Where are you trying to buy this from? I originally wanted this player, but when I went to buy it a couple of weeks ago I was told everywhere I tried to buy it that it was discontinued by JVC & unavailable. The player should already be able to change the region setting & play PAL DVDs out of the box. And at $440 that is not too bad a price, but if you can find it cheaper, try to. If this particular player cannot do what I have described out of the box, then you are not getting a good deal because you'll have to pay to get it modded. I ended up with a JVC XV-SA70 single play machine & I'm completely thrilled with the performance of the player. I'm happy I did not buy a Malata, considering how many problem threads I've read about it.:wink: :wink: :wink: