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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."