Regional Code

DVD movies are usually coded with what is called a country or regional code or a zone lock. The three names, however, mean the same thing. DVD movies are given a regional code and the code on the DVD movie must match that of the DVD player to be viewed. DVD region codes are numbered 1 through to 8; with the first six being specific geographical regions and seven and eight being reserved for special play arenas.

• Region 1 (R1): USA, Canada
• Region 2 (R2): Japan, Europe, South Africa, Middle East, Greenland
• Region 3 (R3): S.Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Parts of South East Asia
• Region 4 (R4): Australia, New Zealand, Latin America (including Mexico)
• Region 5 (R5): Eastern Europe, Russia, India, Africa
• Region 6 (R6): China
• Region 7 (R7): Reserved for unspecified special use
• Region 8 (R8): Reserved for cruise ships, airlines and so on
• All-region Discs (also called Region 0) are un-coded and can be played Worldwide

See Webopedia’s DVD Regional (Country) Codes in our Quick Reference section.