Page 1 of AMERICAN VHS PLAYERS

I`m about to send a VHS to someone in America. If its recorded in PAL will they be able to play it stateside?
Anyone?

jc808

No!

Not unless they have a dual format VCR which I doubt it.

Could get it converted before sending?

Service here but not cheap! - http://www.videoit.co.uk/video_conversion.htm

1 x 1hr 50 minute UK PAL format VHS tape
converted to:-
1 x NTSC American NTSC format VHS tape

2hr PAL/NTSC Conversion 12.00
Postage/Handling UK Mainland 5.99
Total 17.99

Someone local may be able to do it cheaper?

This item was edited on Sunday, 13th July 2003, 21:47

i think my vcr can record pal only but can play ntsc and pal. is this type of machine common in the usa?

jc808

I think that VCR`s which with Pal playback are very rare in America

This item was edited on Monday, 14th July 2003, 08:51

I think I can (as one who`s lived most their life in the US) answer that question definitively. The answer to whether `this type of machine is common in the usa` is: no.
If you want your friend/colleague to be able to view the tape, you`ll need to convert it. (Of course, you could just ask them if they can play pal tapes on their deck, or if they can identify a cheaper conversion service near them in the US). Still, I doubt it if their machine plays anything other than NTSC - the US is such a big place, with so much available in NTSC, they don`t really need PAL compatible players - just a point.
I`m not technical enough about whether you could put it on a cd or dvd of some sort at home with burning software and/or conversion tools. It would require some kit and knowledge that I personally don`t possess.
Hope that`s helpful.

This item was edited on Tuesday, 15th July 2003, 12:15