Panasonic UBP820 Hack - Watch Bluray discs region free!

[@ungraduatedmedia]

***key step*** The more I do this, the more I’m seeing the player needs to read “stop” on the front display after pressing the “stop” button and then “top menu button” multiple times. I don’t know if it even matters how many times you press “top menu” after pressing the “stop” button on the remote. If you’ve tried the hack and the “region lock” screen is still displayed but you notice that the player displays “stop” on the front LED display; simply press the “top menu” button once more on your control while aimed at the player and that should get the disc to play.

[@happyharru]

doesnt work

[@ungraduatedmedia]

@@happyharru - sorry to hear it’s not working for you. That’s a bummer….

[@hblanche]

I already own a multi-region blu-ray player; but I gave this method a shot. So far worked on two foreign blu-rays. Certainly quicker than switching inputs / devices. Thanks!

[@ungraduatedmedia]

Great points - I’m hearing what you describe from many others too. It seems that it’s the much harder to find discs or labels that are still region locking these. Admittedly, I’m no expert on why. But you’re right about the 4k. Not quite sure what makes the difference 4k to bluray? I have heard of some very rare occasions of 4k discs getting region locked too but that is extremely rare. And as you say, the Dolby Vision on these Panasonic players are easy to execute as it’s just a simply turn on to recognize. I’d hate to have to remember to turn it on each time like some of the Sony’s. Thanks for watching and commenting with some value.

[@TheOriginalFuzz]

Hey Ken, I just tried this for the first time a minute ago, and it worked like an absolute charm! Exactly like you said... pressing Top Menu only twice doesn't cut it. I had to press mine like 7 times, and then it kicked right over to the main menu, just like in your video. Thanks brother... I'm gonna keep recommending this video to other people myself.

[@ungraduatedmedia]

Sweet!!! As I keep saying, I’ve never had an issue. What I’ve learned is sometimes you can still have an issue after pressing the top menu all those times and the disc doesn’t want to kick into the menu screen. When this happens and you’re stuck on the “region Lock Screen” just give the “top menu button” one more press. It’s like pressing it that many times confuses the player and every so often, even if it doesn’t work the first time, you just need one more press after things settle down to put that disc into play mode. But hey - worked for you the first time and that is what counts 😉👍🏼 It’s such a nice feature to have on such a great player without needing to shell out even more $$ for a region free player and have even more hookups to mess with. Glad it worked for you my brother!

[@TheOriginalFuzz]

@@ungraduatedmedia Yeah I've tried it on several discs now, and all worked. And I agree with your assessment... the player just gets a little confused with all the button presses and decides to just deliver the product! LMAO! This is awesome. Saves me the trouble of having to bring in my multi-region Sony X700 from another room and hook it up in order to watch those discs. Very convenient! When people say it doesn't work for them, I think they just need to be patient with it and keep hammering away at it until it takes. LOL

[@ungraduatedmedia]

@@TheOriginalFuzz yup - once you’re used to the process it’s actually quite easy 😉

[@BOBHALLJR]

Does this hack work with B locked dvd’s ?

[@tlhIngan]

These days many discs even though they say they are region locked, are actually region free on the disc itself. So if a locked disc works, it's generally speaking to be region free from the get-go. It's just trivial to print a title card with the locked logo than it is to press a disc with a region lock on it. This is also more likely to happen to recent releases because the physical media industry is such that you might simply do a worldwide print run as region free rather than small print runs that are region locked. There are many tools that can analyze a disc to tell you if it's the case - but generally speaking so few people actually bother to test it that in the end, most just believe the paper insert.

[@ungraduatedmedia]

That is a very good point and makes sense. Could very likely be why some of the supposed “region locked” discs are just playing on this player. As I dive more into “straight to video” or other rare blurays, I’m starting to watch more region B films. Some work right off the rip like the one in my vid here and others do not. Kinda nice this player offers the opportunity to unlock. Thanks for checking out the vid and commenting with some valuable insight

[@Roy-jj6hk]

Can confirm it works on the Panasonic DP-UB9000 as well. It was purchased this summer of 2023 and it has been updated to the latest firmware version 1.76. Only requires 2 presses of the 'Top menu' button. After inserting a region B disc the player displays a black screen with the message, "THIS BLU-RAY DISC WILL PLAY BACK ON REGION B PLAYERS ONLY" Pressing the square stop button brings you to the player's Blu-ray splash screen. Pressing the 'Top Menu' button the first time leaves you on the Blu-ray splash screen but displays a 3 second pop-up message upper right, "This operation not available" Pressing the 'Top Menu' button the second time takes you to the disc menu and you can play the movie or any other menu choice. Cool. 🙂

[@ungraduatedmedia]

Well described. I think there might actually need to be some slower presses and a pause in there like you describe. When I see the “stop” message displayed on the LED screen of the player, one more press of the “top menu” seems to get it done. I wish I could pin 2 comments to the top of this thread because I’d put yours right at the top. Well said and well explained! Thank you!

[@garyharper2943]

Luckily both my Sony 700 and Oppo 103D are region free.

[@ungraduatedmedia]

@shaneyoungblood2151 - sorry to hear that - for most folks they work, but not all

[@ungraduatedmedia]

@shaneyoungblood2151 - pretty sure I showed a live demo that worked. Not to mention all the other people here that have confirmed it works

[@ungraduatedmedia]

@shaneyoungblood2151 - you gotta press the stop button and then the top menu relatively quickly in succession. Try and do it quickly. See if that helps at all

[@phatjbl]

Great player. The 9000 quite rightly has an alloy chassis etc. It also has balanced xlr out for enhanced music listening. The only thing the UBD 9000 lacks fot my opinion is SACD. It would be the giant killer to replace the Oppo players that held their spot as the high end universal player weapon of choice for many home cinema and even hifi buffs. Panasonic still have the good sense to stay in this product category. They also make quality PVR for us folk that still watch free to air TV. In the Australian market Panasonic stand as the only quality company supplying this product type. Thanks for the tips. Great info.

[@MrEdWeirdoShow]

Heard other versions of this hack, but none identical to this. So it's a Stop to Top move. Once for the Stop button and 7 times for the Top menu. What surprised me is that you did NOT hold down the Stop button while you were hitting the Top one. UPDATE: On my particular player, as Roy-jj6hk mentions, it only took TWO times hitting the Top menu after hitting Stop once. Thanks!

