PAL / NTSC video tapes

[Hilary]

We've just bought a new combined TV / VCR and in the instructions it says:

"Your TV / VCR can play back video tapes recorded in the NTSC colour system (TV system usually used in America and Japan) on PAL 60Hz TV (TV system used in the UK)."

Does that mean it will play both PAL tapes bought here or in the US, and the 'other' type of tapes for sale in the US? I can't decide whether the "on" after the word "Japan" should be "or". If it should be "on" , what does that all mean?

Or am I being too optimistic to think this will open up a whole new world of video shopping opportunities when we next hit Florida?

 

[Loftus]

My limited technical understanding is this.

Your new TV/VCR combo will allow you to playback US NTSC tapes as the VCR can handle the NTSC standard and your TV can run PAL pictures at 60hz. PAL pictures normally run at 50 hz.

They have done the same thing with the new Gamecube console. Normally PAL games playback at 50hz which can result in there being black border and a slower frame rate. The new Gamecube can be set to playback at 60hz, if your TV can cope with it, which means games run faster and in full screen.

In short you can playback NTSC videos bought in the US.

 

[kazzie]

Hi Hilary,

I bought a TV that said the same thing.I wondered how I would change the thingy onto the mode to play a US tape.

MY eldest DS a huge Rocky fan (and he things I'm sad!) bought a Rocky box set in the US not available over here,we put the tape in and joy it just plays automatically

So I will feel happier buying VHS tapes when I go to US next,as I thought I wouldn't be able to work the changeover out!

 

[Hilary]

Thanks, both

That's an unexpected bonus!