Can anyone recommend a reasonably priced region free DVD player that is widely available in the USA and will play back both NTSC and PAL discs.

Many thanks for any suggestions.

I don't know the answer to your question directly, but I have ...ahem... heard others hack DVD players to make them region-free with remotes. You could try googling the model number and see for yourself. Your risk completely.

There are such aftermarket kits for the Oppo. Not sure if it fits your definition of "reasonably priced." It already plays NTSC and PAL so no worries there.

Thanks for the comments which are much appreciated. I am aware of the existence of hacks but this is to help someone in the USA who has some PAL DVDs he wants to be able to play. There is a hack available for his Sony player, but the procedure is complicated and he's not at all technically minded and doesn't want to try it, which is fair enough.

@ chip.Excuse my ignorance, but what is the oppo?

Thanks again

Paul

I would explore this online store. Several years ago I purchased a multi system DVD player/VCR combo from them and I still use it.

Region Free DVD Players, MultiSystem LCD TVs, Region Free DVD Recorders, Multi-System Plasma TV, multi-system TVs, PAL LCD TV, PAL TV, Step Down transformer, Step up transformer, Chicago (http://www.world-import.com)

Thanks for the suggestion. That link looks very promising, I'll contact them and see what they recommend.

You should find them easily. I purchased a Pioneer unit from B&H last year for under $100. It also has surround and DTS and DVD-Audio abilities. I'll admit I've only played PAL discs in stereo as I don't have any PAL surround discs. But it scales and plays like a charm.