Can't play DVDs due to copy protection problem

[Navaros]

I have had this problem with my previous computer, and now I have it in my new computer also. All of the parts and the OS of my new computer was new to that new computer, except for my DVD Drive which I transferred from my old computer to my new computer. But I am not sure if it's a WMP issue or a DVD drive hardware issue.

I'm using Windows XP Pro.

Whenever I try to play a Region 1 DVD, Windows Media Player gives me the following message:

"Your system is set to DVD Region 1. To play this DVD, set your system to region 1."

I am 100% sure that all the DVDs I'm trying to play are store bought Region 1 DVDs.

I also notice that when I check the tab for what Region my DVD drive is set to, it says "No region selected" even though I have set it to Region 1 a million times and it came set to Region 1 by default also. If I choose "Canada" again and then press ok, then bring the window up again, it still lists it as "No region selected."

I have been able to workaround this problem with the trial version of AnyDVD software, but I want a direct solution to this problem.

Question:

1. What is the specific cause for this problem?

2. How do I fix this problem directly?

 

[BladeVenom]

Windows doesn't come with a decoder for DVDs. Try DVD playing software, or VLC Player.

 

[Navaros]

I'm not versed in how decoding works.

How come if I run AnyDVD first, then the DVD will suddenly start playing in WMP?

But if I shutdown AnyDVD, then it will be back to the problem in the OP and no longer play in WMP.

Is there a particularly good Winamp mod for playing DVDs in Winamp? That would be my ideal preference.

 

[Tegeril]

AnyDVD removes the region coding from the disc "on the fly" IIRC. Thus, even if it's region 5, WMP doesn't care because AnyDVD has made it appear region free.

 

[BladeVenom]

AnyDVD does more than just ignore regional coding, it decodes it before it plays in WMP. DVD's have region coding, but they are also encrypted with CSS (Content Scramble System).

 

[RebateMonger]

Originally posted by: Navaros
How come if I run AnyDVD first, then the DVD will suddenly start playing in WMP?

Based upon this UseNet search., I'd guess that your DVD drive has somehow exceeded its allowed number of region code changes. You didn't say what model your DVD drive is or if it's had different firmware flashed.

WMP pays attention to this detail, while some other DVD players don't.

I'd probably just buy a new DVD reader ($20) or a new DVD R/W ($30) and see if that solves the problem. Most of us have other PCs around that could use a DVD drive, anyway.

 

[Navaros]

My DVD drive still lists that it has 4 changes left.

In fact the only reason it's 4 and not 5 is because I was fiddling with it when this problem originally reared it's ugly head. I shouldn't have had to change it way back then either because it was already set to Region 1 by default.

Seems I'm getting two messages from the posters here. One message that it's a decoding issue, and the other message that it's a DVD drive hardware issue.

I'm a layman so I do not understand which is the issue.

I never flashed the firmware. It's a Sony DDU1211.

 

[BladeVenom]

You've said it came set to region 1, that you set it to region 1, and the WMP message says it's set to region 1, so I'm assuming it's set to region 1 and regional coding isn't the problem. But maybe it is; I can't be sure.

I do know XP Pro doesn't come with a DVD decoder and many people come here not realizing that's why their DVD won't play in WMP. Have you installed a DVD decoder? You need to install a a pug in for Windows Media Player, or use another program that comes with a decoder.

VLC has a decoder and many other codecs built in so it should play your DVDs and most other media. http://www.videolan.org/

"1. What is the specific cause for this problem?" The MPAA and its members.

 

[RebateMonger]

DVD playback issues are always difficult to figure out. As BladeVernon implies, often the error messages that pop up are NOT the real problem.

Reading the link I posted earlier, it's obvious that nobody in that discussion (including Microsoft MVPs) knew for sure WHY the poster was having problems. I couldn't find any answers in my search of the Web or UseNet.

You try removing and re-installing WMP. I've had that solve playback problems a couple of times.