NTSC vs. PAL video cassettes, and playing them on an American VCR?
10-19-02, 02:21 PM
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NTSC vs. PAL video cassettes, and playing them on an American VCR?
Someone in Australia is going to convert a show he recorded in PAL to NTSC, put them on PAL video cassettes, and send them to me in the States.
1. Is there such a thing as a PAL videotape? Or is the format of the videotape determined by the signal on it?
2. If there is such a thing as a PAL videotape, would I be able to play a PAL videotape with an NSTC signal on it on my el-cheapo Quasar VCR?
1. Is there such a thing as a PAL videotape? Or is the format of the videotape determined by the signal on it?
2. If there is such a thing as a PAL videotape, would I be able to play a PAL videotape with an NSTC signal on it on my el-cheapo Quasar VCR?
10-21-02, 09:27 AM
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VHS is VHS the world over, however some VHS are recorded as PAL and some VHS are recorded NTSC. PAL/NTSC/Secam are just the signals, if your pal has converted them from PAL to NTSC, you should be OK, but you'll probably notice a slight speed up, and it may look a little odd. That's what I've noticed on converted VHS anyways, YMMV.
10-21-02, 11:58 AM
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VHS TAPE is VHS TAPE. It's the signal recorded on it that is different. If they recorded it in NTSC, you'll be OK.
Another option is to get a multi standard VCR. A good model will record and playback any of the world standards (NTSC, PAL, SECAM, N-PAL, etc). These allow you to convert anything on the fly and also record tapes for people in other countries in their own standard. I used to do this for a guy in the UK. I recorded THE X FILES every week in PAL. They weren't airing them until months later at that time I guess.
Another option is to get a multi standard VCR. A good model will record and playback any of the world standards (NTSC, PAL, SECAM, N-PAL, etc). These allow you to convert anything on the fly and also record tapes for people in other countries in their own standard. I used to do this for a guy in the UK. I recorded THE X FILES every week in PAL. They weren't airing them until months later at that time I guess.
