It should be region free for DVD playback, but not for BD's.
You can find the region free version of this player on eBay upwards of $300.
Also, consider the outgoing S5100, which, from what I understand,is missing only one feature worth noting - Miracast; however, Sony have dropped 1 of the USB ports, SACD playback and the ability to decodde Dolby 5.1 surround (although, none of these may be an issue for your situation, depending on how you are planning on using it).
It should be region free for DVD playback, but not for BD's.
You can find the region free version of this player on eBay upwards of $300.
Also, consider the outgoing S5100, which, from what I understand,is missing only one feature worth noting - Miracast; however, Sony have dropped 1 of the USB ports, SACD playback and the ability to decodde Dolby 5.1 surround (although, none of these may be an issue for your situation, depending on how you are planning on using it).