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Setting DVD drive to region free: Firmware vs Software
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kagetora
Suspended due to non-functional email address
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28. September 2006 @ 08:30 |
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Hello,
(Apologies I read the rules and tried to post to the other existing thread but it says newbs are not allowed.)
I just purchased a Memorex DVD drive and I would like to make it region free since I have a few DVDs from Japan. Right now Windows is set at giving me 5 more tries before the drive becomes locked. I've tried reading the other thread but forgive me, I'm a total noob - I don't understand the difference between using the software and flashing the drive or which would be better in my case. Do those only apply to the drives that are already locked (i.e. not like mine where I still have 5 tries?)
If any expert out there could give me very simple instructions (noob oriented) on how to set my drive to region free, I would really appreciate it. Thanks much in advance.
I'll put as much info as I can find on my drive if it helps:
Memorex dual +/- format DVD recorder Double Layer
Model: MRX500-L-35
Internal
Interface: E-IDE (ATAPI) UDMA 33
Windows region: not yet locked, 5 changes remaining
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AfterDawn Addict
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28. September 2006 @ 08:54 |
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Hi. Basically firmware updates your drive to read the latest disk codes and flashing it is the process you use to upgrade the firmware. Now, as for flashing your drive to become region free; it can be done if there is firmware for it. This is called Rpc1 firmware.
There are several things you have to do to make your drive region free though. Flashing the drive is just the start.
Originally posted by CD Freaks Website:
As a lot of people don't seem to be aware, patching your drive with a region free firmware is only half the trick to be completely region free.
For there exists other region counters WITHIN the software (OS, players...) that need to be bypassed.
There are actually up to 3 region protections on a system:
- 1 in the DVD drive
- 1 in the Operating System (windows) - More info on Windows region management.
- 1 in the software player (eg. WinDVD, PowerDVD...)
When you flash your drive with a region free firmware (RPC-1), you remove the region counter from the drive itself completely, but with this counter gone, the software counters kick in to replace the one from the DVD drive. This means that you still have these other 2 to defeat!!!.
An alternate region free solution that is available for some drives is known as an "Autoreset" firmware: Instead of removing the counter from the drive completely, the counter simply resets itself to an unlocked state when the computer is restarted. This way, the drive appears as region protected (RPC-2) but the counter can be changed indefinitely. Creating autoreset patches is slightly more difficult for the patcher, but makes the life of the user easier because DVD Genie and Region Killer are not required as they are for RPC-1 firmwares.
On the other hand, it's easy for software manufacturers to detect autoreset firmwares, and if they decide to do so, you will still need a software patch in the long run. This is why RPC-1 firmwares are seen by most as the long term solution.
So, unless a program like DISCInfo or Drive Region Info (see the Utilities section on the Homepage) tells you that your drive is still protected or you used an autoreset firmware, your drive IS region free, and any region counters that you still see come from software region settings.
To bypass that, you need to use programs such as DVD Genie or DVD Region Killer (the later is highly recommanded).
Note: Currently, the only software region free solution when using WinDVD Platinum to play DVD's is WinDVD Tweaker Pro ($18.00 US)
Now i couldn't seem to find any firmware for your dirve so run Nero Info tool, found here
http://www.afterdawn.com/software/cdr_so...o_info_tool.cfm
And then give me the info it find about your drive.
Get back to me...
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kagetora
Suspended due to non-functional email address
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28. September 2006 @ 09:09 |
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Thanks so much for replying so quickly. The info I get from Nero InfoTool is the following:
Memorex 16X-DDL-ILO
Type: DVD +/- R/RW DL Recorder
Firmware Version: YWS7
Buffer size 2MB
Region control: RPC II
Changes Left: 5
Region Code: None
Serial Number: ?
Read / Write Speed: 48X
There's a lot more info. Maybe if you could tell me which ones I should list that would help the most?
Thanks again
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AfterDawn Addict
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28. September 2006 @ 09:47 |
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Seems there is no rpc1 firmware for this drive yet as it is new. I have asked around between several members and to no avail. I should think it will be patched (made) sometime soon; just have to wait. However i will continue to look for you and post back if i find anything :)
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kagetora
Suspended due to non-functional email address
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28. September 2006 @ 10:13 |
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That would be awesome. :) Thanks so much for the help. It's really appreciated!
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AfterDawn Addict
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28. September 2006 @ 10:22 |
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Btw post all info about drive from your Nero info tool :)
EDIT: If you have box, post your model number here or what you think it might be ok - would be big help!
This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 28. September 2006 @ 10:24
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rulisky
Senior Member
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28. September 2006 @ 10:54 |
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Hi kagetora -
Here is something for you to consider. You could buy a second DVD drive and set it for the Japan region. That way you could just leave the things set one time and not worry about changing them.
Another idea would be to make a backup copy of the disk in question as a region free copy which could then be played on most any Rom drive or stand alone player. Depending on the number of disks you have this could be an easy solution. For example, Decrypter (free) will remove Region settings even if you put a disk in your drive that is set for another Region. I used it on a Region 2 (PAL) disk I bought to make a region free backup that will play on my computer. My drive is set to Region 1 and I have never changed it.
When you put the disk in your drive, it will say it's the wrong region. Just click cancel, do NOT change your drive settings. Leave the disk in the drive. Open Decrypter and it will give you some message about the Region. Tell it to rip anyway. It will say something about using "Brute Force". When it is done the files on your HD will be region free. Burn to a disk, shrink if necessary. You don't even need Nero as Decrypter or ImgBurn will do the burn for you. Worked just FINE for me!
