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

  1. Shows you the target drive in the PC. If your PC has more than two drives then please select the target from the drop down list.

  1. Shows you the current RPC code setting of the target drive. The upper number shows you the current RPC code in the target drive and the lower number shows you how many times you can change the RPC code at the time.  When that counter reaches 0 you cannot change the RPC code again.


  1. Shows you the target RPC code which you would like to set. Please select the RPC code number from the drop down list. Please click the "Set the region code" button after selecting the RPC code.

  1. You might be asked to reboot your PC once you have completed changing the RPC code of the drive. Please reboot your PC by using the normal rebooting procedure.

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.