[@ungraduatedmedia]

Yup - it’s in sequence and not simultaneously from “the stop button” to then “pressing the top menu button.” What I have found is that if it still is hung up on the “region locked screen” after this sequence - just pressing the “top menu button” once more often does the trick. I think why the hack doesn’t work for some is they try the same sequence over and over when often, all that is needed is one more press of the “top menu button.” At least that has been my experience as I’ve never had an issue yet playing a region locked disc.

[@MichaelFougere]

I had a Panasonic Blu-ray player that this would work on some region B discs. Not all. Some were easier than others. Basically the player is just getting confused with the button mashing, glitching out and just throwing you to the disc menus out of confusion. Probably because it's an easier way for the player to deal with all the glitching and confusion going on. I've since purchased and chip modded Sony region free player because this wasn't always working on region B discs I bought. Great video

[@ungraduatedmedia]

I hear ya - If it gets to that point with me I’ll likely do the same because I want to watch what I want to watch and when I want to watch it with as much ease as possible. For me, this hack when needed, hasn’t been a big hassle but if it were to become so I’d figure out something else. Thanks for checking out the vid and for commenting with some added value. Happy physical media experiences to you 😉

[@MichaelFougere]

@@ungraduatedmedia I'm sure results vary from model to model and disc to disc. But I bought a region B Second Sight Film set of Dawn of the Dead, and the discs were laughing at the Panasonic glitch. So that was the beginning of my search for a more reliable option. I grabbed the mod player for around $110. I just keep it on region B and only use it for foreign releases.

[@Rapterr15]

Yes I ordered Babylon Berlin season 4 on eBay from Germany and just tried it to no avail. Huge bummer

[@shikamaru25000]

Thank you, you made my day! I have a Panasonic Ub450, it worked by pressing only once the Top Menu button!

[@ungraduatedmedia]

Sweet!!! I love when this hack works for folks 😉 Means more physical media to enjoy!

[@ungraduatedmedia]

All good points - thanks for checking out the vid! I do love my panny 820 that is for sure

[@DrivenKeys]

Final factor in my decision to buy an 820, thank you for this!

[@ungraduatedmedia]

Enjoy! I love mine - it’s been a champ

[@ShariHansen]

Thanks. Worked on our UB420

[@ungraduatedmedia]

Sweet! I think that may be the first confirmation I got on the 420…long live physical media 🤘🏼

[@TMERUNNR]

BROOOOO!!!!!! That's Awesome! Frontier from Second Site loaded after that Amazing hack!!! Thank you and I will never do a firmware update because I want this hack to always work! 👍👍

[@ungraduatedmedia]

Glad it helped and worked for you - for what it’s worth I’ve done 1 firmware update since purchasing (have had for about a year) and still working fine. Happy bluray watching…hopefully always region free 😉

[@TMERUNNR]

@@ungraduatedmedia Awesome, good to hear!!

[@jjphoenix4055]

TON of thanks for this hack! Works wonderfully on my Panasonic UBP820! Pity it doesn't do the multiregion trick for DVDs also but for Blu Rays... awesome! Now I need another hack for dvds. If someone knows about it, please share.

[@ungraduatedmedia]

Yeah I’ve not seen it working for DVD’s and I haven’t tried…but if there ever is one I discover I’ll be happy to provide an update here.

[@orientalpress3346]

It works! Thank you! It doesn't work for DVDs, btw.

[@scottyluvslucy]

Luv your theater room Ungraduated Medai!!! That room is awesome......nice setup!!! 😃

[@ungraduatedmedia]

Thank you! I’m going to film a full tour soon and get it posted detailing the layout, what is done and what is being worked on and all the equipment / gear. So stay tuned! I’ll get that vid up likely in the coming week. Been getting quite a few comments on so I think it’s time

[@TheOriginalFuzz]

Interesting topic. Great idea for a video. I've heard there was a hack for these players (I never really looked into it), but I've also heard it doesn't necessarily work for every disc (although who knows? Maybe they just didn't press Top Menu enough times lol). I will definitely try this with mine at some point. I do already have a multi-region modded Sony x700, but I usually keep it in a different room, so it would be cool to be able to play region B discs on my Panny. In fact, I have a region B title coming to me soon, so I'll have to give it a try.

[@ungraduatedmedia]

Definitely give it a try - I’ve chatted with a few fellow physical media collectors here and was discussing this player in particular. It came up that the “hack didn’t work.” As I say in the vid - sometimes it plays region B Blurays without even needing to try the hack. Other times you need to use it. So far it’s 100% for me when needing to use. If you try it let me know how it works for you. I use a separate Sony UBP X700 for my 3D movies that I hook up to my epson PowerLite 3000 when I want to watch in 3D. But most of what I watch is on the Panny so I like to keep it hooked up and watch most of what I want in my theater room without needing to disconnect / reconnect. Hope it helps ya out my brother 😉👍🏼

[@Henry-uo4xd]

All my panny blue ray players seem to be region free naturally unlike x box or p station 4. I played NTSC of 36th changer of shaolin without issue.

[@ungraduatedmedia]

@@Henry-uo4xd I’ve been seeing this comment a lot. For me some do just play upon entry but some seem to require this hack. If they are good for you…awesome. Even better…but if you ever do come upon this issue at least you know what you can try 😉

[@ashleychong1673]

Was it easy to modify a Sony X700? If the Panasonic has less hassle factor, then probably buy the Panasonic. cheers

[@johnpublic7796]

Fairly often, Blu-Rays will be marked "Region B/C," but the label "forgot" to region lock the disc. I have several that work for me in any player, despite them being marked as Region B/C. They'd probably blame whoever pressed the discs if anyone pushed back. Domestic boutiques hate it because overseas boutiques can license movies a lot cheaper because they're supposed to be region-locked, meaning the pool of potential customers is supposed to be smaller, so it does create an unfair advantage for non-domestic boutiques. I'm not complaining, just explaining. Anyhow, I've had my eye on this player for a while to upgrade from my Sony ux700 (or whatever).

[@ReZel80657]

I found the same thing often it says A or B only on the box but they are multi region in reality, the worst studio hands down when it comes to region locking is Discotek everything from them is always locked where Sentai and Crunchyroll sometimes like you said forget to lock it

[@mdelhaj8858]

OMG. this is working like a magic on a panasonic UB9000 region 2 player, and i only had to press stop/top menu once to play my region 1 usa imported blu-ray disc's, thanks for sharing this.

