From: "Shoaf,Judith P" <[log in to unmask]>

Subject: RE: #10218 Code Free VHS Deck

Date: April 22, 2014 9:38:28 AM CDT

To: Language Learning and Technology International Information Forum <[log in to unmask]>

I thought It might be worth mentioning that the term is multi-standard (region coding is for DVDs, not tape).

 

The standards are PAL, NTSC, and SECAM (with some variants). They have to do with picture quality; the picture on a PAL or SECAM tape, when correctly displayed, is better than what you get from NTSC.  I think but am not sure that SECAM has been phased out and it is harder to find players/converters. It might be worth asking whether you need to be able to play SECAM (it was a French standard though it was also used in some other countries).

 

You also need to consider how the video will be used or displayed when choosing a player. Some players will output an NTSC signal from a PAL tape, but some do not convert it.  It is possible to purchase a converter.  A PAL or SECAM input will not display properly on an NTSC TV set. (I am guessing you do not want to buy a multi-standard TV set).  Usually a classroom projector will display  any standard, though. If the plan is to digitize cassettes, you need to check whether the digitizing hardware accepts the PAL (or SECAM) signal.

 

The ideal is not to have to convert the standard at all, since the PAL or SECAM source is of superior quality. However, converters can be purchased also.

 

Judy Shoaf

 

 

From: Language Learning and Technology International Information Forum [mailto:LLTI@LISTSERV.DARTMOUTH.EDU] On Behalf Of Otmar K. Foelsche
Sent: Tuesday, April 22, 2014 10:06 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: #10218 Code Free VHS Deck