Sharp DV-740H multi-region hack

[rehe]

Does anyone know if there is a region hack for this player?

I have had a look about but can't find anything :(

Thanks in advance

[clayts]

I'm pleased to report that the Sharp DV740H falls into my territory at Area 450 as it's built by Sampo in their Shanghai factory (these are the guys behind the Encore DV450 and the Wharfedale M5) - it's an absolutely stunning little player, and based on the US Sampo DVE611 (same components), but with a nice redesigned front end, courtesy of Sharp.

And so yes, like all Sampo players, there is a hack, but it's a weird one !

You actually need access to a CD-writer, as it involves burning a text file to CD and then popping it in your player - all you're doing is accessing the factory setting menu, and it will be reset to R0 - RCE discs aren't a problem at all.

Full details of the hack here at Area 450 (http://www.area450.com/hacks/regionhack.htm)

Incidentally, a company called Multiregion Magic (http://www.multiregionmagic.co.uk) (they're not linked to me) are selling the '740, already multi-region, for £150, which undercuts Comet and Currys by £30.

It definitely works, by the way :)

[rehe]

Cheers clayts thats superb. :D I will try it in the next few days.

Incidentally my friend paid £129 for the player from TJ Hughes in Warrington (I think they are a national chain). :)

[Ron Hill]

Thanks Clayts.

A colleague of mine in work here can use this too. :)

[Ron Hill]

.. and i've just given him a CD prepared as per the instructions and a loan of my Final Fantasy R1 RCE disc to test it. :)

[clayts]

You're more than welcome - I'd get one myself but it's the first Sampo player EVER not to have component video out - why on earth do we need two SCART leads (and no, dunno about Macrovision yet :D )

[Ron Hill]

The deregion via CD file hack worked a treat.

Final Fantasy R1 RCE tested and working. :)

Nice one!

[clayts]

Result !

Empire Direct (http://www.empiredirect.co.uk) are now selling the player for £130 (plus P & P) with the 3 free DVD offer (valid via send-away leaflet until 31/12/01, offer closes 31/1/02) - nice price and a simple hack to boot for a quality product.

Man, I wish I was on commission :(

[rehe]

Oops, I forgot to mention the other day the TJ Hughes offer includes the 3 free DVDs for 129.99 like empire direct.

I have not done the multi-region hack yet as I only have R2 disks here at the moment, but I watched gladiator on it last night and it looked good. :)