"Region Free" or "Multi-Region" Blu-ray players are Blu-ray players which have been converted to work in any region of the world. These devices also play DVDs from any region in the world, including regions 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8. They are built to play Blu-rays from any Zone / region in the world, including Zone A, Zone B and Zone C. Our top 10 best players are divided into different categories- not everyone's Blu-ray needs are necessarily the same, so we have outlined below what we believe to be the best 10 Blu-ray players available right now for varying needs.

Best Value: LB BP165 / BP250 Region free blu-ray player

This LG blu-ray player is perfect for those that already have streaming built into their TV or another streaming device such as Amazon's Fire Stick or a Roku. Most modern televisions have wifi and streaming built-in regardless, so the feature is really not necessary in blu-ray players for many people. The upgraded Region Free version of this player will play any region DVD, Any region Blu-ray and offers fantastic picture and sound quality. It doesn't play the UBD 4K discs- for that there is a step up player we will talk about below. But other than those missing features, this player is really the best value you are going to find. It's versatile and plays many different formats of DVDs, CDs, and other discs and content from USB. Customer reviews have also been excellent for this device. Its durability is true and tested, as it has been on the market for some time now and they haven’t made many changes to this model.

Pros:

• Upgraded version is region free for DVD and Blu-ray
• Excellent picture with 1080p up-conversion
• Plays video and Audio from USB
• Durable Construction
• Easy to connect and use

Cons:

• Does not have wifi
• Does not feature streaming
• Is not a 4K UBD Ultra HD blu-ray disc player

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Best Overall player: Panasonic DP-UB9000 Region Free 4k UBD blu-ray player

The Panasonic DP-UB9000 is a fantastic device that is arguably the best high-end replacement for the famously excellent Oppo Blu-ray players. With arguably the best 4K HDR quality available, tone mapping, and impeccable audio quality. This is a player meant for those who want an Oppo replacement, which is to say that it is a player for those who want a top of the line Blu-ray player that will last them a very long time. The only real downside to this player is that it is not universal- some formats are not supported, specifically SACD or DVD-Audio discs.

Pros:

• The closest thing we have to a new Oppo Blu-ray player
• Fantastic audio quality
• Build quality reduces vibration and interference
• Plays numerous audio and video formats
• Perfect for audio/videophiles

Cons:

• Doesn't support SACD or DVD-Audio
• The price might be outside of the budget of some

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Best Value region free 4K UBD Ultra HD blu-ray disc player: LG UBK80 Region free UBK 4k Ultra HD blu-ray player

With the ability to play Ultra HD, 3D, and Standard Blu-ray discs, the LG UBK80 is a versatile machine for what you are paying. Full 4K support, along with HDRand high-end surround sound format support, really drive home what a bargain this device is. At $250, the UBK80 provides essentially everything one could want from a new Blu-ray player, without breaking your wallet.

Pros:

• Support for Ultra HD/4K, 3D, and Standard Blu-rays
• Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, and DTS Master Audio support
• HDR Support
• Fantastic price point

Cons:

• Does not support video streaming services

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Best Value Region free 4K Player with Streaming: LG UBK90 Region Free UBD 4K Ultra HD blu-ray player with wifi

The LG UBK90 is a Blu-ray player that is very similar to the UBK80, but with one key difference: It has wi-fi support built into the device. As a result, the UBK90 is the perfect Blu-ray player for those who are interested in the UBK80, but really wish it offered streaming support.

Pros:

• Support for Ultra HD/4K, 3D, and Standard Blu-rays
• Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, and DTS Master Audio support
• HDR Support
• Fantastic price point
• Wi-fi/Streaming support
• Overall an excellent player, there isn't much bad to say about it.

Cons:

• Doesn't have some of the less common streaming apps, but has all major ones.
• Lacks a few high-end features such as tone mapping and HDR conversion.

