Video Overseas

> FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions and Help Page

Welcome to our frequently asked questions (FAQs) page. You will find most
answers to your multi-system, voltage and region free questions. You can
take a look at our video section for a few tips/reviews on products, or stop
by our showroom to see our products on display. Do not hesitate to contact
us at anytime whether by phone or via e-mail.

General Questions:

* Q: What is PAL, NTSC AND SECAM?
* A: PAL (Phase Alternating Line) is used in all European Countries
excluding France. PAL uses a wider channel bandwidth than NTSC
which allows for better picture quality (625 lines/frame).

NTSC (National Television System Committee) is used by many countries
on the American continent as well as many Asian countries including
Japan. NTSC runs on 525 lines/frame.
SECAM (Sequential Color Avec Memoire or Sequential Color with Memory)
is most commonly used in France. SECAM uses the same bandwidth as
PAL but transmits the color information sequentially. SECAM
runs on 625 lines/frame. DVDs in France are in PAL format. VHS tapes
after 2002 are also PAL format.

How to use your TV in another video formatted country.

Our CDM-660 will solve all of your problems for PAL to NTSC TV conversion, and vice versa. If
you use any of our video converters, you do not need an external TV tuner as it has its own built-in
PAL/SECAM TV tuner (PAL B/G, D/K, I and Secam, B/G, D/K, L). When using a HDMI cable with
our video converter, your picture will output in HD. This works very well for people who already have a
TV purchased and would like to convert its video format without the trouble of buying a new TV. Any
TV that you have purchased from; Best Buy, BJ’s, Sam’s Club, Costco, Wal-Mart, etc. will work
without any problems with our video converters.
Anyone who has a HDTV; LCD or Plasma, should consider buying one of our HD High Definition
Video Converters. We have many models of video converters, most models with HDMI output like
AT-HD520. These models convert PAL (up to 1080p) HDTV to NTSC
(up to 1080p) HDTV. These models will take RCA input, HDMI input and Component input and
change to HDMI output up to full HD 1080p!

What is a region Free DVD and which model do I buy?

There are 6 regions in the World. Click here to see the World region code map. Not only is
a region involved in playing a DVD disc but PAL and NTSC video formats also play a key role.
A region free DVD player will play any DVD from any region in the World. A region free DVD
player is also capable of playing both PAL and NTSC formats.

Which Voltage Transformer to buy?

There are 2 types of voltage transformers, Step down Transformer and Step up Transformer.
Both are explained below:

Step down transformers are used outside of the USA in 220/240 volt countries. They take 220/240
Volts and "step down" the voltage to 110/120 Volts so you can use your US equipment in a foreign
country. Check our voltage/plug socket chart to see which countries use what type of voltage and
wall outlets.
Step up transformers are for use in the USA. Or in other 110/120 volt countries like Canada and
Mexico. They will take household 110/120 Volts AC and "step up" to 220/240 volts. So you can use
foreign electronics in the USA with a step up transformer. Check our voltage/plug socket chart to
see which countries use what type of voltage and wall outlets.

There are many different makes and models when it comes to Voltage Transformers. Most
commonly found are the Chinese Made Transformers, which are usually cheap and
affordable. However, we do not advise that people who have expensive electronics or
appliances use those transformers. Chinese Made Transformers are not capable of being
used consistently, and they do not automatically shut down in case of a shortage of power.
These transformers are not safe to use with major appliances. For cell phone chargers,
iPod chargers, Mp3 Player Chargers and Handheld Game Systems the Chinese Made
Transformers are okay to use. Our American Made Transformers are reliable, able to be
used constantly, and automatically shut down in case of a shortage in power. They can
also handle any product as long as the wattage between the transformer and appliance is
the same. For more information about Transformers please visit our Transformers  page, or
contact us with any questions and we would be more than happy to assist you.