28. What is the best way to deal with multiple system TVs and VCRs and how can I get my VCR tape converted to a format that works in Lebanon ?
Description
This article is from the Lebanon FAQ, by Alaa Dakroub dakroub@leb.net with numerous contributions by others.
28. What is the best way to deal with multiple system TVs and VCRs and how can I get my VCR tape converted to a format that works in Lebanon ?
Three solutions :
1. Buying a switchable television and use your video recorder.
2. Buying a switchable video recorder (PAL / SECAM / NTSC) and
a PAL / SECAM television.
3. Buying a switchable video recorder (PAL / NTSC) and a
PAL / SECAM television.
First case : You can watch to drench and foreign broadcast,
you can use your video recorder and your tapes, but you can't record
French broadcast.
Second case : You have still to find a French PAL / SECAM
television. That should not be that much expensive. But : in that case,
you can watch the local broadcasts, watch your tapes AND record local
broadcasts.
I don't know how much costs a switchable television, but as
for the video recorder, it's about 300.000 yen in Japan for the only
model available. That video recorder converts any video signal to any
other.
Some people may point out that the conversion is not perfect.
That's true. In fact, the signal conversion achieved by that video
recorder is a VERY LOW COST conversion. It converts SECAM to a pseudo
PAL, PAL to a pseudo NTSC, but that's neither a professional quality,
nor a broadcast quality.
Just for information : a professional quality PAL/SECAM/NTSC
converter (the converter only) costs 1.800.000 yen.
Third case : There is another video recorder (AIWA) which
converts NTSC to PAL only. That one is quite cheap (60.000 yen here
in Japan). That one with a French SECAM / PAL television would make
it, if you don't expect too much quality, and if you don't record
SECAM broadcasts.
About the quality : There are some video recorders allowing
to make low speed records (one third of the normal speed). Up to six
hours on one tape, but of course lower quality. The quality of a low
cost converter is about the same...
The ideal solution : you buy a switchable television AND
a switchable video recorder. In that case, you can record in any format
you want and use your tapes in any country. Since you don't need the
signal conversion, you get a broadcast quality image in any case.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Here are some recommendations for businesses that will convert
VCR tapes from one standard to another :
DAKE International
3208 Foxboro Dr.
Richardson, TX 75082
(214) 234-8518 1pm-9pm
The cost is $18.50 per tape which includes a new tape and shipping.
They can convert to any TV system: PAL, SECAM to NTSC or vice versa.
Another one is in Raleigh, NC. It provides conversion from and to
any format (VHS, VHS-C and 8 mm types of cassettes).
This will allow playback of videotapes made overseas, here on U.S.
TV's and VCR's (NTSC System).
The service will also convert the other way around,(i.e. from
U.S. system to any of the systems used anywhere else in the world - PAL,
SECAM, etc..)
Mailing Address: INTERNATIONAL VIDEO CONVERSION
520 Harvest Lane
Raleigh, NC 27606-2217
Phone: (919) 233-8689
Fees: $24.90 + $5.00 S&H
(Price of a High Grade Cassette Included, 2hrs or less)
Delivery: Mailed back the next day, express shipping at request.
Payment: Check, Cash or Money Order mailed with tape.
Conversions from photographic pictures, slides, 8, super 8, 16 mm movies to
any of the video standards are also provided.
A third one is:
SOMI International
50 Summer Street
Edison, NJ 08820.
Phone 908 548 3065
Their price is good ($12.99 for a regular 2-hr tape and $17.99 for more than
2-hr tape, include $3/tape for postage and handling).
Fourth recommendation :
This information was obtained from listings in VideoMaker Magazine.
Another good company is:
RVT
1911 Douglas Boulevard #85
Roseville
CA 95661
(916) 773-3705
The approximate cost is around $25 for 2 hours including tape
and return shipping.
CA residents have to pay tax at 7.25%. They have a 24 hour turnaround time.
Continue to:
My Books
