This is a blessing for many owners... (Score 1)

This is a blessing for many owners who bought the player because of its DVI output and upconversion properties, only to find out outside the 30 day return policy, short 3 month on-market time, or 1 year warranty period that the player is terrible. Start up is ridiculously slow, the transport mechanism frequently freezes, 4:3 content is never shown correctly, menus are very slow, very poor IR reception and a very bright annoying blue light. The chance at replacing a product that should never have been released due to quality control issues is a very welcome offer.

Regarding the Region Free 'hack' - I have never needed it, but it is enabled and I believe you should be able to view your content as you see fit.

I for one welcome our new recalled DVD players. Mine is just sitting in the rack, waiting to be replaced, or eBay'd.