[@ungraduatedmedia]

Glad I could help

[@ungraduatedmedia]

Glad it’s working for ya 😉 Enjoy that physical media baby!!!

[@snowymatrix]

Thanks man! Even though I have a proper chipped UK multi region player which I have connected to my 4K tv my UBP820 is connected to my cinema screen and I couldn't watch my region A blu-ray on the big screen. I've just tried this hack with a few discs and it works! Also i put a region B disc in and played it after the region A and it played no problem. Then I tried another region A straight after using the hack and again no problem it played! :-)

[@ungraduatedmedia]

SWEET!!! Everyone has their own unique set up and needs. I try and watch ALL my movies down in my theater room so I just like using 1 main player if I can. I loved that I found out about this but there weren’t any vids out on it so I decided to make one. Glad it’s working for you 😉👍🏼 Enjoy!

[@armdrk3233]

Awesome! I'm considering buying the UB-820 (UK) and really don't want to fork out extra £150 for a chipped one,the UB-820 is already expensive as is..so do you have an update,did you try more region A Blurays? when I search Reddit etc people say this method doesn't work..

[@ungraduatedmedia]

@@armdrk3233- it’s worked every time for me that I’ve tried. Some discs are a bit more finicky than others and you got to try it a few times to get it to work. I’m in the states and usually play region B locked with success. I’ve seen some people in Europe trying to play region A and having some issues, at least they say but I also don’t know how they are doing the hack.

[@EverythingHomeTheater]

Thank you for the info on this. Some companies are charging more for a region-free ub820. I considered it as my wife was in a European movie and we haven't been able to ever watch it but now maybe we'll be able to check it out. Thanks again

[@ungraduatedmedia]

Happy to help my man - what’s the movie if you don’t mind me asking? Would be cool to check out! Enjoy!

[@EverythingHomeTheater]

@ungraduatedmedia can't remember exactly, something like The Vacation or maybe just Vacation but it has Luke Perry in it and is from the 90s. She had a small part in a bar where this old man slaps her on the butt.

[@ungraduatedmedia]

@@EverythingHomeTheater - ha! That is awesome! I hope the hack works out for you. Would be really cool to experience that with you and your wife. A nostalgic part of history for sure and personal significance. It works all the time for me when I’ve done it. Some have issues with it. Happy to help in anyway should you need it. Thanks for stopping by and checking out the vid…

[@The.Pirate1986]

just wow! Thank you! It works.

[@ungraduatedmedia]

You're welcome!

[@tdvols]

Thanks for the info! It worked for me. I hit the top menu multiple times and it worked!!!!! 😊

[@ungraduatedmedia]

Yeah baby!!! Glad it worked for you ! Onto enjoying MORE physical media 😉

[@chiefchunky-muffin4708]

I did the Rattlebyte and it’s great.

[@djs9281]

My experience is similar to yours including existenz. Their is one I have problems with. I purchased a 3 pack of Olympus London and Angel has Fallen. Angel is the only one I have trouble with. It will not come out of region locked card. No problems with others. Maybe a good video of what does and doesn't work. Pool our experience. Good video thanks

[@ungraduatedmedia]

It is so weird how some just “start up.” It’s got to do with the read on the disc and how it’s encoded. And you’re right…might be a great topic for a vid if I can research and figure out. Thanks for the tip. I’ll check into it…thanks for checking out the vid. 👍🏼

[@LaughMuBai]

Nice one! Hopefully that works on the UK players, and/or they don't fix that with a firmware update...

[@ungraduatedmedia]

I have heard more challenges from folks trying this hack in the UK. I don’t know if they were manufactured differently for that region or not. Assuming they are all made in one country (say china as I’m not entirely sure) I wouldn’t think any one player would be different. But for whatever reason, the majority of folks telling me this hack didn’t work for them were in the region B part of the world. So do let me know your experience if you’re able to give this a try. Also - for me, I’ve done one recent firmware update on my player and still have been good.

[@OneLife69-]

My guy you are a legend

[@supertrexandroidx]

I've tried this repeatedly with a boxset of Region 2 DVDs on my 820 and haven't been able to get them to play, but will try with some others when I get a chance. The discs play fine in the old Philips DVD player I have, though, so guess I better hang on to it. ;)

[@ungraduatedmedia]

Thanks for replying with your personal experience…I guess there are just some discs when put in the UB820 it just doesn’t like working with. Seems like about an 80% success rate so far from the comments here - but yeah - there is going to be that 20% or so….

[@StephenAtt797]

Thanks, just set up my 820 and had a Region B disk that was easy to rip, but the Panny flagged it, I did the Hack and Voila.. it's playing..

[@ungraduatedmedia]

Glad it’s working for you! Enjoy that physical media 😉👍🏼

[@user-ix4if6ek3w]

Advice for those who want to find a player to use for their home theater: You should not choose Japanese brands like Panasonic or Sony or something like that, but you should choose reputable South Korean brands with better sound quality like Samsung or LG. Thanks.

[@romualdspizans3163]

Im based in UK,put 🇺🇸 region locked blu ray and it worked,thank you!!

[@ungraduatedmedia]

That is great to hear! Too many times I hear it doesn’t work as well for U.K. players. Thanks for sharing.

[@romualdspizans3163]

@@ungraduatedmedia you are right,it worked just with one disc

[@ResidentHorror]

Your the best man, I can finally watch my international films at high quality!

[@ungraduatedmedia]

Enjoy! Glad it’s working for ya 👍🏼

[@michaelhawkins7389]

@@ungraduatedmedia do you know a hack that works with Blu ray players? ( I know 4k is blu ray but its the newer blu ray format)

[@ungraduatedmedia]

@@michaelhawkins7389 I do know this hack works on Blu-ray’s for this player. I’ve not done any other hacks on an any other player, but I use it mostly always for Blu-ray’s as 99.8% of 4k Blu-ray’s are region free so they should play fine on any 4k player

[@michaelhawkins7389]

@@ungraduatedmedia what about LG BP250 Blu ray player?

[@markfly480]

I know about this hack (I'm in the UK) and it does work on some discs, but on most I found it doesn't - ended up buying a multi region player for those.

