I’ll be adding additional sources and resources to feed our Sherlock addiction as I get a chance. There are a lot of things I want to add as well as some new sections to re-group information. Meanwhile, here are some starter bits.
For those looking to jump ahead to tips on viewing other region videos on your computer, click here.
Click here for an Introduction to BBC Sherlock Fandom
Tip: Viewing Other Region DVDs
A big thank you to my English physicist friend Chris (who is largely responsible for my new addiction to BBC Sherlock) for this solution to waiting for the US release of new episodes. I didn’t want to sacrifice a computer to watch the UK region DVDs (and no, I’m not getting a Blu-Ray system for many reasons which I won’t go into here), so she told me how I could make my iMac into a region-free system.
First: System Requirements for Macs — While both I and a friend could install VLC on our “vintage” MacBookPro/MacBooks, we could never get the DVDs to launch. My MBP is circa 2008 and I believe my friend’s notebook is 2008 or 2009. On the other hand, a friend with a 2010 MBP had no problems whatsoever. So, as they say in the commercials, your mileage may vary.
Step 1: Order Your UK (other region) DVDs
It will take a few days for them to arrive, so you might as well get them on their way. Here’s a link to order them from Amazon UK (and yes, it’s an affiliate link and any profits will be donated to the currently designated charities).
Season 1 and 2 Boxed Set
Season 2 Only
Step 2: Download and Install VLC
VLC is a video application that does a number of things, not the least of which is read any video format. Here’s the actual URL: http://www.videolan.org/vlc/
Step 3: Donate to Videolan for VLC
We’re on the side of the angeles, remember? Besides, if we want these folks to keep providing us with useful, quality software we need to offer them tangible encouragement (and it’s a lot cheaper than the expensive crap we get from most large companies).
Step 4: For Mac Users
You will want to change System Preferences, for CDs & DVDs so that it Ignores when you insert a video DVD (last option shown). This will prevent the DVD Player from automatically launching every time you put in a DVD.
Step 4: For Window Users
Uhm, sorry. I don’t know what you need to set. I don’t do Windows anymore. If anyone knows, perhaps you could be so kind as to share the information below.
Step 5: Load your DVD and Open Disc with VLC.
NOte: It may take a few minutes for the disc to load. It was much faster in the previous version of VLC. For some reason, it does help if you’ve got an internet connection, but even then it seems the program is reading everything before loading the DVD menu.
Step 6: Lose sleep watching BBC Sherlock Season 2….
(and lots of other great stuff you’ve been waiting for) in a marathon.
Oh, and I should mention that by getting the British edition of the DVDs, you get it without the edits and cuts that the US editions often have.
A Lot More is coming (but I have to feed some cats and do a load of laundry — or go buy some more clothes…)