Electronic games
Video games are usually divided into 4 formats. The following list shows the codes and corresponding regions of each format:
- NTSC-U/C – America
- NTSC-J – Japan、South Korea、Taiwan、Hongkong、Macao、Southeast Asia
- NTSC-C – China Mainland
- PAL – Europe、Australia、new Zealand、India、South Africa
Generally speaking, NTSC is the TV system in North America, and PAL is the TV system in Europe. Even if there is no area code, in areas that use the NTSC system, devices that only support the PAL system cannot work normally in these areas. Of course, there are dual-standard TVs, but they are hard to find and expensive. Immigrant communities are generally a good place to buy these TV sets, for example inCanada, Indian stores usually have dual-system equipment, because consumers here want to see Indian movies, and these movies generally use the PAL format.
DVD
DVDs are generally divided into 8 different formats, represented by 1-8, of which only 1-6 are used. In addition, there are also DVDs marked with a "0" code. These DVDs can be used in areas numbered 1-6. The mark with the "ALL" code can be used in all regions. However, the numbering changes frequently. The current numbering system is:
- 0 – No area restrictions
- 1 – America、Canada
- 2 – Europe(includeTurkey）、Egypt、Arabian Peninsula、Japan、South Africa
- 3 – Korean Peninsula、Thailand、Vietnam、Malaysia、Indonesia
- 4 – Australia、new Zealand、Mexico、Caribbean、South America
- 5 – India、Africa（Egypt、South AfricaExcept), part of the frontSoviet UnionCountry (includingRussia）
- 6 – People's Republic of China
- 7 - Unused
- 8 – Used by aviation and large cruise ships
- 9 – Extension code (usually used in free areas)
After the disintegration of the former Soviet Union, the franchise systems were distributed between 2-5.Baltic SeaAffiliate Country (Estonia、Latvia、Lithuania)andCaucasusAffiliate Country (Armenia、Azerbaijan、Georgia) Is the 2 standard, and the other participating countries is the 5 standard. DVDs sold in the Baltic Sea have two and five logos at the same time.
Blu-ray Disc
There are only 3 different formats for Blu-ray discs:
- A – America、East Asia（China Mainlandexcept),Southeast Asia、America、Bermuda
- B – Africa、Europe、Oceania、middle East、Netherlands、U.KOverseas territories,FranceOverseas territories,Greenland
- C – Central Asia、South Asia、Mongolia、Russia、China Mainland
Some Blu-ray discs have a "available in any region" mark, but these discs are not common.