Technical advice... — Forum Archive

28 Nov 2002, 13:40

I have been searching for a VCR that not only playes NTSC videos but PAL. After getting Muffy's generous package of the Best Of and NewOrderStory, I have been frustrated in my attempts to watch it. As Xmas approaches, I told Mum all I really wanted was a new VCR, one that could accomadate the PAL videos so that I could FINALLY watch them, but I'm at a loss as to what to suggest she buy. I've been window shopping on a few occasions, but nothing ever says "PAL compatible" or whatnot. What particular make and model of VCRs should I get for enjoying the PAL videos (and watching my NTSC vids as well)? Help me, Obi-Wan, you're my only hope!

28 Nov 2002, 13:53

the term for those is 'multi system', they are around, you might try a web search, I will post again later if I run across a good source

28 Nov 2002, 13:57

Originally posted by teleharmonium the term for those is 'multi system', they are around, you might try a web search, I will post again later if I run across a good source

Okay, thanks. I just wanted to be sure it would be able to handle the PAL signal. I've seen plenty of "multi-system"s around, so that should help widen the search.

28 Nov 2002, 17:55

Be aware, I've never seen any here, I've heard about them in Europe, so you might have a little fun findin them (though I never asked)...

But you can be sure it's 5 to 10 times the price of a normal VCR.. it would cost you less to buy a PAL VCR I'm quite sure...

29 Nov 2002, 07:21

I have an Aiwa VCR that cost me £150, it plays NTSC and PAL and is also 6-head and NICAM too.

29 Nov 2002, 07:26

Yea i have what sounds like a similar model to Majors, also a Aiwa and capable of NTSC playback (although i dont believe i've ever had an NTSC tape to play in it!)

These dual type players are pretty much standard fare over here in the UK and extremely cheap £100+ so im surprised the same doesnt apply across the pond.. :confused:

29 Nov 2002, 11:34

they're not that much more expensive over here either

29 Nov 2002, 12:22

I think I've seen a few that say "multi-system" here in the States, but if they're pretty rare to come by then I should have shelled out my money at the time. I'll keep looking....

29 Nov 2002, 12:38

Okay, couldn't find anything on Radioshack's website, but Circuit City has a Sony "4-Head Hi-Fi" which they say plays videos of any speed. Is that along the lines of what I should look for?

29 Nov 2002, 18:41

no, that is not the same, it has to be able to play PAL format in addition to NTSC, which is not related to the speed.

29 Nov 2002, 18:46

here are some links, I am not familiar with any of these companies but it will at least give you some useful model numbers:

http://www.bombayelectronics.com/vcr/

http://www.phoenixelectronics.com/vcr.htm

http://www.dvdoverseas.com/vcr.htm

note the info on this page, it seems you also need a 'convertor' which can be built in to the unit, or separate, to watch a PAL only format VHS video on a NTSC format TV. I've never heard of this but I'm not an expert or anything, I would suggest doing some reasearch to make sure it matters with your TV.