[@ungraduatedmedia]

I’m wondering if different serial numbers or different model years of this player are working differently? Some region B discs play just fine for me upon entry. Others require the “hack.” Would be interesting to see how many folks that buy this from the UK have issues playing region A discs. Sounds like you’re having that very issue.

[@chrisward000]

I’m also I. The UK and have a have a modded UB420 and a Region B UB450. I use the 450 as my main player becuase it has DolbyVision which the 420 lacks. I also find a mixed result. A lot of mainstream movies are now the same disc everywhere except where the UK has a different distributor, so they work without the hack. Criterion US discs all seem to work fine on the UB450 with the Top Menu hack. I have a few Kino Lorber and they have added extra checks so you basically can’t get to the stopped screen - pressing stops says “operation not allowed”. I don’t know why they bother though, the discs I have all came with region free 4Ks so makes no sense to lock the Blu Ray.

[@ethanberry9846]

It works on a few but here in the UK I have a blu ray copy of 2 Days In The Valley which is locked to Region A, when I hit the stop button I get a 'this operation cannot be performed now, message and it doesn't allow me to move onto pressing the top menu button?

[@rfsanjurjo]

I have a region B Panasonic UB420, and it works with that player, too. At least it does with some US labels (Criterion, Cohen), but at Kino, they apparently got wise to this hack, and author their blu-rays in a way that disables the "Stop" button when showing the "wrong region" message: when you push it, it a message pops up saying that the action is not allowed. And it doesn't work with DVDs at all.

[@ungraduatedmedia]

You’re the second person to mention this. I guess being in the U.S. I’m fortunate to not have to worry about the Kino discs. That’s a bummer to hear however for our friends over the pond such as yourself. So it seems Kino is verified at this point as NOT WORKING on the U.K. side of things. I don’t have a way to try this on my end obviously. If they make and manufacture region B discs (don’t know if they do or not) I wonder if a region B one would work over here with this hack?

[@rfsanjurjo]

Kino is US-only, as far as i'm aware. BTW, i checked some more discs, and Shout Factory ones are locked as well, this time it seems that the "top menu" button is the one that's disabled.

[@ungraduatedmedia]

@@rfsanjurjo - thank you for continuing to share. It seems like for whatever reason there are more problems with region B players trying to play region locked A discs. I’ve been reading and replying to all comments here and that is the trend that is emerging. Seems that many more region B blurays either play automatically on a region A player or work with the hack. The opposite seems to have more issues unfortunately. Unsure why that would be…

[@modestyblaise4167]

Yep, Kino and Shout just don’t work as they lock all input. I’ve not tried Vinegar Syndrome. Others seem fine and Sony and Lionsgate tend to have region free BD discs included in the 4K package (with 4K discs being region free by design).

[@ashleychong1673]

I live in "Region B" - Do you know if you can play old DVD Region 1 (USA)? thank you

[@PersianImm0rtal]

Omg this is amazing! Thank you!!!

[@ungraduatedmedia]

Glad you like it! - hope you get hours of region free viewing of blu rays 😉👍🏼

[@stuartobrien78]

Sony S3700 blu ray player plays everything without needing to put in a hack. Just toggle between region A and B.

[@Franksmediaandreviews]

Tried this with my copy of Eden Lake by Leonine, but it doesn't work. It does work with Second Sight, Arrow, 88 Films, and Studio Canal.

[@ungraduatedmedia]

I’ve heard it doesn’t work on “all discs.” Put it has for me thus far. Did you happen to see my pinned comment? Check that out and see if it helps with the 1 disc that doesn’t seem to want to work

[@ReZel80657]

Region locking is the reason why i said f it and spent the $1700/1700 euros on a Magnetar UDP-800 which is a new and improved Oppo UDP-203 and the 203 sells for 2-3 times its old price second hand so the Magnetar was cheaper

[@ungraduatedmedia]

I can’t say I blame you - I think I got this played open box for like $300. It’s just nice not having to mess with region locked discs. I have yet to find a disc where this hack doesn’t work, but it can be annoying trying multiple times to get it to work so I feel ya

[@ReZel80657]

@@ungraduatedmedia I also have an old Oppo BDP-103D and how you changed region on that was when the player said no disc you had 10 seconds to enter a code and if you messed up or the player did not register it you had to turn it off and try again and that got old really fast, the Magnetar works by going into setup and pressing 8520 and a sub menu pops up and let you change region and it works every time and without having to turn the player off so the Magnetar in my mind is worth every cent of its price

[@ungraduatedmedia]

@@ReZel80657 - I appreciate the insight. At some point I’ll need to upgrade or get another player so your input here is valued. Thanks 🙏

[@ReZel80657]

@@ungraduatedmedia Almost forgot with the Oppo you had to manually change region codes for both DVD and BD with the Magnetar you can set DVD to auto which means it will change on its own instead of you have to struggle to get the region code changed like you did with the Oppo that is another reason why i like the Magnetar, note that you will have to pay an extra $100 fee to get the region free version of the UDP-800 or UDP-900 otherwise its region locked

[@PIPERBOYWILLIAMS]

Why you get the 900 when you have a home theater ? No THX certification

[@Trojan0304]

Works on some Region B br brands , others not. I have modified Oppo that plays my British discs

[@petersidd]

Thank you just bought that particular player so this should come in very handy Out of interest how did you find this hack for you read it somewhere or just stumble across it ?

[@ungraduatedmedia]

I completely just stumbled upon it on Reddit and didn’t see any vids at the time on KZbin and decided I’d try and help some folks out

[@TheaterAtReference]

Thanks for the tip i'll give it a go tonight. Hey nice theater , have you ever done a tour of your theater and setup?

