Hi guys... need another one from ya - Imight be moving to Australia for business. A potential co-worker enlightened memost players there are region free, so I inquired about Sony... and they are the only major brand that does not do this (most likely for sales). Anyone else possibly know if Sony makes a region free player? Or how to convert a region 1 to multi region? Thanks guys...

Sony DA4-ES
Sony DVDs550D
Sony SLV799HF
Sony CdpCX235
Sony TCWE305
Sony kv32FS300wega

Most players here are indeed sold region free. Most mods done after shipping from distributor, but most manufacturers do not void warranty because of the mod. Been a while since I dealt with Sony, but they used to void the warranty if the mod was done, and it cost about AUS$200 to do (going back about 2 years).

I'll make some calls tomorrow and get back to you on the current sony situation. On the bright side, you can now enjoy the quality of PAL.

Good on ya! Thanks! Looking forward to Canberra very much. I try to synch equipment and sound... and prefer Sony for price, quality & sound. I have a complete Sony set up and don't want to mix'n'match. Thanks man. PAL should be great compared to NTSC... Thank goodness!

OK, seems that Sony have joined the rest, and now market their DVDs as multi-region (no need for after -market conversion). The retailer I spoke to though said they had come across the odd non-zone4 disc or two that wouldn't play, but on the whole no problems.

I understand that pricing here on the software is pretty good, and availabilty is now pretty close to the US for most new films. New releases usually around the AUS$30-$35 mark at department stores.

Good to see you like sports, its a big part of the culture over here... ever seen Australian Rules Football or Rugby before??

God rolfs off again stick to the xxxx

Hey ep.

Hope you're talking about the beer?

Whats your hobbies sport

Got a 4 year old, so at the moment my hobbies include

- anything to do with "Bob the Builder"
- lego
- running around like a chook with its head chopped off
- colouring in (I've almost learnt to stay within the lines)
- hiding in my office doing "important" work related research on the internet in chat forums :-)

OH good we can help you on the intermission forum plenty of strange folk down there o yes

And to whom are you refering?


PS
Yep, Sony DVD players do now appear to be hackable - after a fashion.

Have tweaked the daughter's player (DVP-NS405) and whilst it will now play region 1, the colour output only works on RGB (S Video and Composite are black and white).

Am now looking for a cheap RGB compatable TV.

This message was edited by djy on 05/18/03 08:44.

djy - the black & white thing just sounds like the TV isn't Multi-system (ie can't play NTSC,SECAM etc as well as PAL). NTSC signals (zone 1 software) seem to come out B&W on a PAL only TV. See if your TV has got any TV system selection settings. If so "AUTO" usually works fine.

Yup, it's a no go - PAL only set. Hey ho!

I did find a site that sold multi zone televisions! Great news - thanks Aussie! Yeha, I've already been enrolled to partake in my first "ozzie rules" match when I come over in Sept for some time. I've seen it before - looks like fun, bruising fun, but fun none the less. Been told I'll play the rear right flank I think they said. A 4 yo... congrats (Hey, Im only late by 4 yrs) make sure ya keep the remotes locked up and baby proof the a/v!!! LOL! I'm one of those idiots that spent 500 on the dvps550d... that now sells on ebay for 100!!! Heard the winter there is great... it's like the beginning of our summer. Q - is the mtn. biking there any good? Thanks for all your help with this guys!!!

I'm pretty sure all TV's are Multi-system now (or at least PAL & NTSC). They have been in Australia for a number of years. Since your Sony is a current model, would have thought it is too.

I'm on the West Coast, and know there is a Mountan Bike association here, would assume over East as well. Pretty much any outdoor activity will have a reasonable following.

September is finals time for AFL (Aust. Football League), so you've picked a great time for an introduction. I'm sure you'll love it over here.