NTSC videotape to DVD conversion - any tips? - Britmovie

Pip · 22-10-2006, 10:18 PM

Hi film fans,

Hope this isn't a repeat thread, couldn't find anything already here, but it must have been raised before....

I was wondering if anyone had any hints or tips regarding the conversion of NTSC videotapes to DVD. This is a new challenge for me and I'm not having much luck!

I've tried linking up my Wharfedale VCR (PAL, but plays NTSC to a PAL TV) to my Lite-On DVD recorder. With the DVD recorder set to PAL, not surprisingly this just gives a distorted/cropped picture in BW with green flashes. With the recorder set to NTSC, I get a good picture but only in BW. Direct output from the VCR to a PAL TV is fine however.

One website suggested recording the disc on NTSC, then switching the DVD recorder back to PAL for playback. Didn't work for me though

!

If the PAL VCR, playing an NTSC tape, can output a signal that's OK for a PAL TV, is that signal NTSC or PAL? The DVD recorder doesn't seem to accept it as either.

Haven't tried running the AV output from the VCR into my PC AV input yet and capturing with Premiere or similar editing software (on PAL or NTSC setting) - so may try that next. Has that worked for anyone?

Anyone have any experience with this problem and can shed some light please??
Or is it just easiest to send the tape off for professional conversion?

If any member can offer a conversion service for £'s or trades I'd be pleased to hear.

Thanks, Pip

pustice · 23-10-2006, 01:14 AM

Go here
Someone will help
VideoHelp.com - Guide, How To, Tutorial and Article list

pustice · 23-10-2006, 01:59 AM

SORRY!!! wrong link
Go here

VideoHelp.com :: Index

pustice · 23-10-2006, 02:04 AM

Errmmmm why do I have the American flag next to my country?
Does someone know something I don't?

(I wish!!)

Wolfgang · 23-10-2006, 02:11 AM

On my DVD recorder there are two ways to record tv programmes - either by having my stations tuned into my DVDR directly like normal video recording, or using my AV connection to feed my TV tuner into my DVDR. So for instance, I can record what I am watching on tv without having any of my dvd channels tuned in so long as my TV set is tuned in. If I change my tv channel my recording changes; if I turn my TV off I lose my signal to my DVDR. It easy to check if it can do this - turn on normal tv channel and then flick through your DVD AV channels to see if it picks up your tv channel.

If your DVDR can use your TV tuner as its feed, then my suggestion is to try hooking up your video to your TV and play it like normal video - since you know your tv can presumably convert NTSC to PAL - and then feed that down your AV connector to your DVDR and with any luck it will feed its converted signal so you can record in PAL.

rjd0309 · 23-10-2006, 03:26 PM

The conversion from NTSC to PAL is not trivial. The framerate must be changed, new scan lines must be interpolated, the colour subcarrier frequency must be changed. You might have to invest in a quality converter box.

If you've got just a small number of tapes to convert, I can do it for you -- I have the technology.

Send me a PM.

Cheers,
Robert

Ascoyne D'Ascoyne · 23-10-2006, 03:41 PM

I have an Hitachi dvd combi which just does it - no messing! The one slight giveaway, however, is that any rapid movement on the screen can sometimes appear a little jerky in the copy. I've noticed the same effect when I've recorded from an American dvd on to tape on another set-up I keep at home (cheap dvd player to Aiwa vhs recorder).

room 237 · 23-10-2006, 08:44 PM

I will try to explain quickly in the very short time i have and i hope this helps you!!
All i will say is i cannot understand the problems you are having? as for the Lite-On DVD recorder i maybe able to shed some light threre and how i have had no problems doing these simple conversions.
The first thing initially before you even put the disc into the lite on is change the format in the menu screen from Pal to NTSC, put your blank disc in the tray and close the DVD. It will then set everything up. Having connected your play device start recording. The disc will now record into NTSC. If you have a burner on your P.C you can then convert this back to Pal and the job is done with no fancy converters and all that rubbish. If you attempt to change the menu once the disc is already inserted into the machine you will get all the problems you are talking about. As the DVD disc has been set up already to pal and you are trying to put an NTSC signal through it. Once this disc has been formatted in the recorder you cannot reformat to NTSC you must use a fresh disc and start again. If you have any further problems send me what model of Lite-On you have.

Pip · 23-10-2006, 11:10 PM

Thanks to Wolfgang and Room 237 for your practical suggestions. Will try these out soon as I get a chance and report back.

Thanks rjd0309 too - though if I can get NTSC onto the DVD I am happy with that, it will play fine. If necessary, I can convert to PAL with PC software, but shouldn't need to. Nice of you to offer conversion though - if I am completely stuck, will get in touch.

What a great bunch of guys and gals there are in this forum!

Cheers,
Pip

Pip · 26-10-2006, 08:13 AM

Success!

