Last update ; xx/06/1999
How to change the RPC code
First of all, you need to understand what components are managing the RPC code in your PC.
As we explained in the RPC Management section,
there are three(3) possibilities.
1. RPC code is managed by the DVD decoder
2. RPC code is managed by the DVD decoder and the DVD drive
3. RPC code is managed by the DVD drive
Please note, we are not able to advise you on issues relating to decoder, so please
contact your point of purchase. In the case of 2, there is a possibility that you
will not be able to play any DVD-Video disc from any region, due to the fact that you have
changed the RPC code of one component and not the other. You therefore need to
change the RPC code of both the DVD decoder and the DVD drive in your PC system.
In the case of item 2 and 3, you are able to change the region code setting using the
following procedure.
Changing the Region Code of Hitachi DVD Drives
( Applicable only to RPC Phase 2 models )
1. Preparation
1-1 Selecting the correct DVD disc
To change the RPC code of DVD drives, you need to use a DVD-Video disc which has the correct RPC code, i.e. the same code to which you want your drive to be changed. Please note that the DVD-Video disc has to be copy protected.
There are several types of DVD-Video discs on the market, for example there are more
than four(4) types of RPC code 2 DVD-Video discs (Please see Table 4. ).
Table 4. Variations of RPC code 2 DVD-Video Discs
RPC code on the Package | Real RPC code | Copy Protection | |
1 | Region 2 | All | No |
2 | Region 2 | 2 | No |
3 | Region 2 | 2 and 3 | Yes |
4 | Region 2 | 2 | Yes |
Please note that you can only use disc No.4 in above table to change the region code setting of your drive. This is because the DVD-Video disc needs to be RPC code 2 as well as copy protected. This requirement has been developed to assist in the protection against virses.
You can use the attached application software (chkrpc.exe) to check the Real RPC code and Copy Protection of the DVD-Video disc, .
Please store in a folder on your HDD or FDD and execute the file.
(c) Hitachi has the copyright of this software.
1-2. Preparing the RPC code changing tool software
Please store setrpc.exe in a folder on your HDD or FDD and execute the file.
(c) Hitachi has the copyright of this software.
2. Changing the RPC code of an Hitachi DVD-ROM drive
You are requested to prepare the equipment as listed below before starting to change the
RPC code of a Hitachi DVD drive. Please confirm that you have accounted for all of items
on the list.
a. The PC system running Windows(R)95 or 98.
b. A target RPC coded DVD disc ( Item 1-1).
c. RPC code setting software ( Item 1-2).
First of all, please insert the target RPC coded disc into the drive which you would like
to change.
Please execute the "setrpc.exe" (just double clicking is OK ).
You will get the new Window
Important Notice : Most users should not need to change
RPC code settings. This facility is only applicable for people who move from one
region to another region and are required to change the settings of their PC to ensure
compatibility with the locally available DVD-Video discs.
Hitachi Europe Ltd.