Q: I have this problem with my previous computer, and now I have it in my new computer also. All components and the OS on my new computer was new in the new computer, except for my DVD drive from my old computer to my new computer. But Im not sure whether its a WMP problem or a DVD drive hardware issue.
I m using Windows XP Pro.
Whenever I try a Region 1 DVD, Windows Media Player gives me the following message: 977 503 977 503 “Your system is set to DVD region 1. To play this DVD, set your system to a region. “
I am 100% sure that all the DVDs Im trying to play in the store buying Region 1 DVDs.
I also notice that when I the tab for my DVD drive region is set, it says: “No region selected, even though I have set this region on a one million times and it was set to Region 1 by default. If I choose “Canada again” and then OK, then press, again to bring up the window, still registered as “No region selected.”
I have been able to work around this problem with the trial version of AnyDVD software, but I want an immediate solution to this problem.
Question:
1. What is the specific cause for this problem?
2. How can I solve this problem directly?
Re:DVD playback issues are always difficult to figure out. As BladeVernon implies, often the error messages that pop up are NOT the real problem.
Reading the link I posted earlier, it's obvious that nobody in that discussion (including Microsoft MVPs) knew for sure WHY the poster was having problems. I couldn't find any answers in my search of the Web or UseNet.
You try removing and re-installing WMP. I've had that solve playback problems a couple of times.
Re:You've said it came set to region 1, that you set it to region 1, and the WMP message says it's set to region 1, so I'm assuming it's set to region 1 and regional coding isn't the problem. But maybe it is; I can't be sure.
I do know XP Pro doesn't come with a DVD decoder and many people come here not realizing that's why their DVD won't play in WMP. Have you installed a DVD decoder? You need to install a a pug in for Windows Media Player, or use another program that comes with a decoder.
VLC has a decoder and many other codecs built in so it should play your DVDs and most other media. http://www.videolan.org/
"1. What is the specific cause for this problem?" The MPAA and its members.
Re:My DVD drive still lists that it has 4 changes left.
In fact the only reason it's 4 and not 5 is because I was fiddling with it when this problem originally reared it's ugly head. I shouldn't have had to change it way back then either because it was already set to Region 1 by default.
Seems I'm getting two messages from the posters here. One message that it's a decoding issue, and the other message that it's a DVD drive hardware issue.
I'm a layman so I do not understand which is the issue.
I never flashed the firmware. It's a Sony DDU1211.
Re:Originally posted by: guy
How come if I run AnyDVD first, then the DVD will suddenly start playing in WMP?
Based upon this UseNet search. (http://groups.google.com/groups/search?q=%22Your+system+is+set+to+DVD+Region+1.+To +play+this+DVD%2C+set+your+system+to+region+1%22&qt_s=Search), I'd guess that your DVD drive has somehow exceeded its allowed number of region code changes. You didn't say what model your DVD drive is or if it's had different firmware flashed.
WMP pays attention to this detail, while some other DVD players don't.
I'd probably just buy a new DVD reader ($20) or a new DVD R/W ($30) and see if that solves the problem. Most of us have other PCs around that could use a DVD drive, anyway.
Re:AnyDVD does more than just ignore regional coding, it decodes it before it plays in WMP. DVD's have region coding, but they are also encrypted with CSS (Content Scramble System).
Re:AnyDVD removes the region coding from the disc "on the fly" IIRC. Thus, even if it's region 5, WMP doesn't care because AnyDVD has made it appear region free.
Re:I'm not versed in how decoding works.
How come if I run AnyDVD first, then the DVD will suddenly start playing in WMP?
But if I shutdown AnyDVD, then it will be back to the problem in the OP and no longer play in WMP.
Is there a particularly good Winamp mod for playing DVDs in Winamp? That would be my ideal preference.
Re:Windows doesn't come with a decoder for DVDs. Try DVD playing software, or VLC Player.
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