Multiregion/Multiformat desktop DVD recorders in USA??

[chrisjj]

I'm looking into purchasing a desktop DVD Recorder for use at home in the USA. As I have family and friends in the UK, I would like to be able to record to PAL format, in addition to NTSC and also to play both formats (I have an oldish NTSC TV). Also, I would like to be able to play both Region 1 and Region 2 DVDs.

It seems that all recorders on sale here in the USA are Region 1 and NTSC only. Why is this???

I would really like to buy the Pioneer 510H-S but this is restricted to NTSC/Region 1 (as far as I can make out from the specifications). There is a recorder manufactured by Akai (the ADR-M4500) which appears to have the capabilities I am looking for, but I have not seen it advertised for sale anywhere and is just referred to on the Akai website.

I do have a multinational Aiwa VCR and I was wondering if I could use its internal conversion capabilities by routing the inputs/outputs of the DVDR via the VCR? I see however that the Pioneer and Panasonic DVDRs require you to connect the output directly to the TV (ant not through any other device) for playing copyrighted DVDs.

If anyone has any suggestions, I would appreciate it.

[KBeee]

One part of your problems might not be a problem at all. Most recent UK DVD/TV's can play NTSC DVD's without any trouble.

[chrisjj]

That's useful information. Thanks. I guess I'm left with the issue of how to play DVDs sent from the UK.

[mumubunnylips]

There are DVD players that will output either NTSC or PAL. The problem is that you still need a PAL monitor to view PAL output.

However, some players claim to be able to output both to either monitor. Check out http://www.110220volts.com/Electronics/Daewoo_DVD-5800_Code_Free_DVD_Player.htm

[Pop's]

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