Sony DW-U50A writer - limited region changes :(

[Lambchop]

I've heard about drives having a limited number of region changes before, but don't know much about it. Now I'm stuck with a drive (Sony DW-U50A) which claims to have only 4 allowed region changes left :( , I'd like to know why they do this, and if there is a way for me to get round it??

thanks guys :)

[ben.bayliss]

All DVDROM drives manufacturered since 2000 have had this limit :)

Check for a hacked firmware at www.rpc1.org which will remove the limit.

B

[Me Too]

Ugh - I want to recommmend a software alternative to flashing the firmware but a quick check of the website shows the software has changed so it's now forums-unfriendly :( But look out for software alternatives.