DVD Recorder VCR Combo - that plays PAL discs on NTSC tv

[wenospeak]

I’m looking for a DVD recorder VCR Combo unit that can play PAL and NTSC DVD’s on an NTSC TV without external converters.

It’s a nightmare trying to research these units because only import-export/worldwide suppliers carry them. All the units I’ve seen are from importers that do their own modifications and the unit photos and specifications are shamefully anemic. Since these guys do their own conversions, none of the manufacturers have the models they list and I can’t review the specs or download the instruction manual. I see brands like Sharp, Lite-on, Hitachi, Panasonic, Sony, Samsung, etc. However the brand websites don’t show the models these guys are selling.

Features I’m looking for:

DVD Recording:

NTSC or All version technology (must be playable on any NTSC deck)
Decent authoring options (Menu, Chapters?)
Easy VHS to DVD dubbing
Quality levels (HD optional – I don’t have an HD TV yet…)

Playback:

Optical audio out for DTS
Component out for Video
DVD 9’s (home made)
Plays NTSC or PAL DVD’s on NTSC TV (auto detect?)

Optional:

DVD-Audio/SACD capable

VCR:
Quality tracking controls for playing tapes authored years ago on different decks.




Not knowing much about external converters, maybe I’m asking the wrong question. If I buy a standard NTSC DVD/VCR Combo and play a PAL disc, will the converter allow viewing the PAL disc on an NTSC TV? If so, then I can simply look for a good quality DVD/VCR combo unit, yes?


Some units I’ve looked at:


Lite-on
http://www.world-import.com/lc5006pn.htm

http://www.dvdcity.com/dvdplayer/lite-on-lvc9006.php

http://www.110220volts.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Category_Code=DVDRecorder&Screen=PRO..._Code=LVC-9006



Converter
http://www.world-import.com/cmd1200.htm

http://www.barrel-of-monkeys.com/graphics/prod/videcon/1660/1660.shtml

Panasonic
http://www.dvdoverseas.com/store/index.html?loadfile=catalog89_0.html

http://www.dvdcity.com/dvdplayer/panasonic-dmres40vs.php


JVC:

http://www.110220volts.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=HR-XVS44SL&...de=DVDVCRCOMBO



I think there's a way to simplify this issue that boils down to two options:

1) Forget the PAL to NTSC conversion
2) Forget the Combo unit and buy separate components


Suggestions? Alternatives?


Many thanks,

Rick

[hech54]

In my opinion ALL combos are garbage.
Some of the features you are looking for are hard to find on non-combo units.

Just buy a DVD player(and not one from one of those rediculous import websites) that can convert PAL>NTSC>PAL on the fly.

[wenospeak]

Yeah,

It's probably going to be much easier on my pocketbook that way.

I guess if I want to dub VHS to DVD, I can hook up a VCR to my computer and do it that way. It would be easier to have an all in one, but even all in one's have their own problems.

I need to ask myself which is more important - converting PAL to NTSC (getting just a player) or recording.

Thanks...

Rick

[hech54]

Some DVD Recorders can also convert between the two formats....but only during playback...Liteon recorders maybe?

[wenospeak]

Some DVD Recorders can also convert between the two formats....but only during playback...Liteon recorders maybe?

I think what I want isn't out there and I'll have to revise my wish list. Need to sort the pros and cons of what's available. What a pain!!!


One question though regarding external converters. I think this is a dumb question, but here goes:

If I play a PAL DVD on an NTSC player and run the DVD video OUT to the IN of an external converter and then OUT to an NTSC TV, will that work?

Told you - dumb question...