PAL and NTSC 1980s VCRs - Page 2 - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

backintime · 23rd Aug 2018, 11:12 am

This is really helpful advice - thanks everyone!

Fivos - I'm jealous seeing those pictures! Such a beautiful machine!

Ian - Do you know if the Panasonic NV-J35 converts the standards, so the frame rate of an NTSC video would be playable on an 80s PAL TV?

Ben - Great advice! Could you recommend a standards converter? I've been searching high and low for one that has horizontal hold control, but yesterday learnt that a digital converter negates the need for the feature. I was thinking of getting the one pictured.

cmjones01 · 23rd Aug 2018, 2:27 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by backintime

Ian - Do you know if the Panasonic NV-J35 converts the standards, so the frame rate of an NTSC video would be playable on an 80s PAL TV?

I'm not Ian, but I have owned and used an NV-J35. It doesn't change the frame rate. It just regenerates the colour subcarrier so that a PAL TV understands the colours. Neither the horizontal or vertical timing is changed, so the TV needs to be able to sync to 15750Hz horizontal, 60Hz vertical. Many, especially from the 1990s onwards, will, but 1980s sets (unless carefully chosen) may give trouble.

Chris

Welsh Anorak · 23rd Aug 2018, 4:37 pm

I remember the NV-J35. Back in the day when they were pretty new we had one in with no colour and erratic line lock and I was at my wit's end. Phoned Panasonic and a very patient voice said "see the flap at the front?" "Yes". "Well, open it and there you'll see a little switch. Slide it to PAL and all will be well". How to make me feel a prize idiot in one easy lesson.....

backintime · 23rd Aug 2018, 5:11 pm

Thanks for the feedback Chris - I've just ordered (admittedly early 90s) Panasonic NV-J45 I like how there's a vhold control on the front panel in particular.

Glyn - I'll remember to use the PAL switch!

dj_fivos_sak · 25th Aug 2018, 4:49 am

Glyn. I was in a similar situation with an AKAI VS-10 (Ferguson 3V23). I had no colour and I was looking at the Chroma board adjustments, until I realised there's a colour-black and white selector switch on the back of the unit. Damn. Some problems are easier to fix than they seem to be.

winston_1 · 25th Aug 2018, 9:41 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by backintime

Ben - Great advice! Could you recommend a standards converter? I've been searching high and low for one that has horizontal hold control, but yesterday learnt that a digital converter negates the need for the feature. I was thinking of getting the one pictured.

That is an excellent standards converter. I have one. Go for it.

winston_1 · 25th Aug 2018, 9:48 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by backintime

Thanks for the feedback Chris - I've just ordered (admittedly early 90s) Panasonic NV-J45 I like how there's a vhold control on the front panel in particular.

The vertical hold control on a VCR is nothing like the vertical hold on a TV.
On a TV vertical hold adjusts the frame oscillator and (we hope) the range will be sufficient to cover 60hz.
On a VCR it is for adjusting interframe flicker in still picture mode. If does not adjust the frame frequency.

23rd Aug 2018, 11:12 am	#21
backintime Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: London, UK. Posts: 26	Re: PAL and NTSC 1980s VCRs This is really helpful advice - thanks everyone! Fivos - I'm jealous seeing those pictures! Such a beautiful machine! Ian - Do you know if the Panasonic NV-J35 converts the standards, so the frame rate of an NTSC video would be playable on an 80s PAL TV? Ben - Great advice! Could you recommend a standards converter? I've been searching high and low for one that has horizontal hold control, but yesterday learnt that a digital converter negates the need for the feature. I was thinking of getting the one pictured. Attached Thumbnails

23rd Aug 2018, 4:37 pm	#23
Welsh Anorak Dekatron Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: North Wales, UK. Posts: 6,918	Re: PAL and NTSC 1980s VCRs I remember the NV-J35. Back in the day when they were pretty new we had one in with no colour and erratic line lock and I was at my wit's end. Phoned Panasonic and a very patient voice said "see the flap at the front?" "Yes". "Well, open it and there you'll see a little switch. Slide it to PAL and all will be well". How to make me feel a prize idiot in one easy lesson..... __________________ Glyn www.gdelectronics.wales

23rd Aug 2018, 5:11 pm	#24
backintime Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: London, UK. Posts: 26	Re: PAL and NTSC 1980s VCRs Thanks for the feedback Chris - I've just ordered (admittedly early 90s) Panasonic NV-J45 I like how there's a vhold control on the front panel in particular. Glyn - I'll remember to use the PAL switch!

25th Aug 2018, 4:49 am	#25
dj_fivos_sak Heptode Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Lefkada, Greece Posts: 969	Re: PAL and NTSC 1980s VCRs Glyn. I was in a similar situation with an AKAI VS-10 (Ferguson 3V23). I had no colour and I was looking at the Chroma board adjustments, until I realised there's a colour-black and white selector switch on the back of the unit. Damn. Some problems are easier to fix than they seem to be.