PAL tape to a DMR-E50 DVD

[mister]

Could someone please tell me the absolute easiest route to follow in getting a PAL videocassette on to a DVD (ntsc) using my Panasonic DMR-E50?

I'll buy what's needed and like everyone else, would like the "best for less".
You tell me exactly what I need....I'll buy it.

I have the DMR-E50 and a Sima GODVD (for what that's worth) already.

I'll need a multisystem VCR I suspect, but which one...(and why?).

What would be the equipment to buy (appreciate any reccomendations) and the exact wiring path to follow from the VCR to the DMR-E50.

Thanks very much for any help on this.

I need to start grabbing some Ebay UK goodies.

[Marvingj]

First of all you need a Multisystem Vcr with a Converter or a Multisystem vcr & a standalone System Converter. Here are a few Companies that make all in one Samsung, Aiwa, Panasonic. I believe the best are Panny AG-1 or Aiwa Mx-100. Can go wriong. Samsung is decent both sometimes it chokes on converting. Most that have good ones won't sell them but if they do you going to pay for it. It is real hard to find new ones but they are out there. Maybe some on this site can point you toward a place that sells the good ones.

[gshelley61]

You should have a look at one of these:

http://www.gthelectronics.co.uk/contrl24.htm

Great reviews from a couple of forum members who have them...

[mister]

GTH looks nice.....overkill maybe?

I really just want "whatever will work".....ultimate fidelity isn't a priority.... I see some converters on Ebay under 200.00.......AED? others?

Also, why couldn't I just get a good PAL only VCR off Ebay UK or whatever, and run it into the converter......and then to the DMR-E50?

The only thing I'd need to do is 230vac/50hz for the PAL VCR, which isn't a problem.

230v is easy and the motors are DC so 50hz wouldn't matter.


The other option (and this isn't the forum for it), would be software. I have DVD shrink and Nero and a capture card but everything I've seen about doing it in software seems to be a nightmare and alot of self-tutorial.

[FulciLives]

There are many places that sell multi-system video equipment but one of the better websites is COM WORLD

I suggest getting a TOSHIBA 6-HEAD MULTI-SYSTEM VHS VCR which will only set you back about $140 USD which ain't bad at all for such a VHS VCR. This VHS VCR can play both NTSC and PAL but it will only output the same. NTSC will output as NTSC and PAL will output as PAL.

If you want to use your Panny DMR-E50 then you need to convert to NTSC using a stand alone converter. I have a CMD-850 from COM WORLD and I am not happy with it. I doubt that the newer CMD-1200 is really any better.

In fact there is anther thread right now about stand alone boxes that convert from PAL to NTSC and vice versa. Here is a link to that thread ---> CLICK HERE

I do admit that the ACE24 converter sounds very interesting but at about $270 GBP (that includes S&H to the USA) we are talking about $474.00 USD and that is rather expensive. Plus you need a $20.00 USD or so power converter thingie on top of that.

- John "FulciLives" Coleman

[mister]

It looks like the AIWA HV-MX100 may be the smart way to go.

Unless somebody feels like talking me out of it....looks like it may be discontinued but still available......so my only concern is if anything better for the money is currently available.

I can go straight from the AIWA to my DMR-E50, right?

[Oscar wallace]

If its only one or two tapes woudn't it be cheaper to get some company to do the conversion for you?

[FulciLives]

The AIWA HV-MX100 has never been considered a "good" or "excellent" solution. It was always the cheapest and worst performing of all the multi-system VHS VCR units that do PAL to NTSC conversion. Basically people that bought this bought it because they couldn't afford something better. Then they bitched about the quality.

- John "FulciLives" Coleman

[hech54]

The AIWA HV-MX100 has never been considered a "good" or "excellent" solution. It was always the cheapest and worst performing of all the multi-system VHS VCR units that do PAL to NTSC conversion. Basically people that bought this bought it because they couldn't afford something better. Then they bitched about the quality.

- John "FulciLives" Coleman

I own that Aiwa machine (back home in PITTSBURGH) and it has never faultered in any way, shape or form. Exellent picture quality and reliable as hell. Once again someone who does not and never has owned something spewing nonsense....

[mister]

Well, now I'm really confused.

I just ran across a couple of posts saying it was a good machine and it's the Samsung that's inferior.

I may get the Aiwa anyway.

What is the difference between an MX1 and MX100?

I want reliability.....NOT ultimate fidelity. I'm a british comedy fanatic......I just want to see some of the stuff I see on Ebay UK.

[hech54]

If you've got the money....a converting VCR is the way to go especially if you live in America and plan on getting a collection of PAL videotapes.
Been there...done that.
Now I live in PAL Country....though I still wish I had my Aiwa with me here....it would come in handy here as well.
Not sure the difference between the MX1 and the 100. I've seen both for sale but never bothered to look for another since my 100 has been so reliable.
I even retired my monster Sony VCR when I got my 100....one of those flip down face models(the Sony) with motorized door. Sure the Sony was faster to respond to commands but the picture quality wasn't better than the Aiwa.