Foreign DVDs cannot be played back on ordinary DVD players. In order to get unrestricted playback from DVD regions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, you need a region free DVD player, then you can freely enjoy your DVD collection that you’ve compiled from abroad. Here are 5 of our best multi-region DVD players.
Mobile and tablet users just swipe across... Panasonic DVD-S500 |  Samsung DVD-E360 |  LG DP542H |  LG DP132 |  Denver DVH-1244 |
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| Our Rating |  |  | |  |  |
| All Regions |  | | | | |
| Upscaling |  | | | | |
| Multi-Format Playback | | | | | |
| USB Playback | | | | | |
| Audio Ripping | | | | | |
| Audio Processing | Dolby Digital | • Dolby Digital • DTS | • Dolby Digital • DTS | Dolby Digital | Dolby Digital |
| Connections | • USB • Scart • Composite | • USB • Composite • Coaxial | • HDMI • Component Video • Composite Video • Optical Audio • Analog Audio 2 Channel | • Analog Audio 2 Channel • Composite • USB | • HDMI • USB • Scart • Optical |
| Accessories | • Scart Cable • Remote Control | • Scart Cable • RCA Cable • Remote Control | • 1.5m HDMI Cable • Remote Control | • Phono to Scart Cable • AV Cable • Remote Control & Batteries | • Remote Control |
| Dimensions | 31 x 3.9 x 20.4 cm | 30 x 4.2 x 20.8 cm | N/A | 20.3 x 24.9 x 3.8 cm | 320 x 3.3 x 23.5 cm |
| Price | **CHECK PRICE** | **CHECK PRICE** | **CHECK PRICE** | **CHECK PRICE** | **CHECK PRICE** |
Top Features | Best Multi-Region DVD Players
- Our Rating – This is based on our own research in product testing and user feedback. Clicking on each product takes you to the product page where you can read customer reviews on the product you’re interested in.
- All Regions – Certain DVD players may be able to play multiple regions, but they cannot be truly classified as a region free DVD player. All of the models above can play DVDs from all regions of the world.
- Upscaling – A multi-region DVD player that has the ability to upscale to 1080P basically converts low resolution images and videos to a higher resolution by making sure all pixels are active. Manufacturers may also apply image sharpening and contrasting technology to make the TV picture quality look better. However, in order to truly get Full and Ultra HD quality, the material being played also needs to be of Full and Ultra HD quality.
- Multi-Format Playback – Audio and videos can come in an array of different formats and having a DVD player that can play these different file formats is essential. Popular file formats include DivX, Xvid, MP3, MP4, WMA, JPEG etc.
- USB Playback – Some multi-region DVD players have a USB port which allows access of audio, video and image files from an external USB device such as an external hard drive or a memory stick.
- Audio Ripping – This technology allows you to extract audio tracks from a CD and convert and save them as MP3 files on an external USB device.
- Audio Processing – What type of audio output does the multi-region DVD player have? If you want theatre quality sound output, then Dolby Digital should be a standard feature which processes audio to 2.1 or 5.1 channels, while DTS is able to “transform 2-channel (stereo) audio into 6 full-bandwidth channels of surround sound”.
- Connections – Simply put, the more ports that a multi-region DVD player has, the more options you will have to connect it to different devices. For example, a model that combines optical or RCA and Scart or HDMI has capabilities of connecting to a TV and an external sound system, while a DVD player that simply has a Scart or HDMI can only hook up to a TV.
- Price – If you want to know the price of any of the models, just click on the Buy Now button or Check Price and you’ll be redirected to the product page. The reason we don’t put prices is because they constantly change and there are so many sellers offering different prices.
Best Buyers Guide For Multi-Region DVD Players
There’s really not a whole lot different from buying a regular DVD player and one that has multi-region capabilities. However, the demand for the latter has been ever increasing and therefore, there are many more models to choose from.
Here is a brief guide to help you choose the best multi-region DVD player for your foreign movie collection.
Connectivity
In the past, SCART plugs and leads were pretty much the fundamental connection to a TV, but today there are an even greater array of possibilities, each offering different benefits.
HDMI
The most common connection type is HDMI. Here you use one cable and plug for picture and sound from your DVD player for all regions, which is much more straightforward.
This cable allows the transfer of good quality HD video and multi-channel surround sound hence HDMI’s popularity in the home entertainment sector. Overall it’s a winner, providing a connection that is built to adapt to technological advances and to last.
Optical
An optical connection is also commonly refered to as “TOSLink” and “S/PDIF”. It transfer audio only and requires a seperate cable for a video signal. Because of its ability to carry 7.1 channels of high-resolution audio, it’s ideal for home surround sound systems.
Component
This type of connection uses three separate cables to connect a DVD player for all regions to a TV set. Whilst it offers a high performance video connection, it works by converting digital to analogue multiple times.
The result is relatively good picture quality; however continuous digital-to-analogue conversions can ultimately result in degraded images, a bit like looking at a copy of a photocopy.
DVI
This is a digital-to-digital connection. As a result it is able to delivers a sharp picture and maximum colour saturation, and is found particularly in high end (and expensive) region free DVD players.
DVI uses one plug and cable, but you will need a separate cable for audio as DVI only transfers images. Not all TVs are equipped with DVI ports, so make sure you check yours before purchasing.
USB
A USB port will allow you to play recordings from USB sticks or external hard drives through your DVD player. This is useful if you download things online to watch, but beware: this doesn’t necessarily also allow you to record programmes onto a stick.
Internet Connection
One final thing to consider is an internet connection, either through Wi-Fi or an ethernet cable. Although this will not connect your player to your TV, it will connect your DVD machine to other parts of your home network.
This allows you to play internet apps such as Youtube or Netflix direct to your television and potentially makes it easier for you to integrate your home entertainment system.
Multi-region DVD players – What are they?
In the past DVD players and discs were separated into regions, and discs could only be played on the DVD machines from the same region. So frustratingly Region 1 DVD players would only play Region 1 DVDs and so on. This was irritating, as for example DVDs of holiday memories purchased in the USA would be unplayable on Region 2 DVD players back home in the UK.
The regions were organised like this:
- Region 1: USA and Canada
- Region 2: Europe, The Middle East, Japan, Egypt, North Africa, South Africa
- Region 3: The Philippines, Taiwan, Korea, Hong Kong, Indonesia
- Region 4: South America, Mexico, Central America, Carribean, Australia, New Zealand, Pacific Islands
- Region 5: India, North Korea, East and West Africa, Russia, Eastern Europe
- Region 6: China
Today multi-region DVD players (or region free DVD players) mean that DVDs from anywhere can be played on your machine, making DVD buying a lot simpler.
In addition the majority of players now come not only with multi-region compatibility but also with dual voltage (so they can take the 110 volts of the USA or the 240 volts of Europe for example), which means there are many more features to explore in order to narrow down your search.
Tuning In
A DVD player only needs to play discs in order to do its job effectively. Some DVD players go over and above this though, making it possible to record directly from the TV too.
In order to do this your new DVD player will need to be able to tune into TV signals, meaning that buying a DVD player with a built in tuner is essential. Many lower end multi-region DVD players will not have this feature as it’s mainly reserved for more expensive models.
Storage
When recording direct from TV, you need storage space in your DVD player, which comes in the form of a hard drive. When your programmes are stored on your hard drive, they are kept on your machine, keeping all your recordings handily in one place.