Thanks to room237 - it worked fine by using a new disc after switching the DVDR to NTSC. As you pointed out, it didn't work for me before because I was trying to use a disc that had already been in the machine and was therefore formatted to PAL (doh!).

During recording as NTSC, the TV image is BW, but after recording the disc as NTSC and switching the system back to PAL, the NTSC disc plays quite normally in full colour (or is it color on NTSC?

).

No need for me to convert the DVD to PAL obviously.

Wolfgang's suggestion I couldn't try as I have no AV output sockets from the TV, but will bear in mind for future reference. Thanks!

Another happy conclusion thanks to the Britmovie Film Forum!

Pip

foha80 · 27-10-2006, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wolfgang

On my DVD recorder there are two ways to record tv programmes - either by having my stations tuned into my DVDR directly like normal video recording, or using my AV connection to feed my TV tuner into my DVDR. .

I am I being thick,why would a TV have an output connection.

Terry

room 237 · 27-10-2006, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pip

Success!

Thanks to room237 - it worked fine by using a new disc after switching the DVDR to NTSC. As you pointed out, it didn't work for me before because I was trying to use a disc that had already been in the machine and was therefore formatted to PAL (doh!).

During recording as NTSC, the TV image is BW, but after recording the disc as NTSC and switching the system back to PAL, the NTSC disc plays quite normally in full colour (or is it color on NTSC?

).

No need for me to convert the DVD to PAL obviously.

Wolfgang's suggestion I couldn't try as I have no AV output sockets from the TV, but will bear in mind for future reference. Thanks!

Another happy conclusion thanks to the Britmovie Film Forum!

Pip

No problem!

image45 · 27-10-2006, 04:19 PM

One other way is to use a VCR that will output NTSC as PAL60. This signal can be fed in to a Philips DVD+R recorder and it will record it in NTSC for you onto a DVD. You can then rip the Video files off in to a pc using Clone DVD, shrink DVD etc and make as many copies as you need or use one of the PC standards converter packages to change to PAL then burn out a new DVD version!

Wolfgang · 27-10-2006, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by foha80

I am I being thick,why would a TV have an output connection.

Terry

Some AV socket is two way. My DVD recorder and my TV can transmit both ways through one connection. If your DVDR has AV channels it will probably pick up automatically whatever channel you are watching on TV. One scenario where this might be useful is if you have digital television and want to use your TV's digital tuner to record programme.

oisin · 18-01-2007, 11:00 PM

good evening for the first time everybody(for those who speak irish oiche maith diabh)
first an apology as my post concerns not film exactly but converting ntsc video tapes to dvd
there was a post by room 237 which appears to solve the problem except for one thing in my case..i have a liteon1105c+ and can find no reference to choosing between pal and ntsc in setup
is this because of model ???

22-10-2006, 10:18 PM	#1
Pip Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Planet Earth Posts: 100 Country: iTrader: (1)	NTSC videotape to DVD conversion - any tips? Hi film fans, Hope this isn't a repeat thread, couldn't find anything already here, but it must have been raised before.... I was wondering if anyone had any hints or tips regarding the conversion of NTSC videotapes to DVD. This is a new challenge for me and I'm not having much luck! I've tried linking up my Wharfedale VCR (PAL, but plays NTSC to a PAL TV) to my Lite-On DVD recorder. With the DVD recorder set to PAL, not surprisingly this just gives a distorted/cropped picture in BW with green flashes. With the recorder set to NTSC, I get a good picture but only in BW. Direct output from the VCR to a PAL TV is fine however. One website suggested recording the disc on NTSC, then switching the DVD recorder back to PAL for playback. Didn't work for me though ! If the PAL VCR, playing an NTSC tape, can output a signal that's OK for a PAL TV, is that signal NTSC or PAL? The DVD recorder doesn't seem to accept it as either. Haven't tried running the AV output from the VCR into my PC AV input yet and capturing with Premiere or similar editing software (on PAL or NTSC setting) - so may try that next. Has that worked for anyone? Anyone have any experience with this problem and can shed some light please?? Or is it just easiest to send the tape off for professional conversion? If any member can offer a conversion service for £'s or trades I'd be pleased to hear. Thanks, Pip

27-10-2006, 04:19 PM	#13
image45 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Yorkshire Posts: 376 Country: iTrader: (7)	One other way is to use a VCR that will output NTSC as PAL60. This signal can be fed in to a Philips DVD+R recorder and it will record it in NTSC for you onto a DVD. You can then rip the Video files off in to a pc using Clone DVD, shrink DVD etc and make as many copies as you need or use one of the PC standards converter packages to change to PAL then burn out a new DVD version! __________________ "Seya next time!"

18-01-2007, 11:00 PM	#15
oisin Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: colchester england Posts: 1 Country: iTrader: (0)	ntsc to dvd good evening for the first time everybody(for those who speak irish oiche maith diabh) first an apology as my post concerns not film exactly but converting ntsc video tapes to dvd there was a post by room 237 which appears to solve the problem except for one thing in my case..i have a liteon1105c+ and can find no reference to choosing between pal and ntsc in setup is this because of model ???

