RF NTSC to PAL and SECAM to PAL conversions

From: Gary Hildebrand <ghldbrd_at_ccp.com>
Date: Thu Sep 5 07:11:00 2002

George Kourvaras wrote:
>
> Hi guyz
>
> I have a problem with the RF video output of some of my old micros. The use
> either american or Japanese version of NTSC on VHF/UHF, and all my equipment
> is PAL compatible.
>
> I have the same problem, with some old French micros, that use SECAM RF
> output only.
>
> I am looking for converters but I cannot find any. Could anybody help me?
>
> Thanks
>
> George
> Athens/Greece


What you are in need of is a video standards converter, and these are
usually found under broadcast equipment. Input composite video is
decoded into its constituent parts (luminance and either chrominance or
component information), stored digitally, and regenerated with the
encoding needed.

PAL is an enhanced but incompatible version of NTSC, and SECAM is a
wholy different encoding system, and I don't have the time or space to
go into detail here. I do know of multistandard VCRs that will play
back different system's tapes; whether that would work as a standards
converter is unknown. For what you are seeking, you are looking at a
substantial investment, probably far in excess of what a separate TV for
each system would cost.

Also, as you've found out, the horizontal and vertical scan rates vary.
I do know that a black and white NTSC monitor will after a fashion
display PAL video, albeit without color.

My Amigas are set up for either 525/60 or 625/50 scan outputs, but they
are also RGB separate outputs, and the encoding method becomes a moot
point there.

I'd say just keep a television set that is multistandard, or have
separate NTSC/PAL/SECAM sets compatible with the computers you have, and
the RF frequencies each needs. One television set that does it all is
probably available, but more costly than the previous solution.

Gary Hildebrand
St. Joseph, MO
Received on Thu Sep 05 2002 - 07:11:00 BST