posted on August 17, 2001 03:11:58 PM new
I have come across a video I would like to sell. On the spine it lists as a PAL/VHS. It is from Disney UK. Is PAL only used in the UK? Is this a different type of format for viewing? (Remember Beta Max?). Any info someone here could give me would be most appreciated!
posted on August 17, 2001 03:23:44 PM new
PAL is a format used in Europe, Australia, etc. In the US, Canada, Brazil, etc we use NTSC. if you try and view a PAL video in one of our NTSC VCR's you might be able to hear some of the sound but the picture will be all black and white fuzzy snow. I have a multi system VCR (PAL converter) and have had people ask me to convert video's for them, particularly "Song Of The South". Disney has some sort of copyright block on those video's so that they can NOT be converted from PAL to NTSC. It plays fine on the PAL VCR but when you press "record" to tape it in the NTSC format, the screen goes funky and you can't watch the tape. Not all PAL tapes are like this, there is a Spy series (sort of like a 007 kind of series) that converts fine, but any Disney movie *especially SOTS* will not convert. You might want to mention that in your auction ad as a lot of people don't. In hopes of getting people to buy the tape they say "Just have someone with a PAL Converting or multi format VCR transfer it for you". that doesn't work.
posted on August 17, 2001 03:25:54 PM new
Many modern VCR machines can play back either format automatically but are they sold in Nth America
That's not true. You have to buy a special Multi Format VCR to play the PAL or SECAM video's. They will not play in a regular VCR and you could ruin the video if you try to do so. Most stores don't carry the multi format, you have to buy one at a specialty store. I bought mine online 2 years ago for around $500.
posted on August 17, 2001 04:21:11 PM new
Check the newsgroup alt.video.tape-trading
There are a couple of folks there who can do excellent PAL to NTSC conversions for a very reasonable price. I buy a lot of PAL video direct from the UK and get them converted by these guys (at least until I can afford an AIWA Multinational VCR!).
There is so much teevee stuff available on PAL that we will never see commercially marketed in North America (NTSC) - all you have to do is check out the British Cult TV magazines to see what's available there.
There's not much call for SECAM (France) format stuff ...
PS ... Disney is a real pri*k when it comes to their stuff. I strongly advise you don't list any Disney movies on eBay or they might have you VeROed (even if you are selling an original!)
