I still remember the feeling vividly. I was in a small, dusty shop in Tokyo, digging through bins of used Blu-rays when I found it: a rare, director’s cut of a film I had been searching for for years. It was a Japanese release, unavailable anywhere in North America. Thrilled, I brought it home, eagerly anticipating the experience. I slid the disc into my standard player, and my excitement turned to ash. A cold, impersonal message flashed on the screen: “Playback prohibited due to region code.” My prized discovery was nothing more than a plastic coaster. This experience isn’t unique; it’s a frustration shared by film collectors, expats, and cinephiles around the globe. The arbitrary digital walls of region-locking prevent us from enjoying the art we purchase. It’s this exact problem that sends enthusiasts on a quest for a specific solution: a reliable, truly region-free player. The promise of a device that simply plays any disc, from any country, is the holy grail for any serious physical media collector.
- NTSC⇔PAL Conversion - Watch any DVD/BD on any TV with HDMI connection
- BD Zone A/B/C DVD Region 012345678 PAL/NTSC,
What to Consider Before Buying a Region-Free Blu-ray Player
A region-free Blu-ray player is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for breaking down the geographical barriers of film distribution. For collectors of foreign films, anime, or specialty releases, it transforms an international library from a collection of potential paperweights into a treasure trove of accessible entertainment. Its main benefits are freedom and access—the ability to purchase a disc from the UK (Region B), Japan (Region A), or Australia (Region B) and know with certainty that it will play on your television at home. It eliminates the guesswork and disappointment, opening up a global catalog of cinema that would otherwise be inaccessible. This is the core value proposition: unrestricted playback for a world of media.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the exact frustration I described: the film aficionado with a diverse collection, the language learner wanting to watch films in their original format with specific subtitles, or the person who has moved from one country to another and brought their media library with them. It’s for the enthusiast who values the higher fidelity of physical media over streaming and refuses to be limited by distribution politics. Conversely, this player might not be suitable for those who exclusively stream their content or only purchase discs from their home country. If your entire collection is Region 1 (for North America) and you have no plans to import, the multi-region feature is an unnecessary expense. For these users, a standard, less expensive player or even a gaming console would suffice.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: While most modern players are compact, you should still measure your entertainment center shelf. The Sony S1700 CodeFree Blu-ray DVD Player has a modest footprint (approximately 10.75″ x 10.67″ x 2.6″), making it an easy fit for most setups. Ensure there’s enough clearance around it for ventilation to prevent overheating during long movie marathons.
- Capacity/Performance: The primary performance metric is its ability to switch regions seamlessly for both Blu-rays (Zones A, B, C) and DVDs (Regions 0-8). Beyond that, look at video and audio performance. Does it upscale standard DVDs effectively to look good on an HD or 4K TV? Does it support high-resolution audio formats like Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, which are critical for a true home theater experience?
- Materials & Durability: Most consumer electronics are housed in plastic, and this Sony player is no exception. However, Sony has a reputation for solid build quality. The chassis feels sturdy enough for its purpose, and the disc tray mechanism operates smoothly. It’s not a premium metal build, but it’s a reliable workhorse designed for longevity.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: An ideal player should be plug-and-play. However, region-free models often have a specific, non-intuitive process for changing regions that requires a learning curve. Long-term care is minimal; simply keep the lens clean with a cleaning disc periodically and ensure the vents are free of dust.
Keeping these factors in mind, the Sony S1700 CodeFree Blu-ray DVD Player stands out in several areas. You can explore its detailed specifications and see what makes it a top contender.
While the Sony S1700 CodeFree Blu-ray DVD Player is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- Enjoy Blu-ray Disc movies in Full HD as well as DVD discs
- Compact Size: Space-saving design allows this Blu Ray DVD player for tv to fit neatly in narrow spaces and on thin racks. Dimensions: Approx. 9 5/8" W x 1...
- See the unrivalled visual clarity of 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray
First Impressions and Key Features of the Sony S1700 CodeFree Blu-ray DVD Player
Upon its arrival, the packaging for the Sony S1700 CodeFree Blu-ray DVD Player was straightforward and secure. Inside the box, we found the player itself, a compact remote control with batteries, the power cord, and a pleasant surprise: a 6-foot HDMI cable. Including the cable is a thoughtful touch that gets you up and running immediately without an extra trip to the store. The player itself sports Sony’s classic, minimalist aesthetic—a sleek black box that’s unassuming and blends perfectly into any home theater stack. It’s lightweight and compact, feeling well-assembled despite its plastic construction. Setup was a breeze; we simply connected the power and the included HDMI cable to our test television, and it was ready to go in under two minutes. The user interface is the familiar Sony XrossMediaBar (XMB), which is clean, fast, and intuitive for anyone who has used a PlayStation 3 or other Sony products. The most important inclusion, however, was a supplemental instruction sheet explaining the unique process for changing region codes—a critical piece of paper that proves to be the key to unlocking the player’s full potential.
