Could a PAL/NTSC Video Converter be used to capture PAL VHS from NTSC VCR?

[hpcampr]

I've got some PAL tapes in USA and only an NTSC deck. I came across a Universal PAL NTSC SECAM TV Video System Converter on Ebay and while I have my doubts thought I'd ask if it might work. I could go from the RCA outs of the NTSC VCR to the converter to an ATI600 to PC. I started to put the Ebay address on here but it was so long I didn't. If you enter "Universal PAL NTSC SECAM TV Video System Converter" in Ebay search you come up with what I came across. Thanks

[DB83]

Someone proove me wrong but......

It will not work. The signal will have already changed before it hits the converter. No color. Just B&W at best.

[dellsam34]

A NTSC VCR will not playback PAL tapes, Not even in B&W. Case closed.

[jagabo]

dellsam34 is correct, almost no North American NTSC VCR will play PAL tapes at all. At best they'll output output garbage. Or they'll just eject the tape after a few seconds.

And converters like this:

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Universal-PAL-NTSC-SECAM-TV-Video-System-Converter/433822991

do a very poor job of conversion. Of course, a poor conversion may be better than no no conversion -- but you won't be getting any signal to convert from a North American VCR.

[hpcampr]

Oh well. It was worth a shot. Thanks for the replies.

[hech54]

I've got some PAL tapes in USA and only an NTSC deck. I came across a Universal PAL NTSC SECAM TV Video System Converter on Ebay and while I have my doubts thought I'd ask if it might work. I could go from the RCA outs of the NTSC VCR to the converter to an ATI600 to PC. I started to put the Ebay address on here but it was so long I didn't. If you enter "Universal PAL NTSC SECAM TV Video System Converter" in Ebay search you come up with what I came across. Thanks

Been where you are about 20 years ago.
I feel your pain.

[DB83]

That is where we in PAL-land have one major advantage.

One can load a NTSC VHS in to a PAL vcr and, with the right hardware,(not a basic analog standards converter) can capture that NTSC signal.


But, back to topic, if you have a quantity of PAL vhs your only options are


1. A multi-standard vhs
2. A PAL vhs with a power-supply adapter for the UK to US.
3. Getting the transfers done outsourced (if the transfer co. will, indeed, handle them)

[hpcampr]

That is where we in PAL-land have one major advantage.

One can load a NTSC VHS in to a PAL vcr and, with the right hardware,(not a basic analog standards converter) can capture that NTSC signal.


But, back to topic, if you have a quantity of PAL vhs your only options are


1. A multi-standard vhs
2. A PAL vhs with a power-supply adapter for the UK to US.
3. Getting the transfers done outsourced (if the transfer co. will, indeed, handle them)

Not critical tapes but if I run across a PAL deck at a fair price I'll consider that. Thanks.

[manono]

I'm in the US and come across PAL tapes from time to time. All I needed to make my PAL VCRs work was to change the plug.

[hpcampr]

I'm in the US and come across PAL tapes from time to time. All I needed to make my PAL VCRs work was to change the plug.

I was wondering about that. So some of them have a box that switches from 110-220?

[dellsam34]

Proceed with caution, Only VCRs that have a multi-voltage switched power transformer, It will not work with any VCR. Some do say 110-220 on the back of the VCR, Some don't but can be used with a US plug as long as the transformer is a multi-voltage type, Check the service manual.