Newb question, should I be converting formats?

[markm]

I've been playing around with making VCD's, and having some fun. Reading lots of guides, and know enough to know I don't know what I'm doing yet

If I've got an avi in PAL format, should I be reconverting it to NTSC during encoding (TMPGenc), or should I just encode it in the same format. I've been converting to NTSC, since that's what I use. I've also been having a hellofa time getting 83'ish minute avi's to encode to 79 minutes using the various bitrate calcs, and I'm wondering if this has anything to do with it? Should I just leave it as PAL, and let the player sort it out (will it?).

[flaninacupboard]

the player will play PAL yes. ive not seen one yet that doesn't. its just a question of whether your TV will play a PAL signal. make a disc and test it out.

[schwinn]

Many current DVD player will play Pal or NTSC disks no problems. It's cheaper to only make one type of machine rather then two! They then convert the output to what format is used in your area or choosen in the setup screen.Which is good since almost no TV's sold in North America will play Pal.

[markm]

I made one to test it and it appears to work fine. Not converting the format during encoding also seems to be helping alot when making the files come out the right size.