Key Benefits
- True CodeFree playback for Blu-ray (A/B/C) and DVD (0-8)
- Excellent 1080p Full HD upscaling for standard DVDs
- Built-in PAL/NTSC conversion for global TV compatibility
- Front USB port for convenient media file playback
- Supports high-fidelity audio formats like Dolby TrueHD & DTS-HD
Limitations
- Region-switching method is not intuitive and requires specific instructions
- Lacks built-in Wi-Fi, requiring a wired Ethernet connection for network features
A Cinephile’s Companion: In-Depth Performance Analysis
A region-free player lives or dies by one single promise: will it play the disc? Everything else is secondary. In our extensive testing, we pushed the Sony S1700 CodeFree Blu-ray DVD Player to its limits, throwing a global smorgasbord of discs at it to see if it would falter. We evaluated it not just on its core function, but on its overall performance as a media hub, from picture quality to its handling of digital files.
The Heart of the Machine: Seamless Multi-Region Playback Tested
This is the feature that matters most, and it’s also the source of the most confusion in user feedback. The claim is full, code-free playback for any Blu-ray or DVD. Our verdict? It absolutely works, but you have to know the secret handshake. Out of the box, the player is set to Blu-ray Zone A and DVD Region 1. To play a disc from another region, you cannot simply insert it. The tray must be open, and then you press one of the colored buttons on the remote (Yellow for Zone A, Blue for B, Red for C) to set the Blu-ray region. For DVDs, the region is switched automatically. This process is not intuitive, and we can easily see why some users, failing to consult the extra instruction sheet, would conclude the player doesn’t work as advertised. One user noted they had to press the ‘input’ button before the color, while our model required only the color button with the tray open. This suggests minor variations may exist, but the principle is the same: a specific button sequence is required.
Once we mastered this simple sequence, the player performed flawlessly. We tested a Region B Blu-ray from the UK (“28 Days Later”), a Region A Criterion Collection disc from the US (“Godzilla”), and a Region B release from Germany. Each one loaded promptly after setting the correct zone. We then moved to DVDs, testing a Region 2 disc from France and a Region 4 disc from Australia. The player identified and played them automatically without any manual input, just as promised. The load times were impressively quick, a hallmark of modern Sony players. For any film collector whose library spans continents, this capability to reliably play any disc is a game-changer.
Visual and Audio Fidelity: Beyond Just Playing the Disc
Playing the disc is only half the battle; it needs to look and sound great. Here, the Sony heritage shines through. We started by testing its upscaling capabilities. We played a standard-definition DVD of “Raiders of the Lost Ark” on a 65-inch 4K OLED TV, a scenario where poor upscaling is brutally exposed. The Sony S1700 CodeFree Blu-ray DVD Player did an admirable job, producing a sharp, clean image that far exceeded the disc’s native 480p resolution. While it won’t be mistaken for a true 4K source, the picture was stable, with minimal noise and artifacting, making our vast DVD collection perfectly enjoyable on a modern display.
With Blu-ray discs, the performance was, as expected, superb. The player outputs a pristine 1080p signal that is rich in detail and color. When connected to a compatible Sony TV, the TRILUMINOS Display technology offers a slightly wider color gamut, providing more vibrant and lifelike reds, greens, and blues. On the audio front, we piped the sound through an A/V receiver capable of decoding high-resolution formats. The player successfully passed Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio bitstreams via HDMI. The explosive soundscape of “Mad Max: Fury Road” was delivered with all its thunderous, nuanced glory. The player’s ability to handle these advanced audio codecs ensures that you’re getting the full, uncompressed cinematic experience the filmmakers intended.
Connectivity and Extra Features: More Than Just a Disc Spinner?
The Sony S1700 CodeFree Blu-ray DVD Player includes a few extra features that round out its functionality. The front-facing USB port is incredibly convenient. We tested it with a USB drive loaded with various media files. It had no trouble playing our MP4 video files, displaying JPEG photos in a slideshow format, and playing MP3 audio tracks. The interface for browsing the USB drive is simple and effective, making it a great way to quickly share photos or videos on the big screen without any fuss.
The player also features an Ethernet port for a wired internet connection. This provides access to the Sony Entertainment Network, which includes a selection of streaming apps. It’s important to set expectations here: these are not the fast, modern apps you’d find on a Roku or Apple TV. They are slower and the selection is limited. While functional, the streaming capabilities feel dated and should be considered a minor bonus rather than a primary feature. The lack of Wi-Fi is a notable omission, meaning you must have a physical network cable near your entertainment center to use these features at all. Ultimately, you are buying this player for its disc-playing prowess, not its streaming smarts.
