NTSC videotape to DVD conversion - any tips?

[spinalman]

There seems to be confusion here.

PAL VHS VCRs do not convert from NTSC to PAL, some can play out a pseudo-PAL signal - that signal is not recordable (as you have proved).

To make a PAL DVD or PAL VHS tape you need a standard converter VHS machine, and a recorder capable of recording in the system of your choice...ie PAL or NTSC.

Some new DVD recorders can record PAL or NTSC (changed via setup menu) - but ONLY if they are fed a true PAL or NTSC signal (not a pseudo-PAL signal)

So to make a PAL DVD from NTSC VHS you will need a NTSC VHS player ( a standard converter -maybe built into the VHS player) and a DVD PAL recorder.

To make a NTSC DVD you will need a VHS NTSC player, and a DVD recorder with NTSC option. These NTSC disks may play on some modern PAL DVD players (as pseudo PAL)

[Pip]

Thanks Spinalman,

I started this thread some time ago - since then, managed to convert an NTSC video played on a PAL VHS player with NTSC output to PAL, recorded to DVD recorder switched to NTSC in set-up, new disc formatted for NTSC. The colour was corrupted (greenish), but re-edited the file with video editing software on PC (Ulead VideoStudio 10) and got the colour quite acceptable again (but not perfect - slightly washed out look, OK though). A bit of a long winded process.

Your suggestion re using a true NTSC video player is much as I suspected would be the best option. Will look out for one going cheap - don't know if many show up in the UK, but maybe eBay will come up with the goods!

Cheers, and good luck to all converters!

Pip

[spinalman]

Hi Pip,

You might as well look on ebay for standard converter VHS players..they will be as likely on ebay as NTSC players.

I have a 3 of these: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Samsung-SV-500...em220073625551


They convert all systems and are a good VHS VCR to boot.

[lipscombv]

Paul

Can i just check i have this right.

I can use my american video player and connect it to my english dvd recorder and that's it

Ginny

[spinalman]

Originally Posted by lipscombv Paul Can i just check i have this right. I can use my american video player and connect it to my english dvd recorder and that's it Ginny

Erm Not necessarily... American Videos are NTSC, UK DVD recorders are PAL - so incompatible.... but DVD some recorders will record NTSC (check manual) This is all fine and dandy, and you will then have DVDs in NTSC. They will playback in NTSC and so then you have the issue of seeing that on a TV. Some PAL TVs will display NTSC (again check manual or try it on an NTSC DVD).

The alternative is to get a standards converter inbetween your Video and DVD and then everything will be in PAL and compatible wherever you display it in the UK.

[Pip]

To follow up my much earlier postings in this thread, I now have no problems and very good results using a multi-system VCR (one that can play NTSC or PAL tapes and output as either true NTSC or PAL signals - NOT a PAL VCR that can play NTSC tapes as pseudo-PAL - which gave me the greenish colour picture mentioned before).

I'm now using a JVC HR-J481MS multi-system VCR and a Lite-On LVW-5006 DVD recorder (which has downloaded macro hack installed).

NTSC tapes are played on the multi-system VCR with output set as NTSC, output recorded to DVD recorder with recording format set as NTSC, on a new DVDR disc formatted as NTSC. Resulting disc plays perfectly after recording when the DVD player is switched back to PAL format and output to standard PAL TV: no colour faults, no problems encountered.

So, look out for a true multi-system VCR if you want to copy NTSC tapes (assuming that your DVD recorder can be switched to NTSC). Don't bother with an ordinary PAL VCR that can play NTSC tapes. Multi-system VCRs come up on eBay regularly - worth checking European sellers too - and check the specs on manufacturer's websites (if you can find the model listed) before bidding!

[lipscombv]

can you suggest a suitable dvd recorder that can record NTSC. i can provide real NTSC as i still have my american video players

Ginny

[Wolfgang]

.....