PAL -> NTSC Question

[brianconnolly]

I would like to purchase a standalone DVD player that can handle both PAL and NTSC DVDs. I know these exist, but I'm confused about a few technical details concerning how they are handled.

Let's say, for example, I have a PAL DVD and I put it in a player that can play both NTSC and PAL streams. Does my tv need to have a special function that allows it to display PAL format? Is the player simply outputting PAL refresh rate/framerate or is it converting it to something my tv understands? Is there a difference between a player that simply plays both formats and a player that can actually convert the different streams?

The reason I ask is because I live in the United States so I'm guessing my television can only display NTSC streams and I'd like to get a DVD player that can take a PAL disc and output NTSC video that my tv understands. Can anyone shed some light for me?

[freebird73717]

There are some cheap dvd players that convert pal dvds to display ntsc on the fly. No need for a special tv or anything. Cyberhome has a model for around $40 at wal-mart also Norcent has some some cheap players that convert on the fly.

[brianconnolly]

Is there a quintessential DVD player that is recommended by members of this community for this sort of thing?

Also, is there a difference between a player that converts pal/ntsc on the fly and a player that simply plays both? The reason I ask is because the dvdplayer comparison engine has an option for "Multisystem/PAL to NTSC/NTSC to PAL" but I'm not sure if that is the option I'm looking for.

[Dragonsf]

Is there a quintessential DVD player that is recommended by members of this community for this sort of thing?

Also, is there a difference between a player that converts pal/ntsc on the fly and a player that simply plays both? The reason I ask is because the dvdplayer comparison engine has an option for "Multisystem/PAL to NTSC/NTSC to PAL" but I'm not sure if that is the option I'm looking for.

That's exactly the option you're looking for.
Multisystem means: plays PAL on PAL or NTSC to NTSC (no conversion involved, but you need a Multisystem TV to watch both)
PAL to NTSC/ NTSC to PAL: means PAL will be converted to NTSC and vice versa.

I love my oppo player (not only an excellent PAL/NTSC converter, but HDTV upconverting). And can be made region free.

[freebird73717]

I personally have a norcent dp300 which just died after 4 years of wonderful service. I will probably replace it with the cyberhome 300s... at least i think that is the model number. Yes you want a multisystem pal to ntsc player not just a region free player.

[brianconnolly]

That's exactly the option you're looking for.
Multisystem means: plays PAL on PAL or NTSC to NTSC (no conversion involved, but you need a Multisystem TV to watch both)
PAL to NTSC/ NTSC to PAL: means PAL will be converted to NTSC and vice versa.

Ok so if a DVD player lists that it is "multisystem capable" then that merely means it can play either NTSC or PAL, but it won't convert anything. But if a DVD player lists that it can do "Pal to NTSC/NTSC to PAL" then it actually converts on-the-fly to whichever format I choose.

Hm. Now I have another question (maybe I should just do some more reaseach though...) Do players that have the conversion feature usually do both ways? Is there a way to set a preferred type (either NTSC or PAL)?

[lordsmurf]

Players don't "convert" the signal.
They play quasi signals that a tv understands.

[brianconnolly]

Ok... well, as long as my NTSC-native tv can understand the signal, then that's all I really need.

[Dragonsf]

Ok... well, as long as my NTSC-native tv can understand the signal, then that's all I really need.

To makes things clear:

Scenario 1: PAL DVD in "Multisystem Mode": can only be seen correctly on PAL TV or Multisystem TV (EU standard TV set)

Scenario 2: NTSC DVD in "Multisystem Mode": can only be seen correctly on NTSC TV or Multisystem TV (EU standard TV set or US/Japan TV set)

Scenario 3: PAL/NTSC DVD in "PAL Mode": can only be seen correctly on PAL TV or Multisystem TV (EU standard TV set)

Scenario 4: PAL/NTSC DVD in "NTSC Mode": can only be seen correctly on NTSC TV or Multisystem TV (EU standard TV set/or US/Japan TV set)


As you own a NTSC TV set, your scenario will be 4. In case 3 and 4 ( non native DVD) the DVD player will do all the necessary standard conversion. The conversion occurs before any signal is generated, that's why Lord Smurf's answer is technically correct.

[brianconnolly]

Thanks for clearing that up.

Just picked up a Norcent DP 300 after reading some reviews on this site. Hopefully it will do what I need.

[MJ]

Well since you already have one, I'll mention this for others.

I recommend the Toshiba SD-4900. This is a discontinued 2004 model and does an excellent job converting PAL to NTSC. It's also a good name and will probably last a long time...Mine has been glitch free so far.

Some are going for quite cheap on Ebay.

[GreyDeath]

I bought a Phillips DVP642 so I could play AVI's with it. I just recently found out that it can play PAL on an NTSC TV. Got it for $70 or so at Target. Also has a Region Free hack, but don't know about macrovision.

I've actually used it to convert PAL sources to NTSC by connecting it to my ADVC-100. TMPGEnc doesn't do PAL to NTSC very well, and Vegas for some reason has black frames every so often. Quick and Dirty but reliable, and you don't have to wait 8-25 hours for encoding.