Need feedback on NTSC Converter that can output to PAL

[Bricker]

Hi Guys, I’m new to the group and would like to get some user feedback on the following Capture and Video Converter models:

ADS DVD Xpress Converter

Plextor PX-M402U

Canopus ADVC-100

I have read the hardware review on http://www.cdrinfo.com for the first two converters and I’m leaning toward the Plextor PX-M402U Converter but I would like to hear some feedback from any users. For instance will these converters take a NTSC input signal and convert the output to a PAL signal? Also, I have read on some other forums that the Plextor is a nice device but the Win DVD Creator 2 software leaves a lot to be desired.

The reason for buying one of these converters is because I would like to take some NTSC VHS Video tapes I recorded years ago and put them on to a NTSC DVD. Also would like to take some of these tapes and put them on a PAL DVD to send to my relatives in England and Ireland so that they can play the DVD’s on their home DVD player.

If you know of any other converter I should be looking at please let me know.

Any feedback would be appreciated.

Bricker

[thecoalman]

For instance will these converters take a NTSC input signal and convert the output to a PAL signal?

Well I can tell you the canopus won't and I think it's safe to assume the others won't either..... In fact I've never heard of a converter that converts the format too. The canopus does work great though.

Before you go through the trouble though it's my understanding that a lot PAL DVD players readily play NTSC. Perhaps some of the users across the pond can clarify that a little.

<--------------There are conversion guides to the left.

[Bricker]

Thank for the Feedback,

To convert from NTSC to PAL would that be done with the software that come with the hardware? If so, how can I tell which hardware company provide software that can do the NTSC conversion to PAL?

I did send a DVD to England and they said that it would not play, so I thought I would have to send the DVD in a PAL format because their DVD player can do NTSC.

As you can see I'm new to all of this.

Thanks again for the Feedback.

Bricker

For instance will these converters take a NTSC input signal and convert the output to a PAL signal?

Well I can tell you the canopus won't and I think it's safe to assume the others won't either..... In fact I've never heard of a converter that converts the format too. The canopus does work great though.

Before you go through the trouble though it's my understanding that a lot PAL DVD players readily play NTSC. Perhaps some of the users across the pond can clarify that a little.

<--------------There are conversion guides to the left.

[SatStorm]

NTSC to PAL and vice versa is not something that can be done easily you know... Neither I know a device to do it perfect (or even good).

There is an encoder, procoder, that users report that does good this task. I use another alternative, you can find it on the "framerate convertion" section of our forum (on your left, look at the Guides)

A practical (and fast!) way with so / so results is a DVD standalone that outputs NTSC to PAL and vice versa. You capture the old fashion way (analogue) the converted output and you do a new project. You might have jerky motion at times but for many people those things are unoticable!

[Bricker]

Thanks for the feedback SatStorm

Bricker

[victoriabears]

yes this ntsc/pal thing certainly gets some airing.

The best way(Simplest) is to get a player which will convert the broadcast format of the disk and output the broadcast standard of the TV.

In North America there are plenty under $100 that'll do it, and also in the UK(and probably europe) that'll do it for the equialent or less, about 40.00 pounds.

That way you get to see the disk with the menus and no mucking about.

If you really have to convert the file(s), the simplest and sometimes free as it comes with some dvd burners is power producer, as to the quality-dunno-subjective, but its a lot less heartache than some of the solutions touted hereabouts.

I have bought a Tenlab converter off Ebay, will report when I get it, says it has a TBC as well, but no one on this forum knows Tenlab it seems.

Good luck.

[Bricker]

Thanks for the feedback victoriabears

Bricker

[GeorgeW]

I've used my Apex DVD player to play an NTSC disc, but set it to output PAL, and then captured that PAL signal with the ADS Instant DVD 2.0 (similar to the DVD Xpress). The results were "ok", and as mentioned earlier in the thread most won't even notice it.

Check you menus in your DVD Player -- see if you have an NTSC or PAL option. One warning, make sure to switch it back to the native format of your regular dvd's

[Manokat]

Got two of three devices you mentioned. I just want to give comments on The Plextor M402U. The device has both NTSC and PAL input systems.
So you can select the input system. The device can also output to both NTSC and PAL. M402U uses WIS Technologies chip GO7007SB which according to its specs. found here: http://www.wischip.com/silicon.php has "inverse telecine" which is a process of converting 29.97 fps to 24 frames (progressive video).

Please read this link: http://www.cdrinfo.com/Sections/Reviews/Specific.aspx?ArticleId=10154&PageId=0 for more info on M402U review.

[Bricker]

Thanks George W for the info, I did check both of my DVD player and they do not have any way to put them in PAL mode. They are fixed in NTSC only. Maybe the more expensive unit will have that feature.

Manokat, Thanks for the information on the Plextor M402U. It seems that the Plextor M402U will do what I need to have done but would you recommend the Plextor M402U? I hear a lot of people complaining about the software that come with the unit, do you have any problems with the software? What other device of the three do you own? And which one would you recommend over all?

Bricker

[Manokat]

Bricker[/quote]

Thanks George W for the info, I did check both of my DVD player and they do not have any way to put them in PAL mode. They are fixed in NTSC only. Maybe the more expensive unit will have that feature.

Manokat, Thanks for the information on the Plextor M402U. It seems that the Plextor M402U will do what I need to have done but would you recommend the Plextor M402U? I hear a lot of people complaining about the software that come with the unit, do you have any problems with the software? What other device of the three do you own? And which one would you recommend over all?

Bricker

The software does not allow you to customize the frame size. The presets however are good for many porpouses. I read that people have been using VirtualDub with Plextor M402U. They said starting version VirtualDub-1.6.3a. I haven't tried it yet as I use Creator2 most of the times.

[Bricker]

Thanks Manokat for the Information, I will look into VirtualDub.

Thanks Again!
Bricker

[BogieV]

What type of DVD you sent your relatives? If it is comercial disc it might have not played just because of the region codding.

Try with self produced NTSC disc to check out if their player converts for PAL TV.

There are dedicated hardaware devices or worldwide VCRs that will transfer the system too. I own Samsung - good for the transfer but awful video deck. Aiwa or Panasonic are better but discontinued I belive.
Dedicated converters are usually kind of Pro gear so they are expencive - check on BH photo video web site for options.