This is a continuation of the PAL vs. NTSC formats thread. However, I'm devoting this one specifically to reprogrammable DVD players such as those from Sampo America (and any others I may find in the process).

First, some definitions:

• Multi-Format - (abbreviated as MF ) - the ability of a DVD player to process both NTSC & PAL encoded television formats and deliver either signal to a single-format television set (i.e., one designed for either NTSC or PAL but not both) correctly. (For a listing of world-wide television formats, please see: World Television Format Standards)
• Code-Free - (abbreviated as CF ) - the ability of a DVD player to process all discs regardless of their being encoded for distribution to specific world geographic regions.
1. Region 1 - the US of A, Canada
2. Region 2 - Western Europe, Japan, Middle East, Egypt, South Africa, Greenland
3. Region 3 - Asian Pacific - Taiwan, Korea, the Philippines, Indonesia, Hong Kong (except Japan)
4. Region 4 - Mexico, South America, Central America, Australia, New Zealand, Pacific Islands, Caribbean
5. Region 5 - Russia (okay, former Russia), Eastern Europe, India, most of Africa, North Korea, Mongolia
6. Region 6 - China, Hong Kong
7. Region 0 - actually, a misnomer; this is a disc with no regional coding at all

VCR-Friendly - (abbreviated as VF ) - the ability of a DVD player to bypass the prevalent copy protection scheme (MacroVision) encoded into many DVD discs.

A note on Regional Coding Enhancement (abbreviated as RCE ) - This was introduced by the Motion Picture Association of American (MPAA) as an additional mechanism to prevent CF operation of DVD players in the United States. It is not known if this feature will be adopted in other world regions. Its effectiveness depends on how the DVD player handles Region Code data - if a player never looks for the Region Code in the first place, then RCE has no bearing on operation at all.

It appears that Sampo DVD players may be readily purchased stock in the United States and Canada as Multi-Format units but with Region 1 encoding and MacroVision enabled. They are quite inexpensive. There are currently several models:

• DVE-611 (MSRP = US$130) - the base model
• DVE-631CF (MSRP = US$180) - a really unique model to be discussed later - the CF in the model name indicates a Compact Flash slot in the unit for playing JPEG images created by digital cameras directly on a television - not for CF operation
• DVE-661 (MSRP = US$200) - an enhanced model with Karaoke operation
• DVE-662 (MSRP = US$200) - new version of the DVE-661 model
• DVE-681P (MSRP = US$ ? - new model) - an enhanced model with progressive-scan output

These units may also be purchased with their eeproms modified for CF and/or VF operation for a premium of about US$150 to US$250 over their Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price from a number of on-line retailers. However, it appears that with a moderate level of computer skill, one can make all the modifications himself, saving the additional cost of the altered units. Plus there are a number of additional features that can be enabled and/or added.

Here is a link to the Sampo Products page on BUY.COM. These are MF , Region 1 units.

Over the next several days, I will work out a step-by-step method of the modifications needed to re-program the eeprom for CF operation. It appears that the process will be really simple. Once I've completed my tests, I'll post the results.

Be VERY careful: a number of MF DVD players still require a multi-format television set (this is true of Panasonic, Pioneer and Sony models). The Sampo MF DVD players do NOT require a multi-format television set. They will work with televisions that are standard NTSC or PAL only.

A note on out-board television format converters: After talking with two friends whose businesses include providing video for broadcast, re-broadcast and videotape distribution the world over (they are not affiliated with each other), TenLab equipment is considered to be among the very best available. Unfortunately, it is not inexpensive.

~ GaySatyr

Edited by - GaySatyr on May 27 2002