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Video conversion is the
combination of duplicating one video tape or DVD to a second
tape or DVD while simultaneously changing the video system.
NTSC uses 30
(actually 29.97) frames each second. A frame can be thought of
as a still picture, so when you are watching an NTSC television,
30 still pictures are flashed before your eyes each second to
create the illusion of motion. NTSC is also made up of 525
individual scan lines per frame.
PAL is different, it uses 5 less frames (25) per second and each
frame is made up of 100 more (625) scan lines.
Converting video from PAL to NTSC involves a systems converter
that will create 5 additional frames per second and discard 100
scan lines of each frame.
A good video system converter will average the information from
one frame to the next by storing frames digitally in a computer
memory, performing a comparison between the stored frames, and
adjusting each frame to produce natural uninterrupted motion. A
good converter is also capable of using high speed computing
techniques to detect and differentiate between moving and
stationary objects to further assist in motion quality. The
extra scan lines are either discarded or added using the same
basic process.
NTSC,
PAL, and SECAM?
NTSC is the video system
used in North America and most of South America. In NTSC, 30
frames are transmitted each second. Each frame is made up of 525
individual scan lines.
PAL is the predominant
video system used overseas. In PAL, 25 frames are transmitted
each second. Each frame is made up of 625 individual scan lines.
SECAM is a video system
that has become a thing of the past in every country except
France. SECAM camcorders and SECAM-ONLY televisions and VCRs are
no longer in production. SECAM countries are now compatible with
PAL.
PAL and SECAM video is
not compatible with NTSC (American) television sets.
PAL DVD?
A PAL DVD, playing in a normal
multi-region player using an NTSC television will produce a
black and white picture that rolls vertically. If the PAL disc
is put in a basic North American DVD player, the disc will not
even boot up because of the different region number encoded on
the disk.
(Added Sept, 2002) Some of the
new APEX DVD players have the ability to convert PAL to NTSC.
These players will not play anything but region
one or zero discs. The region number has nothing to do
with picture information; the concept is nothing more than a
tool used to control were and when a movie is released on DVD.
UPDATED
Jan 25, 2006
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