DVDs made or licensed in different parts of the world have different region codes. Region 1 films are largely from the USA and Canada, Region 2 films are from the UK, Europe, Japan, and the Middle East, and Region 3 films are from Southeast Asia, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.
Any computer in the Library with a disc drive can play Region 1 DVDs. You can use the following applications to watch DVDs. At least one of these should open automatically when you insert a disc:
- Windows Media Player (PC)
- DVD Player app (Mac)
- VLC Media Player (Mac or PC)
To play Region 2 DVDs, please use a Windows PC. The all-in-one Dell computers in the DMZ commons are recommended. These will play Region 2 DVDs without you needing to do anything or change any settings. The PCs in lab 1004C or the Reference Computer Commons will also play Region 2 discs, but you have to switch regions on the computer first.
In addition, the Library has a universal DVD player in our viewing rooms that will play all regions. Please ask the Circulation Desk for access to our viewing rooms. You can also view VHS and Blu-rays in the viewing rooms.
The instructor PCs in Library classrooms do not play Region 2 discs. CTS has portable universal DVD players that will play DVDs from all regions. To place a request to bring one into your classroom, create a work order through CTS. Choose New Work Order and then Equipment Request as the "Problem Type" and fill in any other info needed. If you plan to show a Region 2 film in class, make sure you place your CTS work order a few days in advance.
