Thanx James for a great message warning others of the risk to playing other regions on a computer drive.
Another option is to install VLC software on computers. This is open source software that manages many many media formats and regions. Available for download for both PC and Mac here: http://www.videolan.org/vlc/ There is a lot of technical information in the FAQ that explains region capability. I've used it quite successfully on my MacBook Pro. Of course, this too becomes another thing about which to educate the end user. -- deg farrelly, Full Librarian Arizona State University PO Box 37100 Phoenix, Arizona 85069-7100 Phone: 602.543.8522 Email: [email protected] > Yes, computer DVD drives and displays can handle both PAL and NTSC. But be > extremely wary of a disc if you don't know for sure that it's region 0 or 1. > Instructors might pop in a region 2 disc in a classroom computer or at home > and press the button to change the drive's region setting. You only have a > limited number of changes on any computer DVD drive before it is PERMANENTLY > locked into that region. I know of at least one faculty member here whose Mac > laptop is now permanently locked to Region 2. VIDEOLIB is intended to encourage the broad and lively discussion of issues relating to the selection, evaluation, acquisition,bibliographic control, preservation, and use of current and evolving video formats in libraries and related institutions. It is hoped that the list will serve as an effective working tool for video librarians, as well as a channel of communication between libraries,educational institutions, and video producers and distributors.
