How to change Region Code on DVD Player​

If you’ve ever tried to play a DVD from another country and received a “region error” message, it’s because of DVD region codes — a system used to control which discs can be played in specific areas of the world.

On Mercedes-Benz models like the W204, the DVD player’s region code is often locked by default. This means DVDs purchased in a different region may not play correctly. The good news is, you can change the region code on your DVD player through ECU coding using Vediamo software — a professional tool designed for Mercedes-Benz system configuration.

In this complete AutoExplain tutorial on How to Change Region Code on DVD Player, you’ll learn:

• What DVD region codes are and why they exist
• The purpose of region coding on Mercedes-Benz systems
• The tools and software required to perform the change
• Step-by-step instructions using Vediamo for Benz W204
• Key notes and a table of DVD regions and their geographic zones

Let’s start by understanding the basics — what are DVD region codes and why do they matter?

What Are DVD Region Codes?

DVD region codes are digital restrictions built into DVDs and DVD players to control where and how a disc can be played. The world is divided into several numbered regions, and each DVD is encoded to work only with players from its designated area.

For example:

• Region 1 – USA, Canada
• Region 2 – Europe, Japan, Middle East
• Region 3 – Southeast Asia, South Korea, Hong Kong
• Region 4 – Australia, New Zealand, Latin America

This system was created mainly for distribution and copyright control, ensuring movies are released in different markets at different times.

However, for Mercedes-Benz owners — especially those importing vehicles — these restrictions can be frustrating when the car’s DVD player is locked to one specific region. That’s why learning how to change the region code on your DVD player is an essential step for full multimedia compatibility.

Next, let’s look at why these region codes exist and what purpose they serve.

What Is the Purpose of DVD Region Codes?

The main purpose of DVD region codes is to control content distribution and protect the commercial interests of film studios and distributors. When movies are released, they often debut at different times in different parts of the world. By assigning a unique region code to each area, studios can:

• Regulate release schedules — ensuring movies aren’t watched in one country before their official launch in another.
• Control pricing — allowing different price points based on local markets and economic conditions.
• Prevent unauthorized imports — discouraging customers from buying cheaper DVDs from foreign regions.

For regular DVD players, this system works as intended. But in Mercedes-Benz multimedia systems, it can cause inconvenience — especially for imported vehicles or users who travel frequently.

If your Mercedes-Benz W204 was originally configured for a specific region (e.g., Europe or Japan), it might not play DVDs from other regions like North America or Southeast Asia.

That’s where the region code modification process comes in. By performing controlled ECU coding using Vediamo software, you can change or unlock the DVD region code, enabling your player to support discs from multiple regions.

Let’s see what tools and software you’ll need to perform this process safely.

Tools and Software Required to Change Region Code on DVD Player

Before performing the coding process, make sure you have all the necessary tools and software ready. Changing the DVD region code on a Mercedes-Benz W204 requires professional-level diagnostic access, so proper setup is essential to avoid communication errors or incomplete coding.

Required Tools:

• Laptop/PC – Installed with Vediamo software and compatible drivers.
• VCI (Vehicle Communication Interface) – A diagnostic interface such as C6/ SD Connect C4, VXDIAG, or other compatible devices.
• OBD2 Cable – For stable connection between the vehicle and the laptop.

Required Software:

• Vediamo – Mercedes-Benz engineering software for ECU coding and parameter editing.
• DTS Monaco (optional) – Can be used for verification or backup of HU_204 coding data.
• Region Code Data File – Reference data or backup file to ensure correct coding values for your car’s multimedia unit.

Recommendation from AutoExplain:

At AutoExplain, we recommend preparing a full system backup of your HU_204 module before applying any coding. This ensures you can restore the original configuration if needed.

Once your setup is complete, proceed to the next section for the step-by-step guide on how to change the region code on your Mercedes-Benz W204 DVD player using Vediamo.

How to Change Region Code on DVD Player (Mercedes-Benz W204) Using Vediamo

To successfully change the DVD region code on your Mercedes-Benz W204, you’ll need to perform a short ECU coding process using Vediamo – a professional Mercedes-Benz diagnostic and engineering software. This method allows you to reconfigure the HU_204 (Head Unit) module, where the DVD region setting is stored.

Follow these steps carefully to complete the process:

Step 1: Connect the Vehicle to Vediamo

• Use a compatible VCI (Vehicle Communication Interface) device to connect your laptop to the vehicle’s OBD2 port.
• Open Vediamo and establish communication with the car’s system.

Step 2: Access the HU_204 Module

• From the control unit list, select HU_204 (Head Unit) — this is where the DVD player’s settings are stored.
• Wait for the ECU to load all available coding domains.

Step 3: Locate the DVD Region Code Parameter

• In the HU_204 module, find the domain labeled DVD_region_code.
• Open it to display all available coding options.

Step 4: Choose and Modify the Region Code

• Select the Region Code parameter.
• Choose the desired region you want to activate (for example, Region 1 for North America or Region 2 for Europe).
• Confirm your selection.

