I recently bought Hitchhiker PMW's 800 CD/DVD player.
(Peter is a great guy and was very helpful and communicative throughout the transaction.)

800D : Serial No. 4***** : Running Firmware 1.71.
It's apparently about 6 years old +/-.
I'm told Meridian replaced the entire unit at sometime, when the Power Supply/Drive failed.
Serviced a year or so ago (new PSU and Drive Fitted).
After this service it was returned to him with it's present firmware.

Peter assures me that it was 'Region Free' when it left him.
Once installed it in my system though, it turned out to be fixed on 'Region 1'.

I have used the region free method successfully in the past with a 598 and a G98, no prob's.
The 800 however is proving to be somewhat more difficult.

800 Set up > Information :
  • Region code 1
  • Firmware 1.71
  • Compiled 31/01/05
  • Microcode W - 2411
    -------------DVS - LDR - DSL - 720A
  • Drive code LV18
  • DSP1 code 001E

Connecting HyperTerminal (Windows XP/Port 3) to the DV02 RS232 :
  • Bits per second: 9600
  • Data bits: 8
  • Parity: None
  • Stop Bits: 1
  • Flow Control: None

Method :
Following this, everything seems normal.
(All inputs echoed)
  • %%
    Result = Factory Mode : Then overwritten to :~
  • %p constable
    Result = Installer : Overwritten to :~
  • %z 1f
    Result = Zone Set : Overwritten to :~
  • %w
    Result = Set up saved

Disconnect :

However, the '800 Menu > Information' still reads Region 1 - and R2 DVDs don't play.
The cables are OK and proven with the Configuration Program via the RS232 in the Computer Card slot.

Apart from :
  • Any glaring mistakes on my behalf.
  • This method not working with this particular drive.
  • This method not working with this firmware.
    or
  • Meridian having withdrawn the region free option.

Has anyone any suggestions ?


.... Holtz