DVD Area Code
The RSE control unit can be programmed and coded. The DVD area code can be changed during coding.
DVD area codes were introduced to restrict playback of DVDs to particular markets. DVDs are generally released earlier in one region than in another region. The earth has been divided into different regions and an area code has been assigned to each region:
| Area Code | Region |
|---|---|
| 1 | Canada, USA and US Territories |
| 2 | Europe, Japan, Middle East, Egypt, South Africa, Greenland |
| 3 | South east Asia including Hong-Kong and South Korea |
| 4 | Australia, New Zealand, Caribbean, Central and South America, Pacific Islands |
| 5 | Former CIS States, Indian subcontinent, Mongolia, North Korea, Africa (except Egypt and South Africa) |
| 6 | China |
So that the area code functions, each DVD player is equipped with its own area code, determining for which market the device is intended.
European devices are preset with area code 2, whereas American devices have area code 1. Each DVD can have one or more area codes, depending on the region(s) for which it is intended.
Area code 0 identifies DVDs that are released for all regions. A DVD may also be released for certain regions, e.g. 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, i.e. all countries except the USA.
When inserting a DVD, the RSE control unit checks whether the region defined in the control unit matches the DVD country code. As a result, only DVDs with the area code defined in the RSE control unit can be played.
The area codes are changed by coding the RSE control unit. During the first 100km, the area code can be changed as often as desired. After the first 100km, the RSE control unit permits the area code to be changed a maximum of five times. If changes are no longer possible, the RSE control unit must be replaced when a DVD with a different area code is to be played.