DVD Region codes explained

There are two types of DVD players: The DVD player that connects to your TV, and the DVD drive (DVD-ROM) that connects to your computer. DVD players and DVD movies have region codes that restrict play based on geographical location.

Each player is given a code for the region in which it is sold. The player will refuse to play discs that are not allowed in that region. This means that discs bought in one country may not play on players bought in another country.

Following is a list of region codes and their corresponding geography:

Region 1. Canada, United States, US Territories

Region 2. Japan, Europe, South Africa, Middle East (including Egypt)

Region 3. Southeast Asia, East Asia (including Hong Kong)

Region 4. Australia, New Zealand, Pacific Islands, Central America, Mexico, South America, Caribbean

Region 5. Russian Federation, India, Pakistan, Africa (except Egypt), North Korea, Mongolia

Region 6. China

Region 7. Reserved

Region 8. Special international venues (airplanes, cruise ships, and so on)

Some DVDs may have a region code of "0," which means that DVD is region-free. You're supposed to be able to play these discs on any DVD player in the world.