Step 5: Perform the Coding Operation

• Click “Do Coding” to apply the new settings.
• Wait until the process completes successfully.

Step 6: Verify the Change

• Restart the infotainment system or perform a quick hard reset.
• Insert a DVD from your newly selected region to test playback.

With these steps, you can safely modify the DVD region code on your Mercedes-Benz W204, allowing playback of discs from other regions without replacing the hardware. Next, we’ll look at important notes and precautions you should keep in mind when performing this coding.

Important Notes When Changing the DVD Region Code

Before and after performing the DVD region code change, there are a few essential points to keep in mind to ensure a safe and successful process. Improper coding or missing steps may cause your multimedia system to malfunction.

• Backup Your Original Configuration: Always create a full ECU backup of the HU_204 module before changing any coding values. This allows you to restore factory settings in case of incorrect coding or compatibility issues.
• Ensure Stable Power Supply: During the coding process, make sure your vehicle’s battery voltage remains stable (above 12V). A sudden power drop may interrupt the communication between Vediamo and the ECU, leading to incomplete or corrupted coding.
• Use Compatible Software and Files: Only use official or verified versions of Vediamo and region data files. Unverified or outdated files may cause the system to reject the new coding values or trigger error messages in the COMAND system.
• Check for Compatibility by Model: This guide applies primarily to Mercedes-Benz W204, but similar logic can be used for models sharing the same HU platform (e.g., early W212 or C-Class variants). Always confirm your vehicle’s HU type (HU_204, HU_45x, etc.) before proceeding.
• Test the System After Coding: After performing the region change and rebooting the system, insert a DVD from the newly selected region to verify successful activation. If playback fails, recheck the domain coding and confirm that the value was saved.
• Avoid Repeated Coding Attempts: Repeated or incorrect coding on the HU module may cause it to lock temporarily or display error codes. If you encounter such issues, perform a full reset or restore the backup file before retrying.

By following these precautions, you can confidently change the region code on your DVD player without risking your Mercedes-Benz multimedia system.

Next, let’s look at the DVD region code map to help you identify which region setting you need for your discs.

DVD Region Codes and Their Corresponding Geographic Areas

When performing How to change Region Code on DVD Player, it’s important to understand which region code corresponds to which geographical area. This helps you select the correct DVD region code when using Vediamo or DTS Monaco on Mercedes-Benz head units.

Below is the complete list of DVD region codes and their associated countries or territories, compiled by AutoExplain for reference:

Region Code	Geographic Area	Included Countries / Territories
Region 0	All Regions	Can be played in all DVD regions (universal compatibility).
Region 1	Canada, United States, and U.S. Territories	Includes Puerto Rico, American Samoa, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Palau, Micronesia, Northern Mariana Islands, Marshall Islands.
Region 2	Europe, Western Asia, North Africa, South Africa, and Japan	Albania, Andorra, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, UAE, UK, Vatican City, Yemen.
Region 3	Southeast Asia	Cambodia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam.
Region 4	Mexico, Central and South America, South Pacific	Antigua & Barbuda, Argentina, Aruba, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Falkland Islands, French Guiana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, New Guinea, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago, Uruguay, Venezuela.
Region 5	Africa, North and South Asia	Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Bangladesh, Belarus, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, India, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Latvia, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Lithuania, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, Rwanda, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sri Lanka, St. Helena, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Region 6	Mainland China	Mainland China only.

Remote Coding Service by AutoExplain

If you don’t have the necessary tools or experience to perform How to change Region Code on DVD Player yourself, AutoExplain offers a professional remote coding service for your Mercedes-Benz.

Our experts can connect directly to your vehicle via TeamViewer or UltraView, perform the correct Vediamo coding on HU_204, and safely switch your DVD region code according to your needs.

What You’ll Get:

• Safe and reliable remote DVD region code modification
• Support for multiple Mercedes-Benz models (W204, W212, W221, and others)
• No risk of data loss or software corruption
• Optional guidance for coding verification and system reset

This service is ideal for those who want to unlock multimedia functions without manual configuration.

Contact AutoExplain via WhatsApp: +1 (936) 289 6695

Learn more advanced coding techniques in our guide: DTS Monaco Advanced: Vol.2 — Unlock 100 Hidden Features on Mercedes-Benz

Changing the DVD region code on your Mercedes-Benz using Vediamo is a straightforward process that can unlock additional playback options for your vehicle’s multimedia system. With the right tools, correct module selection, and proper coding steps, you can enjoy media from any region seamlessly.

If you are not confident in performing the procedure yourself, AutoExplain offers a remote coding service that allows you to safely activate or modify hidden features — including DVD region change, ventilated seats, and many other comfort options — directly from our certified experts.

Need assistance? Contact AutoExplain via WhatsApp: +1 (936) 289 6695 for professional remote coding and ECU programming support.

Related Guides You Might Like

• How to Activate Mercedes-Benz Ventilated Seats
• Download Free Vediamo Mercedes Coding Software
• How to Coding Active Menu Language Instrument Cluster on Mercedes
• How to Activate Mercedes-Benz Daytime Running Lights (DRL)