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23-10-2006, 01:14 AM	#2
pustice Banned Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Vancouver Canada Posts: 80 Country: iTrader: (0)	Go here Someone will help VideoHelp.com - Guide, How To, Tutorial and Article list

23-10-2006, 01:59 AM	#3
pustice Banned Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Vancouver Canada Posts: 80 Country: iTrader: (0)	SORRY!!! wrong link Go here VideoHelp.com :: Index

23-10-2006, 02:04 AM	#4
pustice Banned Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Vancouver Canada Posts: 80 Country: iTrader: (0)	Errmmmm why do I have the American flag next to my country? Does someone know something I don't? (I wish!!)

23-10-2006, 02:11 AM	#5
Wolfgang Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: England Posts: 599 Country: iTrader: (2)	On my DVD recorder there are two ways to record tv programmes - either by having my stations tuned into my DVDR directly like normal video recording, or using my AV connection to feed my TV tuner into my DVDR. So for instance, I can record what I am watching on tv without having any of my dvd channels tuned in so long as my TV set is tuned in. If I change my tv channel my recording changes; if I turn my TV off I lose my signal to my DVDR. It easy to check if it can do this - turn on normal tv channel and then flick through your DVD AV channels to see if it picks up your tv channel. If your DVDR can use your TV tuner as its feed, then my suggestion is to try hooking up your video to your TV and play it like normal video - since you know your tv can presumably convert NTSC to PAL - and then feed that down your AV connector to your DVDR and with any luck it will feed its converted signal so you can record in PAL.

23-10-2006, 03:26 PM	#6
rjd0309 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Phoenix, Arizona Posts: 102 Country: iTrader: (4)	The conversion from NTSC to PAL is not trivial. The framerate must be changed, new scan lines must be interpolated, the colour subcarrier frequency must be changed. You might have to invest in a quality converter box. If you've got just a small number of tapes to convert, I can do it for you -- I have the technology. Send me a PM. Cheers, Robert

23-10-2006, 03:41 PM	#7
Ascoyne D'Ascoyne Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Essex Posts: 517 iTrader: (1)	I have an Hitachi dvd combi which just does it - no messing! The one slight giveaway, however, is that any rapid movement on the screen can sometimes appear a little jerky in the copy. I've noticed the same effect when I've recorded from an American dvd on to tape on another set-up I keep at home (cheap dvd player to Aiwa vhs recorder).

23-10-2006, 08:44 PM	#8
room 237 Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Bristol South West United Kingdom Posts: 98 Country: iTrader: (0)	I will try to explain quickly in the very short time i have and i hope this helps you!! All i will say is i cannot understand the problems you are having? as for the Lite-On DVD recorder i maybe able to shed some light threre and how i have had no problems doing these simple conversions. The first thing initially before you even put the disc into the lite on is change the format in the menu screen from Pal to NTSC, put your blank disc in the tray and close the DVD. It will then set everything up. Having connected your play device start recording. The disc will now record into NTSC. If you have a burner on your P.C you can then convert this back to Pal and the job is done with no fancy converters and all that rubbish. If you attempt to change the menu once the disc is already inserted into the machine you will get all the problems you are talking about. As the DVD disc has been set up already to pal and you are trying to put an NTSC signal through it. Once this disc has been formatted in the recorder you cannot reformat to NTSC you must use a fresh disc and start again. If you have any further problems send me what model of Lite-On you have.

23-10-2006, 11:10 PM	#9
Pip Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Planet Earth Posts: 100 Country: iTrader: (1)	Thanks to Wolfgang and Room 237 for your practical suggestions. Will try these out soon as I get a chance and report back. Thanks rjd0309 too - though if I can get NTSC onto the DVD I am happy with that, it will play fine. If necessary, I can convert to PAL with PC software, but shouldn't need to. Nice of you to offer conversion though - if I am completely stuck, will get in touch. What a great bunch of guys and gals there are in this forum! Cheers, Pip

26-10-2006, 08:13 AM	#10
Pip Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Planet Earth Posts: 100 Country: iTrader: (1)	Success! Thanks to room237 - it worked fine by using a new disc after switching the DVDR to NTSC. As you pointed out, it didn't work for me before because I was trying to use a disc that had already been in the machine and was therefore formatted to PAL (doh!). During recording as NTSC, the TV image is BW, but after recording the disc as NTSC and switching the system back to PAL, the NTSC disc plays quite normally in full colour (or is it color on NTSC? ). No need for me to convert the DVD to PAL obviously. Wolfgang's suggestion I couldn't try as I have no AV output sockets from the TV, but will bear in mind for future reference. Thanks! Another happy conclusion thanks to the Britmovie Film Forum! Pip