[rec.video] PAL <==> NTSC converters

simon@ms.uky.edu (Simon Gales) (07/27/88)

After reading several responses, the overall opinion seems to be that 
the cost of such a converter is the limiting factor (over $20k).

Ok, forget a converter.  But I do have some more questions...

How about sources for PAL (european) standard video equipment?
I would like to look at cameras, camcorders, and/or vcr's.  

Are there cameras (preferably color) that can produce both PAL & NTSC?  
It seems that this should be simpler than a converter, since the signal
source is neither PAL nor NTSC. (?)

Can a videotape produced on a PAL vcr/camcorder be played back on an 
NTSC one?   I would think so, but I've been wrong before ;-].

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<---   Simon Gales@University of Ky                 254-9387/257-3597   --->
<---            [ simon@ms.uky.edu ]  |  [ simon@UKMA.BITNET ]          --->
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zahid@neptune.AMD.COM (Zahid Ahsanullah) (07/27/88)

In article <10050@e.ms.uky.edu> simon@ms.uky.edu (Simon Gales) writes:
>After reading several responses, the overall opinion seems to be that 
>the cost of such a converter is the limiting factor (over $20k).
>
>Ok, forget a converter.  But I do have some more questions...
>
>How about sources for PAL (european) standard video equipment?
>I would like to look at cameras, camcorders, and/or vcr's.  
>
>Are there cameras (preferably color) that can produce both PAL & NTSC?  
>It seems that this should be simpler than a converter, since the signal
>source is neither PAL nor NTSC. (?)
>
>Can a videotape produced on a PAL vcr/camcorder be played back on an 
>NTSC one?   I would think so, but I've been wrong before ;-].
>

You can buy three system vcr's and tv's and SONY for one makes em.
The three systems are namely PAL, SECAM, and NTSC and to view programs
recorded in any one of these, both the tv and the vcr have to be in the
same mode. My mom has one of these babies which she bought in Europe nad
it works like a charm. The VCR cost $500, the tv around the same.
For the camcorder question, no, you can't switch between systems. The
colour in this case turns out funky (very purple). I'm mainly talking
about playing back material recorded on a PAL camcorder through a vcr
set in NTSC mode. Wish I could tell you where to buy these equipment
in this country.
				regards
				Zahid

stone@bunker.UUCP (Mike Stone ) (07/28/88)

In article <10050@e.ms.uky.edu> simon@ms.uky.edu (Simon Gales) writes:
<After reading several responses, the overall opinion seems to be that 
<the cost of such a converter is the limiting factor (over $20k).
<
<Ok, forget a converter.  But I do have some more questions...
<
<How about sources for PAL (european) standard video equipment?
                       ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
<I would like to look at cameras, camcorders, and/or vcr's.  
<
	Europe or New York (look at the Video magazines -- many have ads
for companies that sell PAL or multi-system items).  Also, remember that
there is more than one PAL in Europe.  PAL B/G on the continent and PAL
I in the UK (I believe only the sound is different).

<Are there cameras (preferably color) that can produce both PAL & NTSC?  
<It seems that this should be simpler than a converter, since the signal
<source is neither PAL nor NTSC. (?)
<
	No.  At least according to several Japanese compaines where I
made inquiries.  Also, when I lived in Europe, where tech shows are
common and very good, I never saw or heard of such a camera (I wanted
one too)!

<Can a videotape produced on a PAL vcr/camcorder be played back on an 
<NTSC one?   I would think so, but I've been wrong before ;-].
<
	Definately not!


	I would suggest that you stick with one system.  You can find
multi-system VCRs, TVs and monitors so that you can use your equipment
anywhere (as far as playback), but why waste time on conversions?  If
you want quality video, buy all PAL.  It is much better than NTSC.
Of course, you can't record from TV here but your own videos look
a hell of a lot better!

-- Don Miguel de la Piedra

brown@nicmad.UUCP (Mr. Video) (07/28/88)

In article <10050@e.ms.uky.edu> simon@ms.uky.edu (Simon Gales) writes:
<How about sources for PAL (european) standard video equipment?
<I would like to look at cameras, camcorders, and/or vcr's.  

There are various stores on the East and West coasts that deal in multi-
standard equipment.

<Are there cameras (preferably color) that can produce both PAL & NTSC?  
<It seems that this should be simpler than a converter, since the signal
<source is neither PAL nor NTSC. (?)

They exist in the pro market, I'm not sure if they exist in the consumer
market.  Check the same stores that sell multi-standard VCRs.

<Can a videotape produced on a PAL vcr/camcorder be played back on an 
<NTSC one?   I would think so, but I've been wrong before ;-].

Well, you struck out again.  If a PAL tape was playable on NTSC VCRs we
wouldn't have this problem with international standards and spending big
bucks on conversions :-)
-- 
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Mr. Video         ucbvax!uwvax.................!nicmad!brown
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