region code setting under linux

hi, after i switched to linux a question that came up was if there is an application (like dvd genie under windows) which gives me the opportunity to switch the region code so the DVD drive won't lock this setting at some point in time. thanks for any help.

I don't know if such an application exists, I updated my drive with an improved firmware, now I can change the region as many times I wish... You can find firmare updates here: Please note that this will void the guarantee of the drive (you might be able to make a backup of your old firmware, so the vendor maybe isn't able to see that you have changed the firmware - I returned a drive which was broken once, unfortunately I had updated the firmware to see if it would work again. Before I returned it I downdated the firmware and had no problems getting a new one) and there are rumours it could destroy your drive, although I've never heard of such a case... I will look around if I can find something to change the region-code on a software level...

@the oil If your drive is RPC-1 (region free) then you dont need any region changing utility. Linux is a region free O/S. If your drive is RPC-2 (region locked) then you will need to flash it to make it region free. Programs like dvd genie change the Windows ( the O/S ) region setting and are only useful if the drive is RPC-1. Such programs have no use in linux. The program dvd_region that ultimatebilly mentions can change the region setting of an RPC-2 drive to another region, but, usually after 5 region changes the drive will not be able to be changed again until its returned to the manufacturer for a reset. Bottom line - If you can find region free (RPC-1) firmware for your drive you'll be completely region free. Regards Mad.

thanks a lot for your help. i successfully flashed my drive and should now be able to watch any dvd under linux !