Originally posted by macpunc
1. don't unplug your connection to an external viewing device, OS X.1 will burn you with a restart. 
Not always. I do it all the time, while my computer (PB G3 Firewire) is in sleep mode. My background doesn't work on that screen until a restart, but it's ok.
2. Some DVD's will work and others regardless of your region coding won't.
Yep. Just depends on the encoding method, I think.
3. Anyone know how to alter the region code?
Simple: insert a differently-coded DVD (or just use software to change it), or alter your firmware (risky, proceed with caution) so you can use Region X. A nice link:
http://www.opuscc.com/download/index.shtml *
USE WITH CAUTION--check and double check (even triple-check) your DVD model and firmware.*
Use the Apple System Profiler and the DVD Toolkit to help with this one. The different tools help-read the readme. Use the DVD detection utility in and the firmware utility (drive-specific) in OS 9. They won't work in Classic. It is fairly safe if you have the right drive, though. I just did it with my computer, and I can now change the region unlimited times (RPC-1, unlimited changes). Then, use the software Region (in OS 9) or Region X (OS X) to change the region code. Don't worry, this isn't counted as a "change" in the firmware (you only get 5, unless you do a vendor reset, which can only be done 5 times, for a total of 25 changes.) because your drive is now RPC-1. You may now play any region DVD in either OS 9 or OS X (You may have to manually set the region on bootup if it's different than Region 1).
**SPECIAL NOTE** some drives are not compatable becuase of locked firmware or other odd reasons I really don't know. Read the specific readmes for more information.
But this is a fairly good way to get around those problems. I have tested it with my Powerbook G3 400Mhz Firewire, and it works fine. Just don't forget to alter the region every time!
