OT: NTSC VCR

[Jason]

Just got some private orders in from the US for our first videos and I need to be able to output to NTSC for viewing in the US.

Its not worth doing it commercialy yet as this is a relatively new venture so I need an NTSC VCR - must be able to record NTSC as well as playback (most PAL VCRs can playback NTSC but none can record).

I have tried to buy online from US but no one will ship to the UK (Buy.com,Amazon.com, Bestbuy.com etc) due to the manufacturers having them by the balls (they start from $59 oin the US!!). I have also looked online at the usual suspects in the UK but no one seems to have them - there are some multiformat VCRs available but they are ?500+

Does anyone know where I can buy one - new or used?

tks

Jason

PS. I have no family in the US who can help me!!!

[raw]

Even if you buy a US VCR (totally NTSC compatible) you will still need a PAL - NTSC converter. OR a converting VCR (VCR with built in converter).


I have one, depending on what you need doing maybe I could help? If not I'm sure if you shop around you'll pick one up.

[Boo2]

Have you already converted PAL to NTSC? - you're not clear on this. If you have NTSC video ready, and you're simply looking for a VCR to record NTSC, there's the Thomson VTH-6080 . Street price is ?150-200 I believe.

[Jason]

I dont think I will need the PAL - NTSC converter as I will be outputting directly from Adobe Premiere via a breakout box on my Pinnacle DV500 which can output NTSC or PAL.

If you have a suitable VCR drop me a mail and let me know the make etc and a price.

tks

Jason

[Jason]

at the moment the content is still in Premiere and I can output in NTSC or PAL.

Do you have any idea where I can get the Thomson VCR you mention? Its not on Thomsons web site and Currys, Dixons and Comet dont have it

tks

Jason

[Boo2]

> I don't think I will need the PAL - NTSC converter as I will be outputting directly from Adobe Premiere via a breakout box on my Pinnacle DV500 which can output NTSC or PAL.

You sure? Sounds like all your doing is switching the mode of the DV500 card to allow it to WORK with NTSC files - that won't magically CONVERT/ output your PAL files to NTSC! After Effects can be used to convert files from PAL to NTSC - but the conversion process is very slow. Canopus sell a format convertor program, which is much faster. ?225 ..or downloadable free, if you don't mind an on screen water-mark - only works with Canopus DV format files though.

> Do you have any idea where I can get the Thomson VCR you mention? Its not on Thomsons web site and Currys, Dixons and Comet dot have it

I'm sure Comet were selling it - or try ringing Thomsons. I believe there's a company, possibly London, who sell USA NTSC VCR's and converted to 240v ready to go - try Google.

> there are some multiformat VCRs available but they are ?500+

Is that the Samsung 5000? I've seen that advertised recently for ?375-400.

There's also something called the "Ace Convertor" which is a box which sits between VCR and VCR, or computer to VCR, which converts PAL/NTSC and colour/contrast corrects too. ?300.

An easier/cheaper option maybe (especially if you're only talking a few hours worth) is to have it professionally converted. There's quite a few offering 3 hours of video converted for ?15 inc p&p, and some can do it with Mini-DV.

Good luck!

Boo2

[Alex]

I'll convert to NTSC for you for nowt (if it's hard-core) so I can get a copy for myself. What material is it?

[Jason]

I THINK in Premiere as long as I set it up as an NTSC project it should output at the correct frame rate etc but I honestly dont know.

I tried calling Thomson but they no longer offer any multi format VCRs in the UK.... only 2 crappy ?100 Nicam stereo ones with NTSC playback.

[Boo2]

Tried to find that London company, but no joy on Google. Put some feelers out, and was offered s/h JVC, NTSC only, dual power, ?80, Romford, Essex.

Any preference for VHS or SVHS?

[Jason]

standard VHS is fine - drop me an email. I will make it worth your while

tks

Jason