[@ungraduatedmedia]

Thanks for watching and I hope it works for you. Check out that pinned comment I put in there if you have any issues. Definitely going to do a theater room tour soon. Have had a few requests for that so gonna get it done in the near future. So stay tuned 😉

[@Moviefudgetrumpet]

I had my 820 sent away to get hard modded so now plays anything from any country even the few 4k discs that are region A locked " The people under the stairs 4k by scream factory" is one of them. And all region blu rays so money well spent imo

[@ungraduatedmedia]

Interesting- mind if I ask where you sent it and roughly what the cost was to do that? That is something I’ve not heard of doing before

[@Moviefudgetrumpet]

Im in the uk and cost me £160 picked up and dropped back to me. Got it done at Multi Region Magic based in Peterbourgh if i remember rightly. Only 2 days without it so great service and there very helpful 👍🏻

[@Moviefudgetrumpet]

And that remote hack doesent play alot of blu rays even after doing it. Hard mod plays ANYTHING

[@samsonleevideo5075]

Mine is ub820 1xSTOP & 2xTopMenu * case by case It did not work on some blu rays like Moonraker,This is it (Michael Jackson) * it works on Ang Lee's Lust.Caution (Tony Leung) WITHOUT your trick * it is not necessary to start on HOME screen unless it is even prohibited to use the STOP button * not for DVDs

[@ungraduatedmedia]

You describe it well - for me personally it’s worked each time I’ve tried it, but many here have not had the same experience. And in some cases, the UB-820 just plays the region locked disc right from the start without needing to use the hack. Ultimately I don’t know why that is, but that has been the common trend. Thanks for checking out the vid

[@felmonto]

Thanks! I did it 😍

[@ungraduatedmedia]

Glad it worked for you 🤙🏼

[@baronjackson]

I tried this with the UK Import of The Elephant Man and it doesn't seem to work. Works great with my other import titles (The House of Gucci, Basic Instinct and Blade Runner). Can't seem to get The Elephant Man to work.

[@ungraduatedmedia]

Glad it’s working for most…in my experiences you have to sometimes try it multiple times on “stubborn discs.” If you haven’t yet see my pinned comment. I have found just stopping for a few seconds and seeing if the player displays “stop” on the display and then pressing the “top menu” once more gets it done. But that’s me…has worked every time I’ve tried on a disc so far but I do hear it doesn’t work 100% of the time.

[@addamski]

I have the same player mate. Most Blurays I try the trick works. But found the Bluray extras disc in the Dr Terror House of Horrors Vinegar Syndrome still won't play. I'm in the UK with a region B player and imported this VS disc from the USA.

[@ungraduatedmedia]

I do wonder what it is about certain discs that will not play after this hack. I do however hear it’s more “region A” stuff that won’t play on “region B” made players. I’m sure as some point I’m gonna run into a region B disc that is locked and won’t work on my region A player…but still to date I’m 100% with the ability.

[@KyleViewing]

Here it is 5:40

[@walking_luggage8105]

It doesn't work on mine. The moment I pressed "stop" it says "invalid region", and every time I press "top menu" the screen pops up saying "invalid regiion" too.

[@ungraduatedmedia]

Yeah - I hear it doesn’t work on some discs. Maybe it has to do with the release year and particular series # of the player? All I know is so far on my player it’s worked every time I’ve tried. I purchased my player around this time last year 2022z Seems like from what I’ve heard here it’s like a 75% success rate…wish it worked for everyone. Sorry it hasn’t seemed to work for you.

[@tandgprod]

I tried 10 discs and it only worked on one of these. The others it just continued to say it couldn't do it. The one that did work allowed me to hit stop and switch to the other screen so I could press top menu. Oh well, I have an all regions player I'll just continue to use.

[@ungraduatedmedia]

@@tandgprod - bummer…curious what discs you were trying to play and where you are at (U.S. or Europe) and what region you were trying to play? I’m hearing anyone trying to play Kino Lorber Discs outside of their region is not having this work. Almost like Kino got wise to it and reprogrammed their discs. But again, if you already have a region free player then it’s not as big a deal. Or if you don’t mind swapping one where you’re regular watching and viewing experience takes place. Sorry to hear but thanks for taking the time to drop a comment

[@dbdeets]

Can of course not work, if the region code is asked after the menu was already available. Even if those discs are not typical.

[@shortkari]

Sadly does not work with my European UBP820 with my US blurays. Tried with Miami Vice boxset from Mill Creek. The disc starts rotating and gives the text with Mill Creek logo "This disc is not intended to play in your region". Pressing stop does not stop the disc. Numerical buttons seems to work but all other buttons do not respond. Only home button works and stops the disc from rotating. Then the player returns to the players main menu. If I then press stop once and top menu several times, the disc starts rotating again and the same text from Mill Creek regarding wrong region appears on the screen. Sad day! 😔

[@ungraduatedmedia]

Sorry to hear it’s not working for you…I did buy mine in the U.S. and am mostly using on region B locked discs with much success. One last resort, did you see my pinned comment? I’ve noticed on mine just pressing that “top menu” once more after seeing the display say “stop” works for me. But it’s on region B locked discs. Would love to hear it works on European purchased players and region A locked discs

[@romerolemstra8747]

Will this trick also work with region locked dvds? I'm saving up to buy a Panasonic DP-UB824, (as far as I know the UB824 is a European version of the UB820) and I want to collect some blu-rays and dvds that are from region A and 1.

[@ungraduatedmedia]

I’m unsure but for whatever reason why I’ve heard of less success with European made models working with the hack.

[@KiltedCritic]

No luck trying this on my UBP820 on a region locked blu-ray of Knight Rider from Mill Creek studios. Just get a 5 minute looping video of not playable on this region. Trying to press stop brings up "this function is prohibited". I tried pressing the home button instead, then stop plus top menu several times, but that doesn't work, only takes me back to the looping video. Any ideas?

[@ungraduatedmedia]

My only idea is to wait a few seconds after pressing that “top menu” button the last time and then just give it “one more press.” Sometimes in my experiences after pressing stop button and then top menu button all this times it just needs a second to “think” and then that one more push of the top button kicks it into gear.

[@estebanmedaglia4506]

Thank you! Do you know if this also works for the Panasonic DP-UB9000P1K?

[@ungraduatedmedia]

You’re welcome- I have been told it does from some folks here in the comments but I myself have not tried as I only have the UB-820. Hope it works for you.

[@matthewrendle9321]

We will just get used to 4k ultra and they bring out 8k ultra but we never more brands making dvd player's i spoke with Samsung some dvd player don't have the memory capability to play some blue ray discs

[@Steelersinfinity]

Can you give please do a tour of your home theater? This is coming from a fellow Steelers fan.

[@ungraduatedmedia]

I most definitely will do this very soon. Getting numerous requests for this and I will be getting some more time off from work soon so I’ll be getting this done. It’s been fun pulling the theater room together, not quite done yet but still close enough to where I can get a vid out. Look for it in the next week or so 😉👍🏼 thanks for watching…and commenting. Another tough loss too btw…Pickett….😏 what to say about that one…

[@skincrawlers2510]

I have two Panasonic 4K players. One is region free the other is locked. My other player is a region free Sony Blu ray player and then of course my PS5. I’m looking to buy some spare players to stash for a rainy day.

