Multi System TVs Explained:
What is Pal, NTSC, 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 vise 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 a 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 will 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 your from overseas it will
probably not work here in the USA.
Secam (SÉquentiel
Couleur À Mémoire")
Color system currently used in
mainly in France. This system is also not compatible with any of the
others.
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 regarding this.
What 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 the situation because it 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 then 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 and different
regions 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 site at
http://www.220-electronics.com/dvd/dvdorig.htm . 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 tuners
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 a 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 do have a
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 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 receive 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.
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