Video Conversion.com

What is Video Conversion

Discount Duplication has been in business since 1984 and works hard each day to produce high quality video conversions at low, low prices. We specialize in basically three main services. One of these is Video Conversion. PAL, NTSC, and SECAM are the three main tv standards.

Why is this? The first reason is the difference in the AC current. The electric current is 110 volts and 60 cycles in the United States. There are two fields that make up a frame, and 30 frames in a second of a black and white NTSC signal. The first color broadcast occurred in the United States in 1953. But due to some problems with the color information the frame rate was actually 29.97.

NTSC stands for National Television System Committee. Most engineers call NTSC ( never the same color ). This standard is also used in many Asian countries. Japan is one of the most important, becuase they manufacture most of the equipment. NTSC has 525 lines per frame. Its vertical frequency is 60 Hz.

The PAL standard was first transmitted in the early 1960's in most European countries except France and Russia. PAL stands for Phase Alternating Lines. The AC current in these countries is 220 volts at 50 cycles. PAL has 625 lines per frame. This requires a wider channel bandwidth than NTSC. The vertical frequency is 50 Hz.

SECAM stands for Sequential Color with Memory. It was first transmitted in the early 1960's in France, and like PAL has a wider channel bandwidth than NTSC. It also has 625 lines per frame and a vertical frequency of 50 Hz. Both PAL and SECAM have 25 lines per frame. This makes film transfer much easier from these two standards. Also the picture quality is better due to the extra scan lines. PAL and SECAM have a 25 frame rate which gives them more flicker. I will not address PAL-N and PAL-M except to say that we transfer both standards.

We record only in SP speed for quality assurance. If your master is recorded in LP speed or is longer than 180 minutes we will have to record in multiple 2 hour volumes. We use 2 hour volumes because of tape thickness and higher tape quality. Tape lengths and comparisons will be discussed on page How to Measure Tape Length. For a large list of PAL, NTSC, SECAM countries please click on this link and print.

Do not let our discount name fool you when it comes to quality. We use broadcast quality converters, time base correctors and professional duplication machines to transfer and convert your program to the proper and desired standard. Our foreign transfers are 100% guaranteed.

VHS Pricing is very simple. Our prices start at $9.99 for up to 2 hours and $14.99 for up to 3 hours. Any tape longer than 180 minutes will be in multiple volumes which reverts back to $9.99 per volume. We do give quantity discounts for volume copies of a single master. We will be glad to make a price quote and the shipping involved. Just call our toll free number 800-557-6556.

We accept Mastercard, Visa, Discover, and American Express for 24 to 48 hour service. Your duplication may be delayed for payment by check, incorrect money order amount, missing information or failure to sign Order Form. Often customers think we can remember their e-mail or talking to them on the phone. If information is incorrect or missing your order will be greatly delayed. We operate on strictly volume for the quality of product and level of service we provide. Sorry no P.O. boxes, physical addresses only.

Do you have family in a foreign country or are you a foreign exchange student? Has a tape been sent to you from Europe and will not play on your tv or vcr? You have a business in the USA and want to sell your product over seas? You have found the answer to your problem! We can convert your tape to the format or standard that you will need. Just tell us in which country you would like to view the program.

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Total limit of liability for non insured shipments either lost or destroyed is one blank tape. Not responsible for copyright suits or content of any video. Offers and pricing only valid for mail-order customers.