[@ungraduatedmedia]

Seems like you’re covered lol. I have 4 players but the one I use most in my theater room is this Panny UB820 and I love it as well for its ability to seamlessly identify and play a disc in 4k Dolby Vision or HDR. I do have a 3D capable Sony UBP-x700 also connected down there when I want to pop in a 3D film to my 3D capable projector…but otherwise I don’t want to watch a bluray upstairs on my “normal TV” so I like the flexibility of being able to pop in a region locked blu ray while in my theater room. I guess I always coukd hook up a 3rd player that is region free since my Denon receiver has ability for many HDMI inputs but I like “the hack” lol . Makes me feel like I’m getting to watch something I’m generally not supposed to be able view lol. I know - silly 🙃

[@kevonmanuel]

When are you going to do a detailed home theater tour?

[@ungraduatedmedia]

That is definitely coming soon 😉👍🏼

[@kierangavin3670]

Yes please Sir!!!@@ungraduatedmedia

[@uhoh7541]

He said his panasonic sometimes plays region B fine and sometimes doesn't? I've had at least 5 work without problem (1 or 2 required top menu being pressed once). I guess it's only a matter of time before i get one that doesn't?

[@ungraduatedmedia]

I have had some region B discs from 101 Films and a few other labels and you’re right…they just play from the jump. It’s very strange. It’s like this is a region free player sometimes and other times you need to try the hack…glad it is mostly working for you just popping in and playing.

[@uhoh7541]

@@ungraduatedmedia About a year ago i was going to buy a region free player and decided to try one of the suggested tricks first, but was shocked when disc played immediately. From your experience, sounds like one day I'll eventually get one that won't though. I have an old sony blu ray player in my workout room (can't even remember where i bought to get model # and too lazy to pull it out) that has played region B discs as well, to date at least. Good luck to both of us.

[@MuckMan_Movies]

Ive just bought this player last week, so will look at this with one of my imported blurays. Cheers. BTW, Does this reset back to the default after you remove the disc or turn off the player.

[@ungraduatedmedia]

First off - enjoy this player! It’s the best I’ve had in my home theater yet! I do truly love it! There are some really good vids on KZbin that can walk you through the “default settings” you want to set up for the best 4k / Dolby Vision / ATMOS / HDR settings you can want. And I can tell you from experience that my settings hold true after shutting down or losing power once set. Should you ever want to return to “default factory settings” you easily can from the menu app. Enjoy your player and have fun watching more region discs that you may have thought were locked that you can now view 😉👍🏼

[@MuckMan_Movies]

@@ungraduatedmedia this worked on a criterion disc but not on a scream factory Fly II disc for me

[@ungraduatedmedia]

@@MuckMan_Movies - thanks for letting me know. Glad to hear it worked on the Criterion but for the other I will say sometimes it takes NUMEROUS tries at it. In my video, it took me like 5 mins of doing it to get that “Welcome to the Dollhouse” disc to work. One might say, after a few tries it isn’t work wasting time but I’m curious how many times you tried?

[@qasimmir7117]

About £300 retail price here in Britain. You lot are getting scammed. Though I do have to pay £1.50 per litre for fuel.😐

[@talkradioaus7322]

I have an 820 but this doesn't work for me. I have one 4k film that has a region locked bonus disc (sadly the film was not released in my region). When i press the "stop" button once the invalid region message appears, i get a pop-up saying it's an invalid function, and the region error remains on screen. I think whether or not it works may be dependent on the disc itself.

[@ungraduatedmedia]

Have your tired pressing the stop button multiple times after pressing the “top menu” button? Essentially what I’ve learned is by pressing then quickly in sequence, you’re “confusing” the player to play the region locked disc. You have to do it quickly. Then once done in quick order - if you still see the “region locked error screen” one more press of the “stop” button kicks my player into gear. Works every time for me - wish is would for you too…

[@talkradioaus7322]

@@ungraduatedmedia Yeah i have. Every button i press gives the invalid function pop-up if the "invalid region" screen is up. The only button that does something is the home button, which goes back to the player home menu. In the end i found a local audio/video company that installs region free chips for these, so i've booked in to get that done in a few days.

[@sparky_boomstick]

Just bought a new Panasonic UBP820 specifically for this (2024). I’ve been following your instructions repeatedly but it won’t work. It always ends up putting up a big red warning screen telling me the disc is not compatible.

[@ungraduatedmedia]

Maybe newer models are no longer accepting this hack. Unsure - I know I’ve never seen a “red warning screen.” So something seems different

[@rp1037]

This method did not work on my panasonic 870. It is a German bluray. The disk would not accept a stop command. I have not updated the firmware. Perhaps that might help?

[@ungraduatedmedia]

If it’s not working now, I can’t see how updating the firmware would hurt, although it’s not guaranteed to solve it. For whatever reason, more people in region B viewing areas that have purchased the players in those regions seem to have issues…maybe something with the manufacturing there and programming?

[@paulallenMacca]

Thanks for sharing will it work for DVDs or just Blu ray discs.

[@ungraduatedmedia]

I haven’t tried it with a DVD yet - would love to know your experience if you give it a try

[@paulallenMacca]

Thanks for getting back,I must try it when I find where my Region 1 DVDs are,do you have to press those buttons every time you put a disc in.

[@ungraduatedmedia]

Only when it is a “region locked disc” outside of your region. And even then, sometimes when I do put in a region locked disc, it just works so it really just all depends. But when you do have one that won’t play, the hack with the button pressing has always worked for me. Hope it does for you too…

[@paulallenMacca]

Thanks for your help and info.

[@BenjaminW91]

Doesnt seem to work for me in the united kingdom so got a region b locked player and have tried the Halloween region a box sets multiple times notbing.

