Review: Momitsu region-free Blu-ray player

[admin]

A REGION-FREE Blu-ray player has been sought after at the very beginning of this new high-definition format. In case you were unaware, the Blu-ray Association allowed for the division of geographic region codes for Blu-ray discs. You can see how the three areas (A, B + C) are divided HERE. The coding denies the consumer the right to purchase Blu-ray discs anywhere in the world for playability on his standard Blu-ray player. Just as with the DVD format though - hardware companies have developed technology to overcome the disc's software coding. This essentially allows individuals the freedom to choose the films (and specific transfers) from anywhere - not solely based the region in which they happen to reside.

http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film/hardwarereviews/momitsu_bdp-899.htm

I own a Momitsu upscaling networked DVD player, and while it's not as sexy or polished as some of the bigger brands, they do give you the features that you really need.

A region-free Blu-ray player would also open up a lot of opportunities to get better and cheaper editions of certain movies, due to exchange rates and also the fact that the same movie are owned by different distributors in other countries (and some distributors are better than others at making Blu-ray titles).

[drfsupercenter]

I imported a couple Blu-Rays from Europe... they don't seem to use regions over there.

Somehow I don't think it'll be as big a deal as with DVDs... (Plus, do they even have NTSC vs. PAL issues with HD content?)

[admin]

Fox puts region coding on all their Blu-ray's, including in Europe and Australia, even for old titles. There's a couple of others that do so as well. But region-free will mostly benefit non US users. But you're right, region coding on Blu-ray is not as severe as it is on DVD, since three of the majors don't even use it (Warner, Paramount and Universal). Even Sony skips it for older titles. Which begs the question, why even have it in the first place?

[drfsupercenter]

Yeah, I don't get it either.

Which is yet another reason I wanted HD-DVD to win... since I personally don't like regions (think about it: People want a movie before it comes out in their region; but they can't import it as their DVD/BR player won't play it, so instead they just pirate it.)

But so far I've never run into any problems with region coding, besides the DVDs I bought when I was in London - which was easily fixed by a certain DVD ripping program.

[Wombler]

Which begs the question, why even have it in the first place?

Funny, I wondered that myself.

Perhaps they want to experiment and see what effect it has on sales?

Because it's already in the spec. they can then start using it later if they deem it necessary.


Wombler

[admin]

Each studio's Blu-ray region policy really tells us a lot about their views towards the consumer and market protection:

Warner, Universal, Paramount: User comes first, so no region coding
Disney, Sony: Region control used as solution to different regions having release dates and pricing - the pragmatist's approach
Fox: Screw the consumer, all discs region coded

[rupertbrooke]

Hi,

I have faced same kind of situations with Blu Ray Players... I think it is better to seek verdict of someone who is owning a same kind of Blu Ray Player, which you are intending to purchase... It does make it a lot easier to choose the right kind of Blu Ray Player .

[Wombler]

It makes life awkward as well in that you have to trade off other factors against region free capabilities.

There are some excellent very high quality blu-ray players out there but as yet only one region free model.

Lets hope the trick to doing this has now been discovered and more region free models will follow.


Wombler

[UncasMS]

@ admin

you said you have a MOMITSU dvd player in use.

for how long do you have it in use, is momitsu reliable?

does anyone have first hand experience with a rcf model/brand?

[admin]

The one I have is still working, never had any problems with it. It has some quirks though, and it doesn't feel as polished as your typical brand name DVD player, but it was one of the first to support network streaming (plays DivX, XviD ...), DVI upscaling and of course region-free on everything. Build quality and output quality is average though. It has a pretty good reputation, at least here in Australia.

[UncasMS]

thanx a bunch!

[admin]

I must add that the reputation is mostly amongst home theater enthusiasts, according to forum postings and such. You won't find Momitsu players in mainstream stores and such (I actually got mine from specialised computer store).

[Wombler]

The one I have is still working, never had any problems with it. It has some quirks though, and it doesn't feel as polished as your typical brand name DVD player, but it was one of the first to support network streaming (plays DivX, XviD ...), DVI upscaling and of course region-free on everything. Build quality and output quality is average though. It has a pretty good reputation, at least here in Australia.

Looks wouldn't worry me too much and I've had great service over the years from many budget brands (as well as top names) but when you say quirks, what sort of things do you mean?

Is there anything that could be regarded as annoying?


Wombler

[admin]

Quirks as in sometimes you need to reboot the machine, or that the tray might get stuck and you'll have to jiggle it a bit to get it loose, this kind of thing. It's mostly to do with build quality and problems arising from the complicated nature of the system software.

[Wombler]

Ooohh that tray thing sounds a bit dodgy.

Having said that though their blu-ray player could be a different kettle of fish.

If they're cheap enough though it would be worth checking out.

If I get a chance, I'll have a look at prices etc. as it might still be worth a look.


Wombler