Region Information

The DVD region code identifies a DVD’s compatibility with the players typically sold in a particular region.  There are a number of issues that cause confusion around this subject and so we have listed below some Frequently Asked Questions to assist any queries you may have:

Q. What are region codes?

A. Region codes stamp DVD discs, hardware and software players and disc drives with a code that identifies the locality in which they are supposed to operate.  There are eight official region codes detailed below – only the first six are currently in use:

1. United States of America, Canada
2. UK, Europe, Japan, South Africa and Middle East
3. Southeast and East Asia
4. Australia, New Zealand, Central and South America
5. India, Africa, Russia and former USSR countries
6. China
7. Reserved for future use / unused
8. International Territories (Airlines, Cruise Ships)

Below is a map that illustrates the various region encodings and countries involved:

Q. What is region “0”?

A. Otherwise known as ‘region free’, these DVDs are compatible with DVD players from any region 

Q.  How do I tell which region code a DVD on BTR Direct is?

A.   All DVDs sold by BTR Direct are Region 2 PAL unless otherwise stated 

Q.  What about Blu-Ray Discs Region Encoding?

A.  Similar to the DVD region codes, Blu-ray discs may be encoded with a region code and these are listed below:

      A.  North America, Central America, South America, Japan, Taiwan, North Korea, South Korea,

      Hong Kong and South East Asia

      B.  UK, Europe, Greenland, French territories, Middle East, Africa, Australia and New Zealand

      C.  India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Mainland China, Pakistan, Russia, Central and South Asia 

Q.  How do I tell which region code a Blu-ray on BTR Direct is?

A.   All Blu-rays sold by BTR Direct are Region B unless otherwise stated 

Q.  Are there region codes added to High-Density (HD) discs?

A.  No – this means that titles from any country can be played in players in any other country 

Q.  Are there any compatibility issues with game discs and consoles?

A.  These too are made for specific countries and regions so if you try to play a game disc that is made for a specific country or region on a console that is made for another country or region, the game disc will not play.   To ensure the game discs and the console match, please ensure any game disc you purchase has the code relevant to your console – the codes of these are listed below:  

• NTSC: North America and South America (United States, Canada, Mexico, Chile, and Brazil)
• NTSC-J: Asia (Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan)
• PAL: Europe, South Africa, India, Australia, and New Zealand