Multi-region DVD players only work with multi-region televisions. Everything connects the same way as your PAL system.

Are you sure your TV isn't multi-region already though? Here in Saudi Arabia the TV signals are PAL and DVDs are PAL format as well, but every TV and DVD player on the market here is multi-system and plays just about anything--PAL, NTSC, SECAM, VCDs.

Another option is to get a Region 1 external DVD drive and connect it to your computer instead of using a TV. That would be easy to get online. I got a new one (LG brand) from eBay and they shipped it to Saudi Arabia for a total of less than $100. It connects with USB or firewire. Couldn't be easier.

If you know of anyone going to Dubai, get them to bring you back a multi-system DVD player (or even a player/recorder) and a multi-system plasma TV. They are quite inexpensive there in comparison to prices in the UK. And if they are purchased from the Duty Free at the airport (great shopping there!), you bypass VAT and Customs duties. Note that electronics from Dubai are all 220v though.

Best wishes!