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AfterDawn Addict
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28. September 2006 @ 12:35 |
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The first one is allway an option, however if you do not want to or don't have the money to buy another drive then it's not rly practical (and no point cheaping out on a drive that will just break lol)
But the second idea is allways something to consider, one which I had overlooked. Remeber to use quality media kagetora, such as; Verbatim or Sony and burn at speeds of 4x to 8x depending on quality.
I have still had no luck finding any firmware, but I think (only think) that your drive could well be a "re-bagged" LiteOn drive. Am looking at posibilities of that firmware.
But for now no firmware :(
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AfterDawn Addict
6 product reviews
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28. September 2006 @ 13:29 |
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Quote:
Memorex 16X-DDL-ILO
Mate the reason may be the media you are using they are the worst brand ever to do any kind of back up on. Try and get your hands on Verbatim and Tayio Yuden and good media like that.
Here are two websited that can help you look for a update to your firmware for your drive.
The Firmaware page
http://forum.rpc1.org/portal.php
and
Dangerous Brothers
http://tdb.rpc1.org/
I hope that helps. :)
Edited by DVDBack23
"the mediocre teacher tells. the good teacher explains. the superior teacher demonstrates. the great teacher inspires."- William Aruthur Ward
Website: http://www.ampleblaze.com |
AfterDawn Addict
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28. September 2006 @ 13:45 |
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Here's a program that will set your pc's DVD-RW drive to region free:
http://www.afterdawn.com/software/video_...pers/anydvd.cfm
This program is a:
Background ripper for original cds and dvds
Can rip problematic dvds
Makes your drive region free
It worked very well on some japanese porn that a buddy I work with recieved.Wouldn't play in any of our players,so I simply enabled anydvd/ripped with dvd shrink/and autoburned with Nero. Perfect copy of those vids and the backups will play anywhere. Also no need of switching the region of my drive.
There's a free 21 day trial. After that,it'll cost.
HP a1118x-b/athlon 64-3300+/BenQ 1650 BCDC/LG 8163B/Modded Wii/Epson-R300 and Ty Watershields!!! |
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kagetora
Suspended due to non-functional email address
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28. September 2006 @ 15:19 |
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Thanks all of you for the help and expertise - plus explaining it simply so I can understand. As for an extra drive I can't afford, plus can't fit in an extra drive so the second drive is unfortunately not an option (my case is a tiny shuttleX).
But rulisky's second idea might work.
Also borhan9, I'll look into the media you mentioned. I can't find my Memorex on those sites, but I'll try looking again, maybe I missed it.
Ripper - Thanks for all of your help, I really appreciate it.
The two numbers I get from the box are:
S/N: CIAJ443503944
Model: MRX500-L-35
saugmon - I'm going to sound like a total newb for asking this so forgive me - the AnyDVD trial software, can I use it to set my DVD drive to region free and then use some other app like DVDDecryptor after it expires? (In other words, just use it to set my dvd to region free)
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AfterDawn Addict
6 product reviews
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28. September 2006 @ 16:32 |
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@kagetora
Mate sorry for the confusion those sites do not update the media you are using. they update a kind of driver for your DVD Drive hardware.
To get new media you have to go and buy new DVD's that have those manifacturers that i mentioned you will not find those manifacturers on those sites i posted.
Those sites only update your DVD Drive drivers.
Sorry for the confusion
Edited by DVDBack23
"the mediocre teacher tells. the good teacher explains. the superior teacher demonstrates. the great teacher inspires."- William Aruthur Ward
Website: http://www.ampleblaze.com |
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gogochar
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28. September 2006 @ 16:45 |
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To answer the title of this thread: Just get AnyDVD!
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AfterDawn Addict
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29. September 2006 @ 01:31 |
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You can use the free trial of AnyDVD to rip those originals of your japanese flicks and back them up onto DVDR media. Programs like DVD Shrink can set those backup copies to region free and play most anywhere.
Make sure you use quality media and a burn speed of 4x or 8x. You don't want to have to back them up again in 6 months or a year from now.
Very simple program, if you see the little red fox icon in your system tray in the bottom/right corner-then it's running. Nothing extra to do.
HP a1118x-b/athlon 64-3300+/BenQ 1650 BCDC/LG 8163B/Modded Wii/Epson-R300 and Ty Watershields!!!
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AfterDawn Addict
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29. September 2006 @ 06:35 |
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Yes that is an option but if you want your drive to be region free regardless of how many or what disks then it's not rly practical if he has lots of disks in japan region or maybe justs want a region free drive anywho :)
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djmorren
Newbie
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23. October 2006 @ 17:10 |
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I'm in the same boat with this guy, except I cant even recognize dual layer dvds! This is a dual layer burner ffs!
This is some off the wall model number that they act like it doesnt exist. I bought it only 6 months ago. Theres barely a trace of it on the internet. It was a steal at $70 from BestBuy so it figures...
what the HELL is going on?
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AfterDawn Addict
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24. October 2006 @ 02:00 |
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Quote:
It was a steal at $70 from BestBuy so it figures...
I call that Highway Robbery. I've gotten Benq drives for under $35 at newegg.com
If you could download this free program so we can get some info on your drive and discs:
http://www.afterdawn.com/software/video_..._identifier.cfm
Insert DL disc/open up dvdidentifier/select that drive-in case you have dual drives/click identify/click clipboard/ then paste it back into your next post.
Sounds more like a firmware issue,but some of the DL media out there is screwing up a lot of peeps. Verbatim DL media is the best!
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