DVD discs can be coded differently for different international regions. Regional DVD coding is not the same as encryption. Encryption is used to prevent making copies. Regional coding ensures that a DVD can be played only in the international region for which it was made. The coding was designed to protect theatrical distribution in international markets.
Regional codes are entirely optional for the maker of a DVD disc.
A disc released with codes for specific regions is playable only in those regions. CIS will honor the disc maker's codes. The following page links to other sites have information about world video standards. Since the pages are not on our site, use the BACK button on your Web Browser to return to CIS pages. If you have problems with any of these links, please inform CIS so we can remove or update them.