NPC Creation in DC

[Uatu]

Well, it is probably related to Japanese "control-everything" type thinking (they don't have a "people for the people" kind of idea, everything is just "top-down" instead). (Also note that multi-region players are a lot harder to get in Japan than other places, since Japanese makers are "lawful" and just don't put special codes to change the regions or such as nearly everyone else does.)

Region codes suck - I mean, if you like a CD of Russian music, it sure is nice that we can play it on any player, right?

Basically it is corporate interests vs. consumers.

[manikus]

I don't know of any places in the U.S. (not counting on-line) where you can buy DVD players that play multiple regions.

I think the U.S. is also pretty much corporate vs. customers, it's just that some times, the corporations are a little slow to catch on- but give them time and they will find a way to make money off of everything or outlaw it.

[Uatu]

Really? I bought my own in the US a few years ago (for like $30 ). The thing is, most of them seem to require secret codes or what have you (that you can find on the Internet) to activate (mine you just do once and it seems to stay that way, so I have long forgotten the code...).

Japanese players tend to not have any codes at all (Korean players do, though).

[manikus]

So, it was like a normal player that you just looked up codes for? Or, was it billed as a "multi-region" DVD player with the asterisk that you must look up the codes?

[Uatu]

Nothing on the box said that it is multi-region at all (most players seemed like this). However, the store guy knew that it was (I asked him about multi-region players) and just told me I could find the code on the Internet (and I did). Was a good deal in all!

*This based on my somewhat dim memory of several years ago...

[manikus]

Now, I'm going to have to figure out if there is some way to make our player play multiple region's DVDs (if at all possibile). Then we'll see who's getting the Dexter's Lab.

[Uatu]

Ha ha... You may be lucky...

[manikus]

Well, I'm not going to hold my breath, but I will cross my fingers - which I realize may lead to some typos.

[Uatu]

Strange how crossing fingers is a way not only to ensure good luck, but also to condone fibbing (and clandestinely, if you put said fingers behind your back!)...

[manikus]

They're the nonverbal equivalent of "just kidding".