Some queries about region lock modifications

I am in the process of selling a Region 1 Panasonic A-110 in order to buy a Sony DVP-S725D multiregional player from the UK.

First up:
1) Does software modification actually work (downloading software into the player rather than chipping it)?

2) Is region 0 any good? Some places sell region 0 players cheaper than 1-6 players...is it true that there are problems with these players?

3) If it has PAL 50Hz output, does this mean that the player can convert an NTSC signal directly into PAL?

4) Is it worth getting Macro disabled? I don't condone piracy, but hate those friggin copyright messages.

5) I am currently getting a herring-bone effect on the edges of objects...will an RGB connection rectify this?

6) What is 'branching'? Is this the feature on the upcoming Abyss DVD? I read somewhere that only region 0 modified players can access this, not 1-6. Is this 'branching' something else altogether, or does the region mod inadvertantly effect the features on some discs? Arghhhhhh...

If anyone could help I'd be v. grateful.
Si

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"I have a bad feeling about this..."

Visit my John Williams website at http://homes.arealcity.com/sithlordsi/

[Wesly Moore]

Don't have any information regarding the various mods you ask about, but as far as I know, seamless branching (which is indeed the feature to be exploited on the upcoming "Abyss" disc) is not limited to any region(s). The feature should be handled by players for any and all regions. Branching is intended to allow the viewer to play back one of multiple versions of a film (title) on the disc, inserting or leaving out scenes (chapters) appropriately and more or less seamlessly. I'm guessing that there will be a brief pause at each branch that requires the player skip around on the disc, as occurs with a layer change.

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Wesly Moore
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weslymoore@aol.com

1. I dont know any software modifications for dvd players that isnt dvd-roms but i guess it could be possible if the company made the software in it upgradeble

2. With a region 0 player you might get problems with some films but i would guess that most new movies are made so those wouldnt be cheated by a reg 0! Buy a multireg instead

3. YES!

4. You will still have the copyright message cause that has nothing physical to do with macrovision and i would have it removed cause id like to copy it to vhs so my girlfriend can watch her drama on the vcr and i can watch matrix and all the goddies on dvd.

5 RGB or S-vhs will probably help you there a bit atleast

6. ok look in prev message

Live Long and prosper
Quark