When TV was first designed, there was a set of standards used to control how the information was sent from the broadcasting station to the TV, and how the TV interpreted this information into a picture on the TV screen. In North America, this standard is known as NTSC which stands for National Television Systems Committee. There are also two other types of standards used around the world; PAL (Phase Altering Line) and SECAM (Sequential Color with Memory).

 

The systems used vary by country and/or region, but they all use one of the three standards: PAL, NTSC, or Secam. Digital cable, VHS, DVD, and Blu-ray also adhere to these color information standards. PAL TVs are only compatible with a PAL signal or other Pal components. The same is true for NTSC and SECAM. It's not possible to use a PAL TV with a NTSC Blu-ray Player or vice-versa. If you wanted to use your NTSC player to watch movies on a PAL or SECAM TV, you'd need to use an external video converter. Let's take a look at the differences betwen these three systems.

 

NTSC

This American Standard was the first ever used. It was developed in 1941 and re-engineered to include color in 1953. It utilizes 525 scan lines at 30 frames per second. Only 486 of the actual lines are visible on the screen while the remaining are used for synchronizing and balancing the image. NTSC's refresh rate is 60hz. NTSC is also the only system that requires a tint control on the TV

 

PAL

This color system uses 576 scan lines and 25 frames per second to produce the finished picture. Introduced in Europe in the 1960's, PAL was an attempt to improve on the NTSC standard and it has remained the European standard (in most cases) up until this very day. PAL has varying versions including PAL B/G and PAL I. This system has a 50hz refresh rate.

 

SECAM

The newest of the three color systems, SECAM was developed and released in the 60's. Mostly used in Russia, eastern Europe and Africa, SECAM utilizes the same resolution as PAL at 576 lines and 25 frames per second. This color system is the only one to use FM frequency modulation which allows it to transmit over a longer range. Like PAL, SECAM also has a 50hz refresh rate.

 

Clearly there are differences (and similarities) between the three standard systems. Thanks to a higher frame rate, NTSC enjoys a smoother image. PAL and SECAM both use an extra scan lines and therefor have better resolution.

 

Does it Really Matter?

Overall, it does matter. The three systems are not compatible, which means you need to be sure your audio/video components use the same standard to be compatible with your TV and with the satellite and/or digital cable signal. There is, of course, a couple exceptions. Multisystem TVs are able of decoding all three color systems and feature tuners for each. In addition, Region Free Blu-ray & DVD Players usually come equipped with internal PAL/NTSC conversion, which allows them to be used with any TV.

 

If you're living in the same region and using locally purchased audio/video components and accessories, there's really no need to even think about PAL, NTSC and SECAM. However, it's always nice to have a slight knowledge of how the three differ and why.

 

If you've found yourself in a situation where you're using a foreign TV, or, using a foreign Blu-ray Player with your TV, you probably have a dilemma. See, most electronics are designed to be used specifically in the country or region where they're purchased. They're compatible with the local color system which determines how the picture is decoded and recreated on your TV screen. If your TV, cable box or Blu-ray player is foreign, they're probably not compatible. But don't worry, if you don't own a Multisystem TVs or Region-Free Blu-ray Player, there's another solution - the international video converter.

 

What Is An International Video Converter?

An international video converter allows you to easily connect a TV, cable box, satellite TV system, gaming system or Blu-ray Player to one another so they two can be compatible. They literally bridge the gap between the three main color systems - PAL, NTSC, and Secam.

 

How Does An International Video Converter Work?

The converters are plug & play. Most of them feature worldwide voltage, meaning they can be used anywhere with any voltage from 110 volts up to 240 volts. Depending on the model, international video converters utilize standard HDMI, component, analog composite (RCA), or a S-Video cables. The signal originates from your input source (TV signal/cable/Blu-ray Player) and is fed into the converter and then out of the converter and into your TV. What's happening in the converter is complicated, but in simple terms it's preparing everything for the proper format used by your TV. Some converters even improve the quality of the picture by up-scaling to the highest possible resolution for your TV - however that depends on the model you're using.

 

Where Can I Get An International Video Converter?

Converters can be purchased from a variety of places but it's best to choose a reputable retailer. At 220-Electronics, we carry a variety of International Video Converters that offer different options to suit specific needs. We have over 35+ years of experience and the know-how to help you choose the perfect converter for your situation. Check out our International Video Converters to get started. If you need any help, our team will be happy to assist you. To make things even better, we guarantee the lowest prices and will beat any & all competitors.

