Got an AWESOME new DVD player...

[vsp]

Originally posted by BrianR

Oh, vsp! Does the manual come with the Macrovision hack code and the regional code hacks? Or do I look elsewhere for them? How easy is it? And will the RIAA come break down my door if I do it?

In order:

1) The codes are right <a href="http://www.nerd-out.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=27133">here</a>, in Nerd-Out's message forums, along with lots of other chatter about the CyberHome line.

2) The region-code hack is absurdly simple, and you can do it in thirty seconds or less. A remote code opens up a hidden menu, where you can select a region code (by number or "ALL") as you would any other player setting. Once it's changed, it remains changed until you manually change it again.

The Macrovision hack needs to be performed for each disc you play, but it's actually even simpler to do (no hidden menus or codes required). Hit STOP, go to the Setup menu, switch video modes (say, NTSC to PAL or Composite to S-Video), switch it back the way you had it originally, exit the menu and resume play. Voila -- Mac's dead, Jim. Twenty seconds, tops.

3) Since the RIAA are the music people, the only thing they'll gnash their teeth about is the built-in MP3 support. You can imagine Jack Valenti of the MPAA tearing out his hair and clawing at his famed cheeks if it'll make you feel better, though.