Source: EURLEX
Language: en
Format: md

[**Avis juridique important**](../../../editorial/legal_notice.htm)

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# 92002E1890

**WRITTEN QUESTION E-1890/02 by Glyn Ford (PSE) to the Commission. Regional coding of DVD players.** 
  
*Official Journal 137 E , 12/06/2003 P. 0034 - 0034*

  

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1890/02

by Glyn Ford (PSE) to the Commission

(1 July 2002)

Subject: Regional coding of DVD players

Following my written questions regarding the regional coding of DVD players in June 2000 (E-1509/00, E-1510/00(1)) and the decision to investigate this further in June 2001, could the Commission please provide an update on work being carried out on this subject and any advances that have been made.

(1) OJ C 53 E, 20.2.2001, pp. 157-158.

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

(6 September 2002)

As the Honourable Member is aware, the Commission opened an investigation into the digital video disc (DVD) regional coding system in June 2001. The position of the major film production companies is that the basic purpose of this system is to allow them to protect their copyrighted intellectual property and the traditional pattern of releasing their films at different times in different parts of the world, as well as to protect against piracy.

The Commission understands the Honourable Member's concerns (as outlined in his written question E-1510/00) that this system may prevent consumers from benefiting from DVDs at potentially cheaper prices. In the course of its investigation, the Commission has obtained significant amounts of information relating to the establishment and ongoing operation of the regional coding system from a broad range of film studios, DVD equipment manufacturers, and commercial retailers. The Commission is now completing its analysis of the file with a view to ascertaining the system's compatibility with the Community competition rules.

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