I have read many conflicting opinions on whether or not DVD players are available in the US and Canada that will play PAL DVD's cleanly on NTSC. Some say that multi-region DVD players are illegal and cannot be sold here, some say that you can get this functionality on super cheap unbranded DVD players from Walmart.

What is the scoop please? We have many DVDs that we gave away to an aunt in Europe before we moved over that she still has boxed. We can get them mailed over very easily, but I don't want to go to that expense if a) It is illegal and b) we cannot get a player to play these on over here.

Any guidance as to the actual truth and any stores and brands to look for if it is all good to go would be greatly appreciated.

I pretty sure U can find region free players in the US. Just make sure it can convert to NTSC signal.

Some say that multi-region DVD players are illegal and cannot be sold here

That's absurd.

Oppo is a popular brand on this forum and all of it's players can be made region free, will play PAL discs and do PAL->NTSC conversion. Their cheapest is the 980 for $169.

For other choices, search this forum for "PAL".

-Bill

Also, look for players from Philips and Yamaha, both of which can be made region free and will play PAL DVDs on an NTSC TV. But, not out of the box. You have to type in a "secret" code (that you can search for in this forum or online). Or, you can buy one online that has already been unlocked.

Thanks to all. I will probably opt for the Oppo unless there is another that I can just buy in a local store and enter a code for.

I think I need to go and do the forum search first.

If the Oppo is too much $$$, there's a popular Phillips player for about half the price or more that plays about everything and can be made region free. Look at www.videohelp.com for "hacks" to make players region free.

larry

Thanks to all. I will probably opt for the Oppo unless there is another that I can just buy in a local store and enter a code for.

I think I need to go and do the forum search first.

Lot of likely-looking threads here: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/search.php?searchid=10958729

-Bill