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Best Value 4K Player player with Dolby Atmos and Streaming: Sony UBP-X700 Region free blu-ray player with Dolby Atmos and Streaming

The Sony UBP-X700 offers silky smooth 4K streaming/playback, fantastic HDR, and a small stature which will please those who would prefer to not have a larger, clunkier device sitting around their living room. This device also offers high-end audio playback through Dolby Atmos, a very welcome feature for those who want to have the full cinematic experience.

Pros:

• 4K Streaming/Playback
• HDR
• Dolby Atmos Audio Playback
• Small Size
• Great value
• Has nearly all the video features one would desire
• Great colors

Cons:

• Sound is decent, but not the same as the much more expensive Yamaha and Panasonic options

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Best Region Free WiFi player: Sony BDP-S3700 Region free blu-ray player with wifi streaming

The Sony BDP-S3700 is a great, affordable way to turn any TV into a Smart TV. On the surface, it is a standard Blu-ray player; at closer examination, it actually features a great number of apps which will allow one to stream movies and television shows to one’s TV without any additional devices. As a result, this is a great alternative to purchasing a smart TV if one would rather purchase a larger, non-smart TV while retaining all of those features. Similarly, phone mirroring is a unique feature that is extremely useful; users can simply pull content up on their phones and ‘push’ things to the screen in front of them. This is perfect for parties or just casual viewing.

Pros:

• Wi-fi support, streaming
• Numerous apps available
• Excellent player for most setups
• Durable, great for playing DVDs and Blu-rays of any region

Cons:

• Only outputs up to 1080p video

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Best Region Free 4k Upconversion player: Sony BDP-S6700 Region free blu-ray player with 3D wifi streaming and 4K upconversion

The Sony BDP-S6700 is essentially a high-end version of the BDP-S3700. It fixes the problems which existed with the former, specifically it being only able to access 1080p content. Instead, this model supports 3D and 4K content, with 4K upscaling for non-4K content. This is a huge bonus, as it still provides all of the fantastic content that the former model did. The 4K support is only for upscaling content to 4K, which should be kept in mind when purchasing.

Pros:

• 3D Support
• 4K/UHD Upscaling for non-4K content
• Great streaming options
• Bluetooth upport

Cons:

• Does not actually play 4K content, only upscales

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Best Region Free player with Excellent Audio & composite audio outputs: Yamaha BDP-S681 Region Free Blu-ray Player with 4K Upscaling

The Yamaha BDP-S681 features 4K Upscaling for non-4K video as well as composite audio outputs for A/V receivers. As a result, it can be used with a wide variety of home audio setups, making it a great entry-level device for a home theater. This is definitely a device made for audiophiles, constructed with the intent of being used alongside a Yamaha A/V receiver of your choice. That said, it will work just fine with other brands.

Pros:

• 4K Upscaling
• Fantastic audio opportunities
• Composite audio output
• FLAC, high-quality audio file support

Cons:

• Lacks true 4K due to emphasis on audio quality

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Best Region Free 3D player: LG BP550 Region Free 3D Blu-ray Player

For its price, the LG BP550 is a great option for anyone who wants 3D Blu-ray support without spending much money. While it lacks some of the fancier options that more expensive Blu-ray players might offer, it allows for a budget device that still lets you have the 3D experience you crave at home. It loads discs quickly and has a very responsive interface, and built-in Wi-fi lets you stream videos to your non-smart television.

Pros:

• 3D support at an unbeatable price
• Built-in Wi-fi and streaming support
• Loads quickly
• Low latency, responsive menus

Cons:

• Lacks support for some high end formats such as 4K/UHD

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Best Region Free 3D 4K Player with Streaming and Dolby Atmos: Sony UBP-X800M2 Region Free Multi Region 4K UHD Blu-ray Player

The Sony UBP-X800M2 provides a great all-around device with both quality audio and video output. The sound provided by Dolby Atmos is crisp, and the video quality is always clean and stable. The addition of Wi-fi is, as always, welcome even if not needed. A particularly interesting feature to this device is that it offers Bluetooth output for audio, allowing one to use Bluetooth headphones as opposed to a speaker setup. This is great for those who want to watch movies without disturbing those around them, or those who just have nice headphones and would prefer to use them for their viewing experience. While it may not have the best audio or video options on this list, the UBP-X800M2 is sure to please with its options.

