Camcorder compatability (Argentine PAL-n with UK PAL-i)

[SWANY]

Hi everyone,

I am a guy in desperation. At the weekend my video camera was stolen from me.

I am from England but am currently working in Chile. Buying a replacement Video Camera in Chile isn't an option as they use NTSC and I would like to view my footage when I get back to England (without loosing quality in conversion).

I am going to Argentina at the start of November. They use PAL-n and in the UK we use PAL-i. Does anyone know if I bought a video camera in Argentina, whether it would be compatable with the UK?

I would appreciate any advice regarding this matter. I have searched the internet with no luck and emailed various electronic manufacturers (awaiting a reply).

Thanks guys,
SWANY.

[vonhosen]

Can't give you a definitive answer but I would think it unlikely. Obviously as you know there are many flavours of PAL & I'm not certain about PAL-n. I think if I remeber correctly it's similar to normal PAL but has a different sub-carrier. I know that PAL-m (think that's right), which is used in Brazil is totally different. Infact it's more like NTSC in that it's 30fps.

There are companies that tout their services for format conversions between PAL-n & PAL-i & it is only on that basis that I suggest it is unlikely that a player bought there would play back faultlessly.

[vonhosen]

http://www.alkenmrs.com/video/standards.html

It is as I thought , different colour sub carrier frequency (+ video bandwidth & sound carrier)

[SWANY]

Received two replies from manufacturers.

SANYO simply says - "Unfortunately it would not be compatible."

....but CANON says - "You will not need any converter to view the filmed footage in the UK. The PAL and PAL-n systems are equivalent."

I'm confused.

[hornydragon]

try JVC?????

[SWANY]

Just done it. We'll see what they have to say.

[johnjackthom]

Originally Posted by SWANY

Received two replies from manufacturers.

SANYO simply says - "Unfortunately it would not be compatible."

....but CANON says - "You will not need any converter to view the filmed footage in the UK. The PAL and PAL-n systems are equivalent."

I'm confused.

I think Canon are saying that the tapes recorded on a PAL-N camcorder will still be standard PAL DV and will play normally on any other (UK) PAL player.

You will also be able to transfer the recordings via i-link to your PC or suitably equiped standalone DVD recorder.

What will probably be a problem is viewing tapes using the Argentinian camcorder connected to a UK TV or VHS recorder where the 3.5 MHZ subcarrier will likely result in black & white pictures.

[MartinImber]

PAL-N should be fine PAL-M avoid!

Just need 625/50 PAL

Just don't mention the war!

[SWANY]

I received what has to be one of the most confusing replies ever from Panasonic regarding the problem I posted here. Can anyone translate?

Thank you for your email enquiry.

In response, I regret that any model in question is not marketed in the
UK. I would explain that although we would like to be of assistance, our
organisation has information and software that is limited to products
sold in the UK. As Argentina uses PAL M, equipment bought there would be
incompatible with equipment bought in the UK. The UK uses PAL I. I
apologise for any inconvenience caused and trust that a satisfactory
conclusion may shortly result.

[vonhosen]

The Customer services call centre is probably in South America