So I have always been under the impression that my HD D1 would never have to worry about region coding should it ever be implemented, but this guy claims that they could require a software update to play any new RPC discs if region coding were enforced.

I just want confirmation as I take everything from that site with a grain of salt since the guys who run it are firmly in the Blu-Ray camp and this would really tick me off since being region free is one of the main reasons i love HD DVD so much. See second post down:

http://www.animeondvd.com/forum/showtopic.php?tid/23539/tp/13/

Technically a lot is possible via firmware updates, and disc authoring. In theory one could probably create a HD-DVD disc that refuses to play simply by creating it out of spec. But then it's no longer considered a HD-DVD, much like the many protected/corrupt music discs do not cary the CD/Compact Disc label, because the do not conform to the specs.

The question more likely is, will it actually happen. With the the good news being for it to happen they'd need a large amount of support from both CE manufacturers and content owners.

Region coding is not going to happen, ever. And even if it did, current players would always be region free.

Id say at some point. Preahpps but it wouldn't be until latter models and discs.

I don't think it will happen. You have to go to import sites and offten pay a little more for the discs.
I to love region free. I've got 9 so far and 20 or so on the wishlist..