[@ungraduatedmedia]

Bummer - I hear more times than not that the region B version of this player doesn’t work as often with the hack. Sorry to hear that

[@johnleone1996]

I have this player. I heard some discs straight up won't work because they need to show the trailers and stuff. Have you run into any? I bought a mod for my Sony UBP-X700 that should hopefully come in next week. I got it for those discs

[@ungraduatedmedia]

Thanks for watching first and foremost - there hasn’t been a single disk that I’ve put in this player that hasn’t worked. The region locked ones work sometimes without “the hack” and the ones that end up needing “the hack” work too. I will always the only issue with some region locked discs that require the hack is sometimes you have to try it multiple times. The one thing I’ve noticed that I didn’t include in the vid is that you need to see the word “stop” displayed on the player before pressing the top menu key that last time before the disc menu screen then pops up. I need to pin a comment to the top of this vid outlining that. It’s truly a great player and now, as I’ve found out, it’s a great all in 1 player too. If you end up having any trouble with it let me know. Despite others saying it works on some discs and not others, I’ve had 100% success with it

[@johnleone1996]

@@ungraduatedmedia That's good. Now, I'll have my X700 at my mom's and my UB820-M at my dad's

[@ungraduatedmedia]

@@johnleone1996 enjoy! Ironically we have the exact two same players. I use my Sony UBP-X700 for my 3D bluray playing to my Epson 3000 powerlite projector. Both work amazing for me

[@johnleone1996]

@ungraduatedmedia That's ironic lol. Do you need glasses for 3D?

[@ungraduatedmedia]

@@johnleone1996 - yes, technically you can use the red / blue cheap ones but I have the true “active glasses” that you charge and then then connect via Bluetooth to the projector. Work great and you’d be shocked at the clarity and depth it adds to film. In some cases, if the 3D transfer is done right, better than 4k. But the film really has to be done right. 3D went along the wayside because every label in the early 2010’s was trying to pump out film on 3D since it was popular but they weren’t doing them justice and it fell outta popularity. But if you watch a good 3D transferred film, it is truly hard to beat.

[@trimeniawallengrenii7816]

Does it only work on BR/UHD or does it work on DVD a well?

[@ungraduatedmedia]

I haven’t had to try on a DVD as I’ve only tried on bluray so I’m not sure…

[@dansanfrisco]

Considering the remote has Netflix on it that would mean this is an internet connected device correct? If so couldn't Panasonic just update the firmware and push it out to close this loophole?

[@ungraduatedmedia]

I don’t believe so unless it is contained within a firmware update. If the device is connected via ethernet (as my player is because I want all the updates for HDR / Dolby Vision) etc. I guess they could “force it.” But even though I’m connected I don’t have it set to “auto-update.” An I truly don’t know if there would be incentive to do that or not? I almost feel like it’s intentionally there to help allow the playability of these discs for true collectors buying a more expensive player. Not sure at all about that, just a curious thought on my behalf.

[@andrewspeter4795]

thank obvious knack

[@mikaellarsson9069]

I have just bought this player, but I haven't installed it yet. My player is region B. Will this trick work the other way, so I can watch region A?

[@ungraduatedmedia]

It’s supposed to but I’ve heard more people having issues with the hack with the player manufactured in region B versus when made in region A. But I hope it works for. If you give it a try, do let me know the outcome.

[@dougquaid570]

Any idea if this works on the UB-450?

[@ungraduatedmedia]

I have been trying to keep up with the comments here and respond to as many as I can and I can say I saw someone say this DOES work on the UB-420. So if the 420 is an earlier model than the 450, I would assume so but I cannot verify that yet. If you get to try, please update

[@wking8]

Abyone confirm if this works on the Panny ub9000?

[@ungraduatedmedia]

I have seen here in the comments that it t is said that it does work.

[@1caballo173]

I've tried this several times but no joy. My player shows blue screen with message saying wrong region. The image on my TV is nothing like what's shown here. I've given up trying.

[@ungraduatedmedia]

Sorry to hear that - curious if you know what firmware update you are running on your UB-820? I recently did a firmware update on mine and the hack still works but I’ve heard others speculate that firmware updates can cause issues

[@Oemercurial]

Great content!

[@ungraduatedmedia]

Thank you - hope it helps

[@TROYOSTRANDER]

Thank you.....Anyone try it on the UB150 or UB450?

[@ungraduatedmedia]

You are welcome - not that I’m aware of yet but if you do get around to it and want to report back, feel free to let me know your findings.

[@Chuck-RETROGAMECAVE]

I will try it on my panny ub820 thanks ❤

[@ungraduatedmedia]

Hope it works for you - seems like it’s working on most discs so hope it helps you out 😉

[@Chuck-RETROGAMECAVE]

@@ungraduatedmedia Just tried it using my Import Studio Canal ver. of Fifth Element and it worked perfect the 1st try. I pressed stop , then Top menu about 3-5 times, until the screen responded.

[@happyharru]

How do I make dvd region free too? on panasonic bluray devices?

[@ungraduatedmedia]

Wish I could help more but I don’t have any region blocked DVD’s to try this with, only bluray

[@boca3105]

I’ve used the hack and it works for Arrow & Eureka videos, but nothing from the 88 label. Anyone know why this happens?

[@ungraduatedmedia]

Just seems random - works on all discs I’ve tried this hack on thus far…but for some it just seems truly random. Wish I had a better answer for you.

[@paulallenMacca]

I just tried it and it didn’t work I put in Blackbeards Ghost dvd Region 1 it’s a Disney movie but no joy i tried it first trying clicking Menu twice then 7 or 8 times I live in the UK.

[@ungraduatedmedia]

Massive bummer - there just seems to be more failure rates on these machines using the hack in the U.K. for whatever reason. Maybe it has to do with the manufacturing over there? I will say if you try it and have pressed the top menu button 7 or so times and still no luck - I find that after that pause just giving the top menu button “one more press” can do the trick. Almost like you got it out of the “lock state” but it hasn’t changed or told you after all that button slamming and it just needs one more press to kick into gear. If that doesn’t do it - then I’m out of suggestions 🤷🏼‍♂️ and sorry to hear that it didn’t work for you.

[@paulallenMacca]

Thanks for your help anyway just a pity it didn’t work.

[@erikblohm443]

What about 4800?? Is it the same??

[@ungraduatedmedia]

Unsure - I’ve not yet seen anyone comment here on whether or not this hack works with the 4800

[@garetha1981]

I gather this would work for region locked DVD’s too?

[@ungraduatedmedia]

I have not tried a region locked DVD but I am assuming it would work.

