Why do I get a "Region Code Error" when trying to play my Blu-ray or DVD?
DVDs and DVD players are created for specific regions of the globe due to variations in releases and markets. To properly play a DVD, the DVD player must be the same region as the disc being played. A number in a globe icon identifies the region of both the disc and the player. This region number can be found on both the discsÂ’ packaging and the disc itself. On the DVD player, it is usually displayed on the back panel of the player.
The 8 Regions are listed below:
1: Canada, U.S., and U.S. Territories
2: Japan, Europe, South Africa, and the Middle East (Including Egypt)
3: Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Hong Kong
4: Australia, New Zealand, Pacific Islands, Central America, Mexico, South America, and the Caribbean
5: Former Soviet Union, Indian Subcontinent, Africa, North Korea, and Mongolia
6: China
7: Not assigned
8: Special International Venues (airplanes, cruise ships, etc.)
Blu-ray discs also have region coding similar to DVDs. However, instead of eight regions, Blu-ray uses only three:
Region A: North, Central, South America, Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia.
Region B: Europe (EU), Africa, Middle East, Australia, and New Zealand.
Region C: Russia, India, China, and the rest of the world.
Select titles are released as Region ABC, meaning they are playable in all regions.