 

The DVD Region system is used to control which DVD movies play on which DVD Players. The DVD regions are broken down as follows:

DVD Region Codes	Blu-ray Region Codes
Code  | Where 1  | USA & Canada 2  | Europe & Japan 3  | South East Asia 4  | Latin America & Australia 5  | Russia, Rest of Asia and Africa 6  | China 8  | International Venues, Cruise Ships, Planes, etc.	Where  | Code Americas, East and South East Asia  | A Europe, Africa, Oceania, Middle East, French territories, Greenland  | B Central and South Asia, Mongolia, Russia, and People's Republic of China  | C

 

What does all this 'DVD region coding' mean?

This means that DVD movies from DVD Region 1 (USA & Canada) WILL NOT play on a DVD player regions 2-6. Effectively Region 1 DVD discs play only on Region 1 DVD players, Region 2 DVD discs play only on Region 2 DVD players and so on.

 

Why are there 6 DVD regions?

Movies are released on DVD at different times around the world, typically America and Canada first, Australia and Japan 6 months later, and Europe 12 months after US release. In some instances, DVD movies are available for purchase in America and Canada before they are released in European cinemas.

Due to the high quality of DVD and the movie release system used by Hollywood, 5 regions were established to prevent people from watching Region 1 movies before they were released on Regions 2-6.

DVD Censorship between countries also plays a part, another reason for DVD region coding.

 

What can I do to solve this problem?

220 Electronics specializes in Region Free DVD Players and Region Free Blu-ray Players that play DVD and Blu-ray movies from DVD Regions 1 thru 6 and Blu-Ray Regions 1, 2 and 3. Guaranteed 100%, giving you the freedom to watch any DVD movie, censored or uncensored, without having to wait up to 12 months for the official release in your country.

 

How do you make a DVD player region free / multi-region / Code-Free?

Our custom chipping process ensures your DVD or Blu-ray player plays every region disc available, using our custom DVD Region chip design. Our qualified technical staff modify and test your DVD player 100% with all DVD and/or Blu-ray egions before leaving our warehouse.

 

What if the movie studios put a DVD region protection system into the movie disc?

The DVD region protection system, 'RCE' was introduced 8 years ago, and all our DVD players play RCE discs 100%. So far no other 'new' protection system is possible other than RCE due to the way the DVD region format works. Our players play all protected 'RCE' DVD discs.

 

Enjoy the freedom that 220 Electronics offers, the freedom to watch any DVD movie from anywhere, Code-Free / Region Free!

Our DVD and Blu-ray Players play all movies from all regions, Guaranteed for Life!

Multi-system TV Buying Guide

Multisystem TV 's are all compatible with video systems from any country including NTSC, Pal, and Secam. These TVs are the perfect option for International customers that have relocated to the USA or are Relocating outside the USA. We can offer an International relocation consultation and set you up with everything you will need for your International move outside the USA. Generally speaking, purchasing a multi system TV from us will be less expensive than purchasing that same TV in Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia, etc. Also we have a larger selection of TVs than you will find in most countries.

 

The TVs we sell can be used anywhere in the world. They support all formats including Pal, NTSC, and Secam. Multisystem LCD and Plasma TVs are 110-220 volts and can be used in Europe, Asia, North America, South America, and any other place in the world. Perfect for International Relocations. We also offer Multi system Home theater systems as well as code free DVD players, and region free portable DVD players on our website. They are compatible with any VCR or TV for viewing anywhere in the world. All televisions are NTSC, Pal, and Secam and 110-240 volts. They can be used anywhere in the world.

 

Please choose what kind of Multi System TV you are looking for. Also don't forget to see our weekly special promotional offers! We understand that you have other options when choosing for a Multi system TV vendor. Our goal is to offer you the best service, knowledgeable customer service, at the best possible price. We will explain what Plasma, LED, LCD, or HDTV will work best for you, and why. If you already have a TV, we will try to provide you with the necessary equipment to use it overseas. We don't want to sell you something and be done with it like our competition. We want to help you buy something and thus earn your business. Please call us before you buy elsewhere and tell us how we can earn your business. We promise to provide the best possible customer service, the largest variety of products for Multi System customers, as well as the best possible prices.

 

Commonly Asked Questions About Our Televisions...