Pros:

• Dolby Atmos support
• Bluetooth audio
• Crips video output
• Wi-fi streaming
• HDR to SDR conversion
• Tone mapping
• Great value for all of its features

Cons:

• Dolby Vision's menu, as well as HDR10+, can be a bit clunky. You need to understand the settings before making major changes

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Overall, these are what we consider to be the ten best region free Blu-ray players on the market for 2020-2021. You can’t go wrong with any of these players, as each has its own unique perks which makes it worth considering.

Visit 220-Electronics.com for all of your region free Blu-ray player needs! At 220-Electronics, each device is personally customized to work with all codes and in all regions- guaranteed. We have excellent customer service and can help you to decide which player is best for you, ensuring you are happy with your final purchase.

In recent years, 4K/UHD (Ultra HD) content and devices have taken the world by storm. This is such a popular feature that we have actually discussed it in-depth in a past article. For many, this has been the natural progression of things. To improve their viewing experiences at home, it was an obvious decision to upgrade from their former Full-HD (1080p) setups. For others, this decision holds much more weight.

Whether it is a lack of expendable income, concerns about longevity, or simply a lack of interest, there are plenty of individuals who have yet to move on to a full 4K setup. For many, their concerns stem from the potential cost of building a full setup to run 4K/UHD content- after all, a 4k television, 4k blu-ray player, and the videos to play on these devices all cost money. If cost is an issue, you could benefit by upgrading your devices piecemeal.

The premise of having a full 4K/UHD setup is obviously tempting, as it should be. These devices provide beautiful, entrancing viewing experiences that are notable improvements over their traditional Full-HD counterparts. However, each component of a 4K setup has its own benefits; they all serve different purposes which, even alone, serve as upgrades to a traditional setup.

4K/UHD Televisions

Many 4K/UHD Televisions have the unique feature of upscaling their video output to higher resolutions. Upscaling refers to the act of taking footage that is rendered at a lower resolution than what is native to the television (so in this case, it could be 1920x1080 or 1080p footage) and rendering it at or near the expected resolution (UHD or 3840x2160).

Upscaling

I need to be clear here and stress that this does not produce the same level of quality that one would experience by playing UHD content on the same 4K television. Upscaling is an in-depth process that, in essence, uses various algorithms to automatically take videos (which are long sequences of images, or ‘frames’, for our purposes) and increase the number of pixels that make up each frame. This needs to happen incredibly quickly in order to not be noticeable by the viewer.

[caption id="attachment_1575" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Figure A: 1080p - Zoomed in 200%.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1576" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Figure B: 1080p image upscaled to 4k. Zoomed in 200%.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1577" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Figure C: True 4K, zoomed in 200%.[/caption]

The resulting image is dramatically improved from that of standard 1080p, but still not nearly as detailed as true 4K. Figures A-C shows a highly zoomed-in (200%) comparison of the same image at 1080p, Upscaled 4K, and Native 4K. The effects of upscaling are clear: the native image is highly pixellated, with a great deal of 'tessellation' (the jagged edges around objects). The upscaled image is much less jagged, and while it is blurry it is still a drastic improvement over its predecessor. The final image of the three, the Native 4K image, clearly has a greater amount of detail than the others due to its incredibly fine resolution. If the difference is not noticeable, look a bit closer at the screen. From distances, they appear more similar due to their size, while on a large television they are extremely noticeable.

This is perhaps the most noticeable means through which a 4K television can serve as an upgrade without opting for additional upgrades. Even non-4K video will suddenly look better upon acquiring this new television! Aside from that, many streaming services such as Hulu and Netflix offer the option to stream 4K/UHD content, although one should ensure that their internet connection is fast enough to handle it prior to making the commitment.

