PAL to NTSC help, cannot play DVD that was bought

SavageAmusement · #1 05-19-2006, 08:41 AM

I received a DVD in the mail
PAl format, but region 1.

I know regions have to do with where a dvd is created-
But someone recently told me, a region code- isn't necessarily on every disc.
A region code for another region can be on a NTSC disc
And more so, A pal dvd changed to region code 1, doesn't make it playable.

So Here are my questions

1) What is the best/most effcient way to change a PAL disc to NTSC format.

I have heard Nero Recod, DVD Santa and a few oher programs.
Now my head is jumbled

And 2
If you change PAL to NTSC does it automaticlaly remove the region code? or are these 2 seperate processes?

lordsmurf · #2 05-19-2006, 09:06 AM

PAL/NTSC is the video format. This is a totally separate concept from regions. Region is a fake control mechanism put on DVDs by studios. It has no bearing on video format.

You should change PAL to NTSC or NTSC to PAL, not usually. It's complicated and is never a perfect quality conversion. You're better off just playing the disc on the DVD player. Most all DVD players worldwide play both formats, though some of the ones in the USA do not.

To make a disc region-less, rip it with something like DVD Decrypter and make a new copy.

Have you stuck the disc in a DVD player yet?

wheezer210 · #3 05-19-2006, 10:45 AM

There are several ways to do it, but the tricky part is keeping the audio and video in sync. You can go to dvdrhelp.com to check out the various ways to acomplish this if you want to do everything on the PC.

I also have this set and would like to convert it, I have done PAL conversions before and the easiest way is to have a PAL capable DVD player connected to a set top recorder. Do the transfer to a RW disk then re-author on the PC (unless you like the generic menus that these machines have)

MagnificentMarcus · #4 05-19-2006, 11:32 AM

Well, I'm currently trying to convert a PAL set to NTSC. I'm using DVD Santa so I'll let you guys know they turn out.

cp32 · #5 05-19-2006, 02:40 PM

Method A:

Play from Region free dvd player > record on NTSC DVD recorder. Easiest method no quality loss

Tcel converted PAL with Ulead Workshop 2.0 It turned out well. From what I read in older post

DVDsanta crap crap crap. VSO is a little better. It actually encodes ,Then re write your files as IFO . Proper Aspect ratio 720X480 Ac3 Audio too.

Not a quicky method ; usually takes in high quality mode 2-4 hrs on my pc.

All you have to do is burn your VTS folder. As you normally would.

DWS I think he imported the files re authored then burn.

Your easiest route is method A:

MagnificentMarcus · #6 05-19-2006, 03:55 PM

Gee CP, the person who sort of suggested really likes DVD santa. I just have to see. I do have to admit that Method A might takes less time.

lordsmurf · #7 05-19-2006, 04:26 PM

DVD Santa is ho-ho-horrible.

SavageAmusement · #8 05-19-2006, 07:28 PM

I am new to trying to do it.
The first time I ran things through dvd decryptor and it removed the region code lickity split
But I was left with Pal format still

Now for me, they play fine.
but others don't always have multi region players- so I am trying to learn to do both, and was confused if they were seperate processes.

The person helping me, suggested nero vision/recode- as well as dvd santa- but im still working thorugh several bugs.
Fact is I just don't understand well enough

Cp your advice is interesting
does playing them FROM dvd to my computer capture, remove quality?

cp32 · #9 05-19-2006, 07:49 PM

I was refering to recording on a stand alone dvdrecorder

I dont see why capturing would be any different. That's LS department lol.

Just sent vso to your email

lordsmurf · #10 05-20-2006, 02:03 AM

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by SavageAmusement

but others don't always have multi region players-

Quite honestly, so what?

You mean to tell me that you plan to do countless hours of work because somebody else online is too much of a tightwad to buy a $30 (or less) player for PAL discs?

As long as they are correctly made discs, and play for you, and can be re-copied (meaning the burns are clean), then what's the problem?

Forget those other people. If they don't want to acknowledge that the world is bigger than North America and Japan, then to hell with them. We live in a worldwide community, most of whom use PAL formatted video. I'm quite fond of my pals in Europe and Australia, and I gladly take their native video as is. Their releases are pretty good too.

About a third of my entire video collection is PAL, and I've never left USA or Canada. If I tried to convert those to NTSC, I would not only ruin the quality, I'd spend the next 5 (or more) years converting video.

MagnificentMarcus · #11 05-20-2006, 04:13 AM

Hey LS, your comments are little harsh! Save the rant and take a chill pill! Savage was just helping me out. I purchased the first three season of Psi Factor off of Ebay. They are in PAL. I was just exploring if it was possible to transfer them to NTSC and what would be involved. She was just helping me out.

Yes, I do have a DVD player that plays both PAL and NTSC discs. My brother would like a copy and he doesn't.

Sorry Savage for what you've undertaken on my behalf, but I do appreciate your help.

wheezer210 · #12 05-20-2006, 08:13 AM

here is a guide on the dvdrhelp forums using TMPGEnc 2.5:

http://forum.videohelp.com/viewtopic.php?t=300144

cp32 · #13 05-20-2006, 11:13 AM

Marcus if those are dvdrips. Just use shrink to make it region free .

Or dvd decrypter, dvdfab, dvdrebuild pro, ...? You men lol Always take that left. When you should be going south lol

Oooooooooooooooor WAIT! I have a magnificent IDEA ( no pun intended). Go to walmart.

Mom just got one of these .

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...uct_id=4810670

duranbrand dvd player 26.00

PLays PAL/ NTSC, vcd, svcd, etc . Better YET ! Buy one for each family member for Christmas too

SavageAmusement · #14 05-20-2006, 11:23 AM

Well, yes you can buy a player easier -I wasn't sure HOW much work it was/is- which is why I was asking.

The older viewers don't really seem to liek the "just buy a new player' theory lol.

And I know for me, I rarely come into contact with Pal- so it wasn't a huge task-
But as Marcus said he recently got a set as well so it seemed a good time to ask around.
I wouldn't set sail to convert everything, especially if it