[@garetha1981]

@@ungraduatedmedia I tried and couldn’t get the DVD to work

[@ungraduatedmedia]

@@garetha1981 sorry to hear, that’s a real bummer. What region is the DVD and what region was the player purchased? Just curious…

[@garetha1981]

@@ungraduatedmedia DVD is region 1. UBP820 is region 4, region B

[@lawrencegatt4515]

❤ your show from down under 🏁💙🇦🇺🍾🥂🥇

[@ungraduatedmedia]

Appreciate that support and glad to have Aussie showering me with ❤️! Hope to see you around in future vids!

[@BobbyCoolBreeze]

Will this work on Panasonic 9000?

[@ungraduatedmedia]

I’m not 100% sure but would assume it would be the same on the 9000.

[@pixelboys8565]

have this player region a version but want to buy region b terminator 2 in 3d .will it work ? with the hack

[@ungraduatedmedia]

From what I’m gathering here is it depends on the label that is producing the disc. It seems that more people that have this player produced from region A are having a lot more success playing region B discs. Whereas in the opposite, a region B purchased player trying to play region A is harder. I can tell you my player is region A purchased and ALL the region B discs I’ve purchased either play right as putting in or with the hack if needed. I think you’ll be ok but you’re only going to know for sure if you try.

[@pixelboys8565]

@@ungraduatedmedia thanks for the reply

[@currykevuk]

Do we still need to hack dvd players. That's so 2000s!

[@ungraduatedmedia]

Not really - could always just buy a region free player. It’s just that if you have a really good 4k player like this and don’t want to shell out much more for a region free 4k player (most 4k discs are region free already) then you want to be able to watch bluray Discs from anywhere in the country. Not all the blurays one may want are readily available in the country they live. But hey, to each their own…👍🏼

[@PersianImm0rtal]

This doesn’t work for me, I get a different warning screen…

[@ungraduatedmedia]

Sometimes you just need to press the top menu button one more time when you see that menu screen and the hack kicks in. Not sure what screen your seeing but keep trying while pausing some between the button pressing. I’ve noticed slowing down at times or giving one more press at the end of “top menu” button works for me

[@erikblohm443]

What about Blu-Ray?

[@ungraduatedmedia]

Works for Blu-ray’s for me no problem

[@oscarcampos8396]

Does this have Hulu app?

[@ungraduatedmedia]

Honestly I’m unsure - I know it has built in streaming capabilities but I don’t use it for that purpose and have never paid attention to what apps come on it. Sorry…I’m sure there is info somewhere online but if you truly need me to look, I will do that for you on my own device

[@SimonLeicester]

Thanks for the tip but please get to the point without all the waffle. Everyone else just fast forward to around 6 minutes in

[@ungraduatedmedia]

Noted - been making mostly bluray and 4k film reviews on my channel that just take longer. This one was newer for me to try but I completely get where you are coming from and appreciate the perspective. Thanks for checking out the vid - hope it helped

[@leeheverly]

Layoff dude, guys trying to do us a favor and you’re busting his chops. Thank you for the video, I will be picking up this player in the next few months because of your video

[@ungraduatedmedia]

@@leeheverly- thanks my man. Appreciate the support. Many people might be like, just get a region free blu ray player and be done with it…but with “mostly all” 4k’s already being region free, why not try and get a player that can do both…? I think that’s what I was trying to convey in this vid. I don’t like to be clunky and have more in my room to use if I don’t have too…and to spend more money if you don’t have to… Glad you enjoyed…👍🏼

[@leeheverly]

@@ungraduatedmedia absolutely true, I currently have a cheap Sony 4K player and I’m really interested in playing blu-rays from other regions that are not available in the US and I rather not have two players so by one really good 4K player is the best option so thanks again for the video. Question for you, have you had any movies, freeze or pause during playback with your player, my Sony has a tough time handling I think BD 100 this and it seems like it always wants to pause around the 2/3 mark of a movie .

[@ungraduatedmedia]

@@leeheverly to this point I’ve played probably 150 or so discs through the Panasonic UB820 and only had 1 issue and it was actually with a messed up 4k copy of Menace II Society from Criterion. The disc was scratched to hell but I didn’t know it until it kept jacking up and I pulled it out to look at it. The Barnes and Noble I purchased it from returned and replaced but that is all. Never had any other issue with any disc blu ray or 4k.

[@fernandonero2259]

Will this work with DVD discs as well? Or just blu-rays?

[@rfsanjurjo]

No it doesn't ... with DVDs the "wrong region" message is shown by the player itself, so pressing stop does nothing.

[@ungraduatedmedia]

I have not yet had the opportunity to try it on a region locked DVD. If I get the opportunity to test I’ll update and share on the pinned comment I have on this vid.

[@basilblue6474]

This "hack" does not work with UB820 players sold in Australia when trying to play region A discs. Dissapointing.

[@ungraduatedmedia]

I’m super curious why this may be…need to read into why those manufactured in Australia would be different. But this may explain why some buying in region B locations are having more Issues than those buying the player in region A. Thank you for the comment.

[@davidbergin2086]

Doesn't work after the recent update

[@BigBossSquirtle]

Bruh, why do you even have it connected to the internet? If anybody buying this, its solely to play discs. No reason for it to be connected online. There's countless other devices to stream shit from.

[@davidbergin2086]

@BigBossSquirtle it helps to improve overall performance with hdr etc.

[@ungraduatedmedia]

I can tell you that I did just do the recent firmware update (unsure what firmware update I’m running now but I can check to validate if it’s the same as what you are running) but after doing my update, it still works for me…

[@joshuapowell1868]

Damage blue ray disc movies doesn't play at all like my vhs tapes does everything proven people are lying people now days about blue ray disc movies doesn't get scratche up at all not true at all

[@ungraduatedmedia]

I think it’s important to care for your media - no matter what the medium is, cassette tapes, discs, VHS tapes, vinyl records - you need to properly store and protect them. But yes, discs are far more susceptible to scratches. But as I’m sure you know, the definition with improved viewing is hard to ignore.

[@condo0073]

Just buy a cheap imported blu ray player 😁

[@ungraduatedmedia]

Certainly can - I just like not having to mess around with swapping out HDMI’s and such. I already have a player hooked up for my 3D playing purposes l. I know…1st world problems lol

[@zoomnclick]

Would this also work when playing multi region DVDs on the 420 too?

[@ungraduatedmedia]

I haven’t tried DVD’s but have heard it works less frequently on them with the 820 so I’m not certain about the 420. Best of luck and let me know here if you have any success.