4K Blu-ray Players Without 4K Televisions?

There is one upgrade on the path to a full Blu-ray setup that could potentially be more noticeable than all others- 4K Blu-ray players. Even without with a 4K Television, these could significantly improve one's viewing experience. There are some caveats I would put in place here, however. While a 4K Television will provide a blanket improvement on video quality through upscaling, many 4K Blu-ray players offer the option of improving video quality through 'downscaling'.

Put simply, downscaling is a process wherein an image is rendered at a higher resolution and then output at a lower one. While this might sound pointless, there is a notable difference. These images obviously do not have the full, incredible detail one would see in a 4K image. At the same time, a downscaled video will typically look better than the alternative 1080p version. There are other considerations to make, such as the source of videos; streamed videos see a loss in quality no matter what, simply as a result of them downloading over time. However, that is as much an issue of internet connection speeds as it is hardware. For Blu-rays specifically, downscaling can drastically improve image quality.

[caption id="attachment_1567" align="aligncenter" width="300"] A comparison between 4K downsampled (left) and standard 1080p (right). Source: https://www.premiumbeat.com/[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1568" align="aligncenter" width="300"] A comparison between 4K Offline (Blu-ray) and 4K Streaming (YouTube). Source: https://www.premiumbeat.com/[/caption]

Other considerations need to be made when purchasing these devices. Additional hardware components, the quality of the upscaling and downscaling from devices, internet connection speeds, and the films themselves are all important. The ultimate point of this is to show that you can benefit from purchasing a new television or Blu-ray player now- even if you do not have a full setup ready to go. Some great examples of devices that have these features are:

Televisions:

• LG 50UK6470
• Samsung UA-48JU6400
• Samsung UA49MU7350

Blu-ray Players

• Sony UBP-X1100ES
• LG UP-870
• Samsung UBD-M8500

Of course, we recommend you ensure that you are purchasing a Blu-ray player or Television that explicitly advertises these features if you desire them. Not all devices feature proper upscaling or downscaling. If you are looking to upgrade slowly, it is certainly a possibility.

If you are wanting region-free Blu-ray players or televisions, 220-Electronics.com carries everything you need at fantastic, discounted prices. These devices are modified by professionals at 220-Electronics to work around the world at the press of a button. If you are interested in upgrading your home theatre, the staff at 220-Electronics can offer their assistance in planning and purchasing!

5 Top TV Purchasing Considerations For Expats

When you make your decision to move your life abroad, your best intention is likely to simplify your life by getting rid of things you don’t need. But there’s one item we find most expats refuse to give up. You guessed it right--the TV.

As much as we know you don’t prefer anything “complicated,” we know purchasing a new television today can be a confusing chore. From Smart TVs with wifi, internet and app capabilities, to Plasma, LCD, LED and OLED, HDTV, and curved or flat panel aesthetics, you have so many considerations. And expat living adds even more complexity to your television purchase choices.

So we thought we would simplify your purchasing process by explaining these top five considerations for expats moving outside North America.

1) Your Standard North American TV Will Not Work Overseas.

Some companies will tell you that if your TV has a digital signal, HDMI and 110-220 volt capabilities, your TV should be compatible abroad. But this is simply not true.

Standard TV systems purchased at most “big box” retailers in North America are encoded to comply with the National Television System Committee (NTSC) color and picture quality standards in the U.S. So you can’t just go to your local electronics retailer and purchase a television that will work in your home abroad. (Error: Mode Not Supported)

Alternatively, PAL (Phase Alternation by Line) and SECAM (Sequential Color with Memory) are the common color and quality standards outside North America (and Japan.) To comply with these popular modes overseas you must purchase a Multi-system TV.

2) Multi-system TVs Work Anywhere In The World.

