[I've left this without an NJC tag, just in case this info
is useful to any UK/Europe Joni-onlies who are considering
getting this tape]
Colin wrote:
> most vcrs come with both NTSC and PAL here in the UK.
True, unless you buy a really cheap one, in which case
they're mostly PAL only. And beware, to get NTSC *and*
stereo will cost you more money. Getting a dual-standard
VCR that does PAL in stereo but NTSC in mono is really
frustrating... when all you bought it for was to watch
S&L. Ask me how I know...
However, it's not as simple as just buying the right
sort of NTSC capable VCR. 'scuse me if I start teaching
people to suck eggs, but a bit of background is useful.
US TV == 525 lines, 60 Hz refresh rate giving 30 frames/sec
NTSC (Never Twice the Same Colour :) to encode the
colours
UK TV == 625 lines, 50 Hz refresh rate giving 25 frames/sec
PAL (Phase Alternate Line) to encode the colours
So UK (and european TV) trades off a few frames per second
against increased vertical resolution, or detail. This isn't
a problem for most people since the phosphor used in most TVs
is high enough persistence (i.e. it glows for a bit once the
electron beam in the tube has moved past it) that we don't
tend to notice 50Hz flicker.
Here's the rub: NTSC videotapes are encoded with NTSC colour,
525 lines and 60Hz framerate. NTSC capable VCRs, in the main,
just convert the colour, *but leave the other stuff alone*.
The implication is, therefore, that your TV set has to be able
to cope with 525 lines and 60Hz - something alien for europe and
the UK. Modern sets (rule of thumb: with SCART sockets on the
back) will probably do this. Older sets (rule of thumb: phono
or BNC sockets for video input) may well not deal with it.
So check first, maybe by renting an NTSC capable VCR for a time,
that your TV can cope. If you rent such a VCR and the TV
doesn't cope, the odds are you can just say "this kit doesn't
work with mine" and terminate the rental. That way you don't
end up out of pocket.
Hope this is useful.
--Chris
