Multi-system VCR -
Video standards widely differ with locations. Even in America itself the difference is instantly visible if someone looks at the practices in North America, where, the NTSC is popular where-as, South America, where though NTSC is in use, the more popular ones are PAL-M, PAL-N and PAL. To days complex world environment is also reflected in video standards and we find mixed video standards in most of the countries. The crux of the problem is that these video standards are not compatible with each other. This is exactly the point where multi-system converting VCR steps in, having the ability to play video tapes having different standards.
Multi-system VCR Vs a converting multi-system VCR -
When you opt for a multi-system VCR, you have the ability to play video tapes in any part of the world. But a multi-system VCR, without the converting capabilities added to it, will not convert the video signals. If you have a NTSC television, such a multi-system video will not help in viewing a PAL tape. This is the point where a multi-system converting VCR scores over an ordinary multi-system VCR since it has the ability to convert alien standard signals into system-friendly signals. The same performance can be obtained using an external Tenlab or converter, in case of a multi-system VCR.
Some top brand multi-system VCRs -
One bad news for those who are interested for a converting multi-system VCR is that the hitherto most popular Samsung SV-5000W model is no more available as the company has decided to close down the production of this item. There are some other notable VCRs in the market. They include -
1. JVC HR - S6970 Multi-system S- VHS VCR,
2. Akai VS-X2000EG Multi-system VCR,
3. Hitachi VT-M4080E Multi-system VCR,
4. Sony SLV-ED828 Multi-system VCR,
5. Panasonic NV-SJ530AM Multi-system VCR,
6. Toshiba V-E41 Multi-system VCR, and
7. Sharp VC-AA570 Multi-system VCR
There are many others. But for performance, cost and longevity, these are perhaps the best in the market today.
A few points to ponder while buying a video converting VCR -
1. A model akin to the Samsung SV-5000W allows the user to play PAL tapes on a North American NTSC TV, which is not used mostly in North America.
2. Some popular brands like Sony, Hitachi, Toshiba, Panasonic, Sharp, and JVC require the buyer to purchase a converter to enable the user's TV to play alien standard video tapes.
3. A PAL/NTSC video converter can be used in the TV instead of going for multi-system TV. This allows playback and conversion system.
4. There are a few models that allow direct conversion of alien standard video tapes on a user's TV, the CMD-850 provided by Samsung.
World standards on video tapes requiring a video converting VCR -
In general three standards are widely followed world over. These are NTSC, PAL, and SECAM. All other systems followed anywhere and elsewhere are offshoots of these parent systems. The NTSC system was introduced in United States way back in 1953, simultaneously with the coming of the first color TV. While NTSC is used mostly in America, some other countries like Japan also use the same standard. NTSC uses 525 lines frame for running the video. PAL or Phase Alternating Line came in Europe during 1960. France is the only exception using SECAM. SECAM or Sequential Colour with Memory standard also came up along side PAL in the 1960's and uses identical bandwidth and line frames. The only difference between PAL and SECAM is that SECAM transmits colour signals sequentially. This standard is most popular in France. NTSC is not popular outside North America. SECAM is mostly used in those countries which were either under the French dominion during the days of colonialism or its neighbouring countries. PAL is used in South America, most of the Asian and African countries and Europe.
Code Free DVD -
Although we are basically discussing about video tapes, these are the days of DVD and no discussion on videos can be complete without a reference to DVD. DVDs also suffer from the same regional standard problems in case of normal Video tapes. A possible solution to this problem is the code-free DVD. The advantage with a code free DVD player is that it can play any DVD from any region in the world. It can play either PAL or NTSC formats. For example, when you obtain a DVD from UK, it will ordinarily be in PAL Format, the accepted format in the region. Here you will require a code free DVD player to play the PAL format DVD on your NTSC TV in America. On the other hand if you obtain the DVD from France, it will be in SECAM format and you again require a code free DVD to enable your NTSC TV to play the DVD obtained. The best part of it is that with a code free DVD system, the requirements of a multi-system TV or a multi-system video converting VCR is done away with. A code free DVD player contains an in-built video converter and no external plug-in accessory is required. Price wise also the model is economical and often comes at a cost around -90 only. A good example is a Yamaha model having a 3-way converter, that enables playing and DVD from any part of the world on your TV.
Prices of code free DVDs vary widely with brand and their functioning capabilities, the manufacturer, accessories, etc. Moreover, the separate video converter coming from leading companies like Sony, Panasonic or Pioneer will cost around 0-350, though, on many counts the cost is justifiable and the services offered are excellent. But then again, code free video DVD player like Philips DVP-642/37 and JWIN DVD-501 of Samsung are available within a price range of to .
The price tag for video converting VCR -
There are quite a number of notable companies in the field competing with each other. This is helping keeping the price within a competitive range for the prospective buyer. The Samsung Hi-Fi multi-system VCR with tape conversion and world wide TV tuner comes at around 0 only, where-as the same manufacturer's model, the Samsung HI-FI Multi System VCR Converter & SVHS Playback SV-4000, cost nearly 90. And a best priced Samsung Multi-system converter VCR will cost around 0. Online buying, of this branded product is still cheaper, available at approximately 0 to 0.
Conclusion -
For a common man, academician, businessman, for entertainment, education, training and perhaps for every aspect of life, video has a great influence. A visual is always considering a better media of expression compared to any other means including audio. Video Converting VCRs are here to play an important part for sometime to come.