Multisystem televisions are compatible with NTSC, PAL and SECAM standards. As opposed to NTSC 110-120 volts and 60 Hz output, multisystem TVs accommodate 110-240 volts with 50 and 60 Hz output. Aside from the fact that you can use your multisystem TV anywhere in the world, multisystem specialty retailers typically are less expensive, offer a larger brand selection and larger sizes (even 70” and above) of the latest models and technologies.

Multi-system televisions are available in Plasma, LCD, LED and TV/DVD Combos. And they come equipped with all the top modern TV features like 3D, curved screen, wifi built-in, HD, full HD, ultra HD 4k, and built-in tuners. In most cases, the built-in tuner is not necessary outside North America when your multisystem TV is connected to a cable box or satellite receiver.

Both Plasma and LCD and are aging technologies. But, many of our customers still prefer them. We understand you like what you like. Viewing a movie in 3D is all the rage at the box office, but it may not be your thing at home abroad. It’s a cool technology that requires a 3D DVD player and 3D glasses. Some of our expat customers find it  “complicates” their viewing capabilities a little more than necessary.

If you’re questioning whether you need HD, full HD or ultra HD 4k, here’s the deal.

• Good High Definition: 720 resolution
• Very Good High Definition: Full HD - 1920 x 1080 resolution
• Ultra High Definition: HD 4K

3) Multi-System LED Televisions Offer The Most Modern Viewing Technology.

In both standard and multisystem LED Televisions, panel design is a matter of aesthetic choice. Curved televisions can be wall-mounted, just like a flat-panel TV. Curved television panels allow greater flexibility in furniture positioning. You and your guests can view it equally as well from either side, as though you are sitting front and center.

4) Multi-System Smart TVs Are A Smart Choice For Expats.

Multi-system Smart TVs come with all the bells and whistles, including wifi and full web browser capabilities, 3D imagery and 3D glasses, voice recognition and motion control, and web apps. Think computer and TV, all-in-one.

5) Region-Free Smart Blu-ray Players Offer Smart TV Capabilities.

Understand Blu-Ray DVD Regions.

Region-Free Smart Blu-ray DVD Players can lend your standard multisystem TV the same Smart functionality you get by purchasing a Smart TV. However, this requires a custom chipping process that we provide in-house using a custom DVD Region chip design to ensure your Blu-ray DVD player can play any disc, regardless of its country of origin.

The latest Region Free Blu-Ray DVD Players even come equipped with streaming media and PlayStation capabilities.

Whether you’re going abroad to retire in one of International Living’s Top 10 Retirement Havens, to work in one of Mercer’s Top 10 Best Cities for Expats, or anywhere else in the world, you’re wise to make sure you’re equipped with a multi-system, region-free television.

If you have any questions, contact us for a FREE Relocation Consultation.

A voltage converter is a device that can be used to convert electricity from 220 volts to 110 volts or 110 volts to 220 volts.

 

Step Down Voltage Converter:

Step Down voltage converters are used to step down electricity in countries that use 220 volts, 230 volts, or 240 volts. These voltage converters will step the electricity down to 110 volts so you can use electronics and appliances from North America that are 110 volts in countries that have 220, 230 or 240 volts electricity such as Europe, Asia, Middle East, and Africa. These converters are perfect for international travel as well as international relocation.

 

They are also very commonly used by companies that are selling products that are 110 volts into the 220 volts markets. Step down voltage converters are available in many sizes and types. The sizes are measured by the max load they can handle. More info on this is below. Many models below are two-way voltage converters which means they will step up and step down voltage.

 

Step Up Voltage Converter:

Step up voltage converters are exactly the opposite of step down voltage converters. All the step up voltage converters we carry also work for step down. The can be used both ways, to step up voltage from 110 volts to 220 volts, and also to step down voltage from 220 volts to 110 volts. Step up voltage converters are great for people that have relocated to the USA or are traveling to the USA from Europe, Asia, Middle East or Africa. Step up voltage converter models are sold in many different sizes as well. We also offer a few different types. Please see the instructions below on how to select the correct converter as well as a comparison chart of the various step up voltage converters we carry. Please note that the two-way converters below will step up voltage and also step down voltage meaning they can be used as a step up voltage converter as well as a step down voltage converter.

