[Stephen99]

Hello,

I have a couple of video tapes that I would like to convert to DVD. I fetched my old VCR down from storage in the loft but it does not want to load the tapes. Where could I get it serviced?

Alternatively, where can I buy a new VCR? Are they still sold? To make matters complicated the tapes are American NTSC. I know some VCRs state they can play NTSC tapes but is the output pure NTSC or would it be PAL60?

Thanks.

[NST]

Hi, to answer you first question, have a look through the Yellow Pages for a local repair company as most will still be able to fix VCR's (provided parts are still available if required).

As for a new VCR, I think some online shops might have really basic models available. Most UK models that have NTSC playback facility will output in PAL60 or NTSC 4.43 only, so that they work (in colour) on PAL TV sets.

[mikegambit]

Originally Posted by Stephen99

Hello,

I have a couple of video tapes that I would like to convert to DVD. I fetched my old VCR down from storage in the loft but it does not want to load the tapes. Where could I get it serviced?

Alternatively, where can I buy a new VCR? Are they still sold? To make matters complicated the tapes are American NTSC. I know some VCRs state they can play NTSC tapes but is the output pure NTSC or would it be PAL60?

Thanks.

If you have a Philips or Pioneer dvd recorder you will be able to record the PAL 60 output of a UK VCR - assuming they are not commercial copy protected tapes

Most other makes including Panasonic require a pure NTSC signal from the VCR so you would need a proper multistandard VCR .

[securespark]

Richer Sounds have one:

PHILIPS VR550 at Richer Sounds - HI-FI Separates, Home Cinema, Speakers, MP3 DVD Portables, Plasma LCD, etc.

[Stephen99]

Originally Posted by mikegambit

If you have a Philips or Pioneer dvd recorder you will be able to record the PAL 60 output of a UK VCR - assuming they are not commercial copy protected tapes

Most other makes including Panasonic require a pure NTSC signal from the VCR so you would need a proper multistandard VCR .

I thought there were some models (of VCR) made by Thomson that would play and record pure NTSC? If I could find one, I am sure that would be cheaper than a multistandard machine. What multistandard machines are there and where would I find those?

I hadn't realised that DVD recorders didn't like PAL60 but as I have a Pioneer I will be all right. I think Philips record 5.1 sound, so I am tempted to get one to back-up LDs.

[bxd]

Hi,

Bit of an issue with the 5.1 dvd-recorder is that you cannot replay 5.1 recordings on anything else (and it's a Philips...)

Brian

[MIZUNO]

Originally Posted by Stephen99

I thought there were some models (of VCR) made by Thomson that would play and record pure NTSC? If I could find one, I am sure that would be cheaper than a multistandard machine. What multistandard machines are there and where would I find those?

I hadn't realised that DVD recorders didn't like PAL60 but as I have a Pioneer I will be all right. I think Philips record 5.1 sound, so I am tempted to get one to back-up LDs.

There are a few combi VHS/DVD recorders that might be worth thinking about.
The digital tracking chips used in most auto-tracking VHS machines from early 90's-on will play NTSC - admittly PAL60 but the combi decks might work!?