Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.2 9/3/84; site teddy.UUCP Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!burl!ulysses!allegra!bellcore!decvax!genrad!teddy!mlf From: mlf@teddy.UUCP Newsgroups: net.video Subject: Re: Modifying an NTSC VCR Message-ID: <1099@teddy.UUCP> Date: Thu, 3-Jan-85 13:28:15 EST Article-I.D.: teddy.1099 Posted: Thu Jan 3 13:28:15 1985 Date-Received: Sat, 5-Jan-85 01:56:32 EST References: <282@edsel.UUCP> Reply-To: mlf@teddy.UUCP (Matt L. Fichtenbaum) Organization: GenRad, Inc., Concord, Mass. Lines: 33 Summary: In article <282@edsel.UUCP> rib@edsel.UUCP (RI Block) writes: >I recently moved to Israel as a new immigrant (Oleh). I brought with me a >Panasonic PV-5500 portable VHS VCR with camera. > I'm wondering if anything can be done so that I could >record off-the-air here and/or play local pre-recorded material while at >the same time retaining compatibility with the camera and the folk's NTSC-only >TV sets back in New York. There are major differences between PAL and NTSC video formats, including 50 vs 60 Hz frame rate, 4.43 vs 3.58 MHz color subcarrier, and PAL's reversing color phase on each scan line. It is not practical for you to try to modify the VCR to work with PAL signals. I read of an outfit in Rhode Island that modifies VCRs to be compatible with both NTSC and PAL. It was mentioned in an issue of some video magazine a few months ago. They sold modified *new* machines, and they provided a warranty to replace the manufacturer's warranty that the modifications voided. I don't know whether they work on "old" machines. I don't know whether they modify portables, or whether portables' miniaturization makes for too much trouble. I would also imagine that the modification is expensive, and might not be worth it. >Failing any success in modifying the set, I shall offer the tuner for sale. Can you power the recorder without it? Why would one want one? Should you save it for your possible return to the U.S.? -- Matt Fichtenbaum "Our job is to rescue fires, not put out your cat."