<Sorry, i am answering an old post. I've just joined this board.
I got a great JVC Region Free DVD player with built in PAL->NTSC converter as a present from my brother. Works great. I was able to play Region 5 Pal DVD on american NTSC TVSet.
If you are still interested i can ask him where he bought it.
Vitalik...Would be nice to know the model number of your region free DVD player.
I (we) bought a new combo DVD/VCR (Sony) before Christmas so i doubt that my wife allows me to buy another LOL
But its free to check the price :)