You can hack the 709 without an AIWA remote control. Simply follow these instructions: First, open the tray of the dvd and place the Region 1 disk on it. Press the buttons marked `1` and `2` on the remote. The display will indicate `PLAY`, the tray will close and the dvd will the permanently hacked. You do not need the hack it again. (I used a Region 1 version of Three Kings to hack mine).