OK - since posting this message I have tried this DVD player out with many sources and I am most impressed! ****½ (4.5) out of 5!
The player is regon free out of the box. The remote allows for PAL playback of NTSC DVDs and, once selected, remembers! (Vice versa, I presume? - no way of testing at this time.)
I threw a lot of different tests at this player and it passed with flying colours (or colors in NTSC land).
It played both DVD+R and DVD-R media, each media recorded from PAL and NTSC originals. I tried several different media of each type (+R and -R) and each played with no glitches, unlike many "picky" players.
The remote is comprehensive and gives the user full control over the player. Various unusual features such as varaible speed (2x - 32x) and zoom (2x-8x) are offered. Must useful - can skip trailers when I tested with a USA (Region 1) version of "The Incredibles" DVD. This suggests menu options are available at all times. (Skip the trailers...)
****½ (4.5) out of 5 - Why take off the half star? The MP3 playback works great - except the name of the folders and tracks is displayed over an annoying background. Also, on the MP3-loaded CDs I tested, the names of the first two folders (read: Albums) were the only two to display - the rest were listed with a folder number only. The tracks were listed alphabetically and may not always correspond to what will play. However, this MP3 feature works and this track order issue is only a distraction for most users!! You bought a DVD player, not an MP3 player, didn't you? So, forget it!
How to make this a 6 out 5 of rating? Offer a multi voltage (110/220V) input and you would have a great player you would bring to the States on your holidays! 12VDC would make this a great choice for the caravan / car market, given the handy format (or form factor) of the player.
Ultimate test: Would I recommend this to a friend? - YES. I did so already today for a friend who wants to play NTSC Region 1 DVDs on her older TV which can only show PAL. I will buy another one for my own home, based on the testing I have done.
At Euro 49 (including Irish VAT at 21%) including SCART cable (but not two AAA batteries for the remote) this is very good value (bought in Power City, Dublin) and I suggest you give it a try.
Based on the above review, you can see that I no longer need to know how to make this player Region Free - it just ships that way! I am still curious as to who is behind this company and who makes it "really".