Buy the Genuine Article: How to pick a fake or pirated DVD box set

I know buying DVDs online can be sometimes a daunting & confusing task.
With so many different sellers, different prices, different locations and different cover art, how do you know exactly which is real?
Pirated DVDs are not only illegal but usually sub-standard, you may buy what you think is a bargain only to end up with a pile of
useless discs.

As a DVD seller who sells both on & off eBay, I know what to look for in a genuine release. Here are some tips to help you get the best from your purchase.

What to watch out for:

• Genuine release cover art does not contain Chinese characters
• Genuine releases do not have typos on the packaging
• Genuine releases are almost never All Region this is especially true of recent released stock
• There is no such thing as a DVD being both PAL & NTSC, this is technically impossible
• The majority of DVD box sets are released only as Region 1, 2, or 4
• If a season of a TV show is not released yet as Region 1, 2 or 4 then it is most certainly not legal
• The amount of discs may vary to that of the genuine release
• The discs are usually packed in plastic pouches instead of proper amaray or digipak packaging
• The price is considerably cheaper than other box sets of the same title
• Contrary to public opinion, DVD pricing is quite strongly governed by the releasing studios and while there are instances when an item may be discounted or on-sale, normally the pricing will be similar across all sellers & online stores
• A genuine release will come with a manufacturers warranty
• Know your seller, and beware of low feedback sellers selling collections that look a little different to what you buy in the stores
• Did you know a genuine Asian release will be region 6?

And the best advice, do your research, compare the cover art and description with the recognised eBay sellers and please, don't waste your money!

Known fakes currently circulating (complete TV series)
Sex & The City (watch out for the red velvet boxes with typos on the front cover)
E.R.
X-Files
Everybody Loves Raymond
Frasier
Sopranos
The Simpsons
Oz
South Park
West Wing
Star Trek
The L Word
Friends