Why would you want to buy a Multi-Region player?

[raja1]

Many people are flaunting multi-region as being a desirable trait in a BD player, but why?

Is it because ratings are different in North America from European releases? And if they are, then how are they different?

People have even gone so far as to buy different players for different regions!

I can't imagine ever needing a multi-region capable player, unless one were to order BD and DVD disks from Europe or Australia!

Also, is it as simple as buying the Oppo 83, and you're good to go for universal disc support?

Thanks again everyone!

Note, from the Oppo 83 PDF Manual:

[xsavoie]

That's exactly the point.There are just a few European or Australian DVD'S that have not been made in NTSC format and in region 1 North America regions.Nevertheless,there are a few that might not get the attention of the distributors down here who think that they are non profitable subjects.Therefore,a Pal to NTSC converter plus all region (DVD- Blu-Ray) player is needed for these few TV shows or movies abroad.This is why I don't understand why this restriction commitee has blocked this all region DVD-Blu-Ray player.So few European DVD would be bought.

[ragollhofer]

As noted previously, some content available in other countries, such as the UK, is not available on an NTSC, Region 1 DVD. There is probably little content on Blu-ray that this applies to, so I don't see much need for a multi-region Blu-ray player, unless you are going to have only one disc player connected to your system.

Thanks for starting the thread. I clicked on the advertisement at the bottom of the page and purchased a multi-region DVD player for $130 with shipping that has upscaling, HDMI output and plays DVD-A and SACD discs. This will enable me to play a DVD in one room and a Blu-ray disc in another and might actually allow me to listen to my DVD-A and SACD discs for the first time in a couple years.