All electronics are not created equal. In fact, around the world - even if you purchase the same brand and model - there are various differences in both construction and performance. Not always visible to the naked eye, these differences can make or break your ability to utilize your electronics in other parts of the world.
Most Electronics are NOT Universal
While it might not be common knowledge to the average person, the truth is that most electronics are not designed for global use. From the different standards in voltage to the multiple audio & video formats used in various countries, there are many obstacles to overcome if you plan to purchase or use your electronics in other countries. With the exception of laptops - which usually feature a power adapter that works with any voltage - nearly all electronics are only useful in the country or region where they were purchased. While it's possible to use your devices in other regions of the world, it will usually require expensive converters, adapters, and a lot of messy cables.
The Voltage Problem
Voltage is just one of the many issues with electronics. The voltage problem also applies to personal devices and kitchen appliances; anything that uses electricity. While North America uses 120 volts, Europe uses 220 volts. This difference in voltage means that your US electronics will receive an overdose of electricity if used in Europe (which is very dangerous), while European-bought electronics won't have enough electricity to function properly. Either situation can result in damaged devices, fire, or even electrical shock.
Color Systems and Formatting Issues
Color systems are another issue, and something that we would hardly ever think to consider. TVs and blu-ray players use specific formatting to encode and decode the information that displays the image. The 3 main color systems around the world are PAL, NTSC, and Secam. Each color system is specific and it's not possible to use a PAL TV with a NTSC Blu-ray Player. PAL, NTSC, and Secam models are respectively manufactured and sold to regions that utilize those formats and are not cross-compatible without expensive converters.
Disc Playback and Region Coding Problems
This issue is similar to the rest but it only applies to DVD and Blu-ray Players. There are 3 different "regions" of Blu-ray and 7+ regions for DVD discs. In each region, the players are coded to read discs that originate from that region only. For example, Region 1 DVDs are only compatible with region 1 DVD Players. The reason for this is mainly to prevent copyright issues, minimize pirating, and to ensure timely release dates and fair prices in various parts of the world. Another aspect is political and religious environments in which much censorship demands that certain versions of media are not available, especially if they are deemed to violent or provocative.
How to Solve it all?
There is a simple solution to all of the challenges faced by traveling, purchasing, and using electronics from around the world. After all, it should be easy enough to simply plug & play without the headaches, right? Actually, it's much easier than you think.
Multisystem electronics, global electronics and region-free players unlock the universal potential of your devices to guarantee compatibility regardless of where you are in the world. Specially, professionally modified and not available in major retailers, these units feature hardware/software advancements that give them the global flexibility and functionality that the manufacturers should have given you since the start.
Multisystem TVs feature updated internal components and specialized software that allows them to work with any color system. They can also work with any voltage - all you need to do is flip a switch on the TV to change from 120 to 220 volts. This lets you use your TV with a Blu-ray Player from anywhere in the world, and to utilize the local cable TV without a mess of extra wiring and pricey video conversion gadgets. Region-Free DVD and
Region-Free Blu-ray Players allow you to play discs from anywhere, on any TV (even non-multisystem TVs), with any electrical voltage from 110 to 240 volts. Universal personal devices such as curling irons and razors are compatible with any voltage, relieving you from any worries about a fire or damaging your device.
The best part about these global, multisystem, and region-free electronics is that you can choose from your favorite brands and the latest models. It's important to find an experienced retailer who specializes in these modified units because they are not available in department stores or major retailers. They are professionally modified to give you the global flexibility that you deserve and most of them feature the same manufacturer's warranty.
With over 35 years of experience in global electronics and international relocation, we're an authority on traveling with electronics. We carry a wide selection of electronics and appliances intended for global use, as well as hard-to-find 220 volt electronics from the top brand names. From washers and dryers to refrigerators, ranges and kitchen appliances to 4K TVs and the latest in Blu-ray technology, we specialize in giving you the best brands at the best prices - all with the confidence of global compatibility.
Our reputation speaks for itself, and we take pride in that. Make your life easier by
shopping with us today. If you're planning to move overseas, we'll even give you a free, no-hassle consultation to explain how we can make your move, your life, and your future easier with our specialty services.