What Other Users Are Saying
A survey of user experiences reveals a recurring theme that closely mirrors our own findings. The positive feedback is often euphoric. One happy customer from Hungary, a collector with a “special taste in movies,” celebrated the player for finally allowing him to watch US releases that were unavailable in Europe. Another user from a Region 1 country praised it as being “worth every penny” for the ability to import cheaper and more varied Region 2 videos. These reviews highlight the immense value for the target audience.
However, the negative reviews are just as telling, and almost all of them center on one issue: the claim that it “does NOT play all regions.” One frustrated user stated, “I received it yesterday and tried playing my Region 2 DVDs and it just did not work.” This is the critical juncture where the non-intuitive region-switching process creates a deep divide in user satisfaction. This is perfectly encapsulated by one reviewer who initially left a one-star complaint, but later updated it to five stars, explaining, “After fiddling with the remote, one has to hit the ‘input’ button before the region code colored button. So problem solved.” This confirms that the player works as advertised, but its success hinges on the user understanding the specific, and somewhat hidden, operating instructions.
How Does the Sony S1700 Compare to the Competition?
While the Sony S1700 CodeFree Blu-ray DVD Player is a formidable tool for the region-locked cinephile, it’s not the only player in the game. Understanding its position relative to key alternatives is crucial for making the right choice for your specific needs.
1. Panasonic DP-UB154P-K 4K Blu Ray Player
- 4K Ultra HD Blu Ray Player to Enjoy Your Favorite Movies: Enjoy your collection of special-edition Blu Ray, rare DVDs, and all-time favorites in...
- Stunning Color and Detail: Exclusive Panasonic technologies are applied to 4K high-precision chroma processing to give natural textures and depth,...
The Panasonic DP-UB154P-K is a step up in terms of resolution. Its main selling point is its ability to play 4K Ultra HD Blu-rays, offering the highest possible video fidelity for those with a 4K television. It also boasts high-resolution audio support. However, this player is typically sold as a region-locked device. It’s the ideal choice for a user who prioritizes cutting-edge 4K picture quality for their domestic movie collection over the need to play international discs. If your library is entirely from your own region but you want the best possible picture, the Panasonic is a superior choice. If global disc compatibility is your priority, the Sony S1700 is the clear winner.
2. Sony Multi-Zone Blu Ray Player
- It features PlayStation Now, which will allow you to stream and play PlayStation 3 games with your DUALSHOCK 4 controller (not included), but without a...
- provides access to over 300 streaming services which can allow you to play movies, TV shows, music, and more with a valid subscription and broadband...
This is a direct competitor from Sony’s own lineup, offering a very similar feature set. Like the S1700, it is professionally modified to play Blu-ray zones A, B, and C, and all DVD regions. It also supports PAL/NTSC conversion and offers a comparable suite of connections. The choice between this model and the S1700 often comes down to minor differences in chassis design, remote layout, or slight variations in price and availability at the time of purchase. We recommend potential buyers compare the current feature lists and pricing for both, as they serve the exact same purpose and deliver a very similar, high-quality experience for the region-free enthusiast.
3. Dynastar Blu-ray Player Multi Region Bundle
- REGION FREE / MULTI REGION VERSION - NO RESTRICTIONS: PLAYS BLURAY REGION A, REGION B, & REGION C & PLAYS standard DVDs from ANY REGIONS 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,...
- BLU-RAY & DVD PLAYBACK - Make the most of your HDTV. Blu-ray disc playback delivers exceptional Full HD 1080p video performance along with stunning...
This Dynastar bundle is built around an LG Blu-ray player, offering an alternative for those who may prefer the LG webOS interface or want to maintain brand consistency with their LG television. It promises the same core functionality: worldwide DVD and Blu-ray playback, 1080p upscaling, and PAL/NTSC compatibility. The inclusion of a bundled HDMI cable adds value. This is a strong contender for someone looking for a proven multi-region solution from a brand other than Sony. The primary deciding factor would likely be user interface preference or a particularly compelling price for the bundle.
Our Final Verdict: Is the Sony S1700 CodeFree Blu-ray DVD Player Worth Your Money?
After extensive hands-on testing, our conclusion is clear. The Sony S1700 CodeFree Blu-ray DVD Player is not just a product; it’s a passport. It’s a specialized tool designed for a specific, passionate audience: the physical media collector, the foreign film lover, and the global citizen. Its performance in its primary mission—to play any disc from anywhere—is excellent, provided you take a moment to learn its simple but quirky region-switching command. The video upscaling is strong, the audio fidelity is top-notch for its class, and the build quality is reliable.
Its weaknesses, namely the lack of Wi-Fi and the somewhat dated smart features, are forgivable because they are not the reason anyone should be buying this player. You buy it for freedom from region codes. If you are tired of seeing that dreaded “playback prohibited” error and want to unlock the full potential of your international film collection, this player is an absolutely fantastic investment that will serve you well for years to come. It does exactly what it promises, and for that, it earns our enthusiastic recommendation.
If you’ve decided the Sony S1700 CodeFree Blu-ray DVD Player is the right fit, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API