Quick Links

• Pal, NTSC, Secam Explained
• Which TV's Work Where
• TVs for Those Visiting
• DVD Players and VCRs
• TV Tuners

 

What are Pal, NTSC, and Secam?

There are several different and incompatible video formats in use around the world. Video broadcasts and recorded material in the USA will not play on equipment in Europe, for example - and vice versa!

 

NTSC (National Television System Committee)

Color system currently used in North America. All TVs sold in the USA and Canada that are not purchased from a specialty Multi System store such as us, are NTSC. NTSC is not compatible with other color systems such as Pal or NTSC. This means that if you would like to play a Pal or Secam DVD movie on a NTSC TV, it will come in black and white and the picture will scroll. You will not be able to see a viewable image on the TV. Also if you would like to take an NTSC TV to another country in Europe, Asia, or Africa, it will not work. There are ways of making it work by purchasing a Pal to NTSC converter as well as a voltage converter. This would normally cost over $300 by the time you are done, so it may not be worth it for some TVs. If you are interested in doing something like this please call one of our sales advisors at (847) 640-9000 or (877) 578-0587 toll free. The TVs that we carry are Multi system and support all the TV standards including Pal, NTSC, and Secam. So if you purchase one of our TVs they will work anywhere in the world.

 

Pal (Phase Alternation by Line)

Color system currently used in Europe, Asia, Africa and many other places outside North America. This system is also not compatible with any of the others. So if you brought a Pal TV with you from overseas it will probably not work here in the USA.

 

Secam (SÉquentiel Couleur À Mémoire")

Color system currently used mainly in France. This system is also not compatible with any of the others.

 

Note: We do offer video converters that will allow you to convert from one TV system to another, however the best picture quality is obtained only by buying a multi system TV. Normally if you are viewing Pal DVD movies in the USA, our DVD players do have very good video converters built in so you do not need to purchase a Multi system TV. However if you are wanting to use a TV overseas, it is recommended to purchase a multi system TV. Please call one of our Sales advisors if you have any questions.

 

Which TVs work where? I'm moving overseas and am wondering if my TV will work?

NTSC TV's will work only in North America, unless you purchase a video converter and a voltage converter. Even with the conversion, it is recommended purchasing a Multi System TV, which is made to work anywhere in the world.

 

I just moved to the USA for a temporary period of time and want to buy a TV that will work here, and that I can take with me when I move back. What can I use?

Buying a Multi System TV will be your best option in this situation because you will be able to take it overseas with you when you move back. Also the Multi System TVs we sell in the USA are usually much cheaper than those available overseas. So if you purchase your TV here, you will be able to get a better, cheaper model and take that back with you. Also, normally duties and taxes in Europe are only on new items, so if you have used the TV here in the USA before moving, you will probably not have to pay as much in taxes.

 

DVD players & VCRs: I want to be able to play foreign videos and DVDs

If you are not going to be taking your TV overseas, but you just want to be able to play DVD and VHS movies that are Pal or a different region here in the USA you should consider purchasing a Code Free DVD Player that has a built in Pal to NTSC converter. We have many models to choose from on our Region Free DVD Player category page. If you are also wanting to Play Pal VHS movies, you should look into a DVD/VCR combo or a VCR and a External video converter. We have packages and specials on these devices on our site, and you can call us for more information on them as well if you would like: (847) 640-9000 or (877) 578-0587.

 

TV Tuner: What is it and do I need one?

A TV tuner is a card in the TV that allows you to change channels. TV tuners also have different systems around the world: Pal, NTSC, and Secam. Pal M and Pal N are tuners that are used in South America. A tuner's function is to capture your signal through your antenna or a cable service and turn it into a video signal your TV can read. It allows you to change channels on your TV to the channel you want to watch. TV tuners are also in devices such as DVD recorders, VCRs, cable boxes, satellite receivers, etc. Modern day applications usually involve the use of a satellite receiver or a cable box to receive TV channels. Thus, A TV tuner is normally not utilized in these application. However if you have an old fashioned TV connection where you are receiving channels from a roof antenna or your cable company will not provide you a cable box, you will need a TV tuner. If the TV you purchase does not have one, you can use a VCR or a DVD recorder instead. However 99% of the modern day applications do not require you to use the TV tuner as there is already one in the cable box, HD cable box, DVR box provided by your cable company, or they utilize the satellite receiver used with satellite dish applications which are used as a tuner. The short answer is if you will be subscribing to a cable or satellite service, you probably do not need a tuner in your TV.