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Software Solution to DVD RPC2 Region Locking?

Posted by Cliff on from the does-it-really-work dept.

Martin writes "I just saw the DVD Region-Free utility, the other day. 'It allows you to watch all region DVDs on any DVD drive (especially RPC2) even if it has been locked. You don't need hack DVD drive (flash firmware) which is sometimes dangerous, useless or unavailable.' This seems really significant to me, yet I haven't heard anything about! Is this the first software based solution to RPC2?" Of course, it should be stated that the software mentioned above is for Windows only. Are there other similar pieces of software for other platforms?

4 of 45 comments (clear)

  1. For Macs... by Analog+Penguin · · Score: 4, Informative

    Region-Free Firmware. They also have tools for changing regions on another page.

  2. I could be wrong on this, but.. by omega9 · · Score: 5, Informative

    I find it interesting that they've chosen to display the "Designed for" logo on their product page. IIRC, that logo is used as somewhat of a certification. IE. you're only granted use of that logo after you pass certain requirements from Microsoft.

    I'd find it hard to believe they actually have official support from Microsoft for a DVD region hack utility.

    --
    I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it.
  3. Linux/BSD style port by rjw57 · · Score: 4, Informative

    Well of course anything which used libdvdcss under *nix already gets RPC2-agnostic CSS software-decoding. I, personally, have never set the region-code on my one-year-old drive and watch films quite happily using the wonderful players available.

    --
    Rich
  4. You are wrong on this by MadMirko · · Score: 4, Informative

    The "designed for" logo does not mean that Microsoft supports a given product. The logo is given to software (or hardware) that meets certain requirements which are freely available.

    In short software needs to fulfill requirements in Windows compatibility (Multi-Tasking, Fast User Switiching, etc), Installation / Removal Requirements (use Windows Installer, the Windows packet manager), Data and Settings Management (stores application relevant data in the registry and so forth)

    For those to lazy to read through the documents, here a short summary (for the designed for WinXP logo):

    1. The software does run on Windows (I'm not kidding).
    2. It does not kill your OS, or your data (at least not as a "primary function")
    3. Any kernel mode drivers must pass a compatibility testing (e.g. not cause blue screens)
    4. Any device drivers must pass the HCT (Hardware Compatibily Test)
    5. Perform Windows version checking
    6. Support Fast User Switching and Remote Desktop
    7. Support Multi-Tasking and not prevent Multi-Tasking
    8. Use proper mechanism to add/replace dlls
    9. Allow migration to newer versions of Windows
    10. Doesn't replace other dlls with older versions
    11. Do not require a reboot inappropriately (only required when installing a Windows Service Pack or a GINA)
    12. Install in the proper folder by default
    13. Install any file that is not fit for side-by-side execution in proper locations
    14. Support "Add / Remove Programs" controll panel
    15. Support Single User / Multi User installs
    16. Support Autorun on DVDs or CDs
    17. Store configuration data in the registry and user created data in a proper location
    18. Support running with limited credentials (do not require admin privileges unneccessarily)
    19. Handle missing rights gracefully (don't crash)