Newest Diamond Series voltage converter for international relocation, deployment, or travel now available. Newest design and best voltage converter with Diamond Series has 5 Year Limited warranty and is CE approved.

 

We carry three types of voltage converters / transformers and two types of voltage converters with a built in regulator. Reading through the brief descriptions will help you choose which one you need. All voltage converters and transformers are available in different Watts. We carry both step up and step down models. Perfect for international relocation and international travel to use foreign electronics in the USA or USE 110 volt electronics from USA overseas. Please contact us at 877-578-0587 for any questions regarding which transformer is suitable to use in a given country or with a given product.

We carry everything you will need for an international move, relocation, or deployment. We have Multi system Pal/NTSC TVs, VCRs, DVD players, GSM Phones, and much much more.

 

Please remember that the terms "voltage converter", "voltage transformer", and "power transformer" all mean the same thing.

 

Voltage Converters - Voltage Transformers 110 volts, 220 volts, 230 volts 240 volts for use anywhere in the world. Over 100,000 units sold. Used all over the world for international travel, international relocation, yachts, military deployment, and many other applications. We have the must durable, reliable voltage converters available, and have been in business since 1979.

 

How To Find the Watts On Your Appliance So That You Can Select the Correct Transformer

Voltage converters, also known as voltage transformers, are devices that convert foreign electricity to power devices from different parts of the world. A step down voltage converter is a 220 to 110 volts converter. A step up converter is a 110 volts to 220 volts converter. Our 2-way converters are voltage transformers that convert power from both 220 to 110 volts and 110 to 220 volts. They also work with 100 volts, 110 volts, 120 volts, 220 volts and 240 volts. This model is a 2 way voltage converter / voltage transformer available in many different sizes including 100 Watts, 200 Watts, 300 Watts, 500 Watts, 750 Watts, 1000 Watts, 1500 Watts, 2000 Watts, 3000 Watts and 5000 Watts.

 

To determine the correct model voltage converter or heavy duty transformer you need, you must find the Watts of your appliance. You can find this information listed on the appliance manufacturer's label located on the back or bottom of the appliance or in the specifications section of the appliance owner's manual. We recommend using a voltage converter / transformer which has a max Wattage of at least 50% higher than your appliance. Some appliances such as power tools, motors, laser printers and TVs require a converter 2-3 times the Watts that the appliance is rated for.

-A higher Watt rated transformer will never hurt your appliance, however if you buy one that is not strong enough, it will not work.

-Items such as TVs, Microwave ovens, laser printers and power tools require a transformer with 3 times the Wattage rating on the equipment. This is because these items require a surge of power when they are first turned on.

 

IMPORTANT NOTE: Watts may be abbreviated as W on your appliance. However if you can't find Watts or W on the label of your appliance, then you may be able to find Amps, also known as amperage or A. This can be converted to Watts in order to select the correct converter.

 

If only the amperage rating is shown, multiply the input voltage by the amperage rating to find the wattage rating. Volts x Amps = Watts, e.g. 110V x 1.5 A = 165W

 

Cycles - 50 Hz vs. 60 Hz

North American 110-120 volt electricity is generated at 60 Hz (cycles) alternating current. Most foreign 220-240 volt electricity is generated at 50 Hz (cycles) alternating current. This cycle difference will cause analog clocks and timing circuits that use alternating current as a timing base to keep incorrect time. Most modern electronic equipment including battery chargers, computers, printers, stereos, tape and CD players, VCR/DVD players, CRT, Plasma, or LCD TVs and Monitors, etc. will not be affected by the difference in cycles.

 

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.