Region Free Blu-Ray drive & New Mouse

[SuperBeatBoy]

Can you find drives that have firmware updates that make them region free or possibly using some software app that resets the counter on windows 7?

I was wondering as i need to invest in a new drive. I think my current drive is about to die (having problems reading discs etc) and would love to import some blu-rays.

[huxley]

Anydvdhd is your best bet.

[sj33]

Drives themselves don't actually have region coding (at least for Blu-Rays), it's entirely software/driver-based.

I use AnyDVD HD myself, sorts out the region coding for both DVDs and Blu-Rays and gets rid of that nasty HDCP/BD+ stuff. It's not freeware though, and it has to be kept updated.

Alternatively, there is this nice little freeware app that patches PowerDVD, TMT etc. to change the region. It only works with the listed supported playback applications though. Doesn't deal with HDCP etc., but should work fine for simple playback.

http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?t=149191

[mekanor]

There's a program somewhere that changes/resets the change counter for liteon drives. You're likely to have more trouble with powerdvd than anything else - damn I hate that program. Not to go too far off topic but are there any decent alternative programs for playing blus on a PC?

[huxley]

TMT is a better option as it also plays BR rips from folders. I used to use power dvd up until a few years ago. I got fed up with its problems and switched to TMT3. Never looked back.
Anydvdhd has lots of handy features, such as disable BR Live, region code, jump to movie as well as frame rate options.
Have a go at the free trial.

[SuperBeatBoy]

Yeah, i keep hearing about Anydvd HD is probably the best way to go. But its one expensive app at $60. Will have to look into it when i do decide to pick up some in the future. Thanks for the help guys!

Also i'm on the lookout for a great mouse. Can anyone suggest me one thats particularly great for gaming? Been looking at some Razer ones, they seem nice but most of them are wired and expensive.

[sj33]

AnyDVD HD really is great, but if you're only wanting region free playback and are happy using either PowerDVD or TMT, the above freeware app I posted should be enough. AnyDVD HD does excellent stuff like defeating HDCP/BD+ protection, but you don't actually need that unless you want to rip discs, or want to use unsupported/open source applications.

[mekanor]

Also i'm on the lookout for a great mouse. Can anyone suggest me one thats particularly great for gaming? Been looking at some Razer ones, they seem nice but most of them are wired and expensive.

Some of the logitech ones are quite nice. Not sure why you wouldn't want a wired one though? I could be wrong but being a designed for games, the Razer mice are probably all wired to make sure you've got no input lag. How far away do you intend to sit when you play anyway?

[SuperBeatBoy]

I've got my pc hooked up to my HDTV in my bedroom. So i would like the mouse quite a bit away just so i can pause a movie or something in bed. lol

[huxley]

Yeah, i keep hearing about Anydvd HD is probably the best way to go. But its one expensive app at $60. Will have to look into it when i do decide to pick up some in the future. Thanks for the help guys!

Also i'm on the lookout for a great mouse. Can anyone suggest me one thats particularly great for gaming? Been looking at some Razer ones, they seem nice but most of them are wired and expensive.

ah I see the price for anydvdhd is sub based now, I got mine a few years back and just payed a flat fee.
Regards to the mouse the logitech rf ones have a good range.