Panasonic DMR-E55 NTSC/PAL conversion problems

[loz]

Hi,
I like in the UK and I have a Panasonic DMR-E55 standalone DVD recorder.
When copying from another DVD player the DMR-E55 has given me no problems regarding PAL or NTSC format, due to the changeable recording settings.
However, for some reason when trying to copy from a video source, it will only record PAL format sucessfully.
I have some US NTSC videos, and can watch these fine when simply playing through the VCR plugged straight into the TV. When I connect the VCR to the DMR-E55 however the DMR just doesnt seemt o be able to sense the picture - if I leave the DMR in PAL format setting then there is a large obtrusive bar running accross the bottom of the screen, and if I turn the DMR format to NTSC the picture comes out only in black and white.
I have borrowed a friends VCR, and have experienced exactly the same problem.
Are the multi-format UK video players somehow changing the NTSC signal into something the DMR cant understand, or is the colour getting lost somewhere on the SCART connection - ie are US SCART cables different than UK ones?
Im getting very frustrated here - does anyone have any ideas as to how I can transfer these NTSC videos onto DVD via my DMR-E55?

[lordsmurf]

Quasi signals, so tv (and ONLY tv) understands the video. Your players do not "convert" anything. That is why.

[loz]

So does that mean its impossible to record NTSC videos onto the DMR-E55?

[mray]

It's not impossible.
But, as you say, you will need a multi format VCR.
As I understand it, there are two types of NTSC signal output by VCR's here in the UK, 4.43 and 3.58. One of these is true NTSC, which only multi format VCR's can display and the other one is the format which allows NTSC to be displayed on UK TV's (I can't remember which is which though!).
I believe I'm correct, but if not, someone will put me (and you) straight!
Hope this helps.

[ckwok1]

Hi,
I like in the UK and I have a Panasonic DMR-E55 standalone DVD recorder.
When copying from another DVD player the DMR-E55 has given me no problems regarding PAL or NTSC format, due to the changeable recording settings.
However, for some reason when trying to copy from a video source, it will only record PAL format sucessfully.
I have some US NTSC videos, and can watch these fine when simply playing through the VCR plugged straight into the TV. When I connect the VCR to the DMR-E55 however the DMR just doesnt seemt o be able to sense the picture - if I leave the DMR in PAL format setting then there is a large obtrusive bar running accross the bottom of the screen, and if I turn the DMR format to NTSC the picture comes out only in black and white.
I have borrowed a friends VCR, and have experienced exactly the same problem.
Are the multi-format UK video players somehow changing the NTSC signal into something the DMR cant understand, or is the colour getting lost somewhere on the SCART connection - ie are US SCART cables different than UK ones?
Im getting very frustrated here - does anyone have any ideas as to how I can transfer these NTSC videos onto DVD via my DMR-E55?

Some VCR plays NTSC tape in PAL60 format which allows you to see the video on PAL television. If your television is multi-system, you should be able to display the format (PAL or NTSC) output from the VCR. If it is really PAL, you should try to change the setting of the VCR such that NTSC is output. If no setting is available, then you need to get a multi-system VCR.