A region-free DVD player is a DVD player that can read DVDs regardless of their region code. DVDs are divided into six regions around the world, and a DVD player that is not region-free will only play DVDs that are labeled with the same region code as the player or with the code "ALL" (compatible with all regions). A region-free DVD player can play DVDs from any region, including regions 0 to 8. Manufacturers can mark a disc as region zero, all region, or region-free, meaning that it will play in all players. Some DVD players can be modified to be region-free, allowing playback of all discs. Region-free players are shipped without the ability to enforce regional lockout, or without the flag set. A region-free player simply recognizes and plays a disc, regardless of which region it came from. The benefits of a region-free DVD player include the ability to play DVDs from any region without the need for region code hacks, which can be inconsistent and constantly changing.