Information and FAQ

Region Codes

Q: How many regions are there?

4K UHD: With very few exceptions, all 4K UHD discs are Region-Free. They can be played on any 4K UHD player. Blu-ray: Three regions (A, B, C) DVD: Eight numeric regions (1–8) plus “Region 0 / All” for region-free discs.

We import movies from around the world. That means that some of our products do not natively play on North American players.

Check out this summary of the Region Codes of our Import products to learn more!

What is Region Coding

Region coding is a method to control the distribution of movies by geographic region. Blu-rays and DVDs have region codes.
Import Differences

Import editions may have different extras or packaging, and distribution rights can affect availability in some regions.
Compatibility

A mismatch between the disc and the player region prevents playback.

Example: Region B Blu-Rays will not play on a Region A Player.
Region Free

Region Free Blu-rays have no playback restrictions, meaning they can be played on any Blu-ray player worldwide, regardless of region setting.

- The Most Common Question -

"Why is this 4K UHD set labeled Region Free/B?"

Many limited edition and special collections include a secondary disc.

The 4K UHD disc is region-free, but the included 1080p Blu-ray disc is region-locked for Europe and Australia. Those included discs won’t play on standard U.S. players.

Other Frequently Asked Questions

Basics

What are region codes and why do they exist?

Region codes are digital locks used by studios to control where discs can be played, aligning releases, licensing, and pricing across markets.

How many regions are there?

4K UHD: With very few exceptions, all 4K UHD discs are Region-Free. They can be played on any 4K UHD player.

Blu-ray: Three regions (A, B, C)

DVD: Eight numeric regions (1–8) plus “Region 0 / All” for region-free discs.

How can I tell if my player can handle import products?

If you purchased your player in North America, you can assume that the player is designed into play Region A products. Unless the player is listed as "Region Free," then it is safe to assume it can NOT play "Region B" products.

How do I tell if a disc will play on my player?

On all product listings, we include information if the product is region locked. Check the product title and the product page for more information. Region code labels are also printed on the product cases.

Format Specifics

Are 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray region-locked?

Almost never. 4K UHD discs are almost always region-free, but combo packs often include a 1080p Blu-ray that may be region-locked (usually Region B for imports).

Very few exceptions exist for region locked 4K UHD products.

Are Blu-ray region rules different from DVD?

Yes. Blu-ray uses fewer regions (A/B/C) and the lock is enforced in player firmware rather than in the drive hardware.

Are there any DVD region code quirks?

Some DVDs use Region Code Enhancement (RCE) to block workarounds, and many computer drives allow only a limited number of region changes before locking.

Do VHS tapes have region codes?

VHS tapes are not region-locked but depends on video standards (NTSC/PAL/SECAM).

Equipment

What do I need to play a region locked disc?

First - you’ll need a compatible player for your discs. Most new 4K UHD players are backward-compatible, meaning they can play 4K UHDs, Blu-rays, and DVDs.

However, you’ll still need either a region-free player or one that matches the region code of the disc you want to watch.

To play almost all discs that Orbit DVD sells, we recommend this Region Free 4K/Blu-Ray Player

Can I make my player region-free?

Possibly, however this is not common and not recommended for those without familiarity with AV equipment.

Some DVD players can be unlocked with remote codes or firmware updates.

Blu-ray players are locked by hardware, and modding these systems is not recommended.

Can I play region-locked discs on my computer?

Most computer DVD drives let you change the playback region a few times. Region coded Blu-rays may need special software and hardware.

Orbit DVD and Region Codes

How do you mark region locked discs?

On the top left side of the product image, a badge will state if it is region locked. A emblem will also be present on the product page stating the region code.

Can I filter for region-free titles only?

Yes. We have a dedicated region free collection.

On the left-side of the search results page, you can filter your search results by region code.

Where are Region A products?

Because Orbit DVD is located out of Asheville, North Carolina in the United States, all products that do not have their region code or region-free listed can be assumed to be domestic (Region A, Region 1, NTSC).

Does Orbit DVD accept returns for region issues?

No. We do our best to keep all region information clearly listed. As such Orbit DVD does not accept returns or refunds for discs that won’t play due to region locks.