The following guide describes how I managed to make my Sony DVP-NS705V DVD player multi-region.
There are no guarantees that you will be able to do the same. Be aware that you will probably void any warranty you have and possibly even break the player.
Put shortly, you proceed at your own risk.
First of all, the Sony DVP-NS705V can be made multi-region simply by applying appropriate service codes, you do not need to install a so called "mod chip".
This supposedly applies to the entire NS-series of Sony DVD players. There are some encouraging reports out there supporting this, but nothing has been verified by me. Again, if you choose to apply this guide to any DVD player, you do so at your own risk.
If you do find that this procedure works on another model, please drop me a line at sonydvd replace selen.org and let me know. Include the exact model number and original region of your player.
Update: I wrote this guide some time in the spring of 2003. As of January 2nd, 2009, I have received user reports of success using the procedure on a number of players (see list below). I'm very grateful to all who have contributed over the years.
Update 2: While I'm not actively developing this procedure anymore, you can still send me updates if you find this works on a newer Sony player. By the way, on December 6th, 2012, I'm still using my DVP-NS705V.
It should be noted that Region 1 players, unfortunately, do not seem to be modifiable to support discs of other regions using this method. If you have examples that contradict this view, please let me know.
BDP-S185 (DVD only, unit must be turned on before the procedure)
BDP-S186 (DVD only, unit must be turned on before the procedure)
BDP-S360 (DVD only, unit must be turned on before the procedure)
BDP-S370 (DVD only, unit must be turned on before the procedure)
DVP-F21 (special thanks to Garry Self for this one)
DVP-K82
DVP-LS500
DVP-LS755
DVP-LS785
DVP-NC66
DVP-NC615
DVP-NS15
DVP-NS29
DVP-NS30
DVP-NS32
DVP-NS36
DVP-NS37
DVP-NS38
DVP-NS50
DVP-NS52
DVP-NS76H (thanks to Xander Vlasveld)
DVP-NS78
DVP-NS92
DVP-NS300
DVP-NS305
DVP-NS310
DVP-NS315
DVP-NS330
DVP-NS333
DVP-NS355
DVP-NS360
DVP-NS400
DVP-NS405
DVP-NS410
DVP-NS430
DVP-NS433
DVP-NS575
DVP-NS585
DVP-NS590
DVP-NS700
DVP-NS708
DVP-NS730
DVP-NS765
DVP-NS900
DVP-NS905
DVP-NS930
DVP-NS955
DVP-PQ1 (thanks go to Michael Joy for this one)
DVP-PQ2
RDR-GX3 (thanks to Andreas Norman)
RDR-GX7 (thanks to Daniel Tapie)
RDR-GX220
RDR-GX300
RDR-GX350
RDR-GX700
RDR-GXD310
RDR-GXD500
RDR-HX525
RDR-HX650
RDR-HX710
RDR-HX720
RDR-HX725
RDR-HX750
RDR-HX780 (thanks to Harald Bruckner)
RDR-HX820
RDR-HX825
RDR-HX860
RDR-HX870
RDR-HX890
RDR-HX900
RDR-HX910
RDR-HX1000
RDR-HX1010
RDR-HXD870
RDR-HXD970
Please note that not all players behave exactly like the NS705. For example, some players do not display "success" when hacked but may display "timer ok" (or something else). Also, depending on your player, you may need to make some slight changes to the procedure (check the FAQ).
The procedure
The infrared service codes required to make the update are available on the Internet. Unfortunately, not many people have an appropriate device to enter the codes into. You basically need a programmable remote (Philips Pronto, One-For-All) or a PDA (Palm, iPAQ) with suitable software.
This guide shows you how to make the update with a regular PC equipped with an IRDA port.
1. Download the winsamp -package from Blank Frank's site.
This innovative piece of software allows you to send standard home electronics IR signals using a PC IRDA port.
2. Extract the package onto a bootable DOS floppy disk.
3. Download this IR code file and place it in the same directory as the package above.
This file holds the five necessary IR codes converted to the format used by Blank Frank's winsamp.exe. Please do not bother Frank with questions concerning this particular procedure.
4. Boot up your PC from the floppy disk and run winsamp.exe.
If your IRDA port doesn't appear as COM2 you may override this by using an appropriate command line switch. For example, use COM1 by running 'winsamp C1'.
5. Press the 'r' key to load up the codes into winsamp.
6. Make sure your DVD player is in standby mode and your IRDA port is within range.
7. Run the IR codes from 1 to 5 by pressing Enter on each corresponding button.
8. Your DVD player should start up and display the text "SUCCESS".
9. Repeat step 7. Your player should return to standby mode.
Your player is now multi-region.
Please feel free to mail me
with feedback or questions regarding this guide.
Always read the FAQ first, I may have answered your
question already. I receive a lot of mail and unfortunately I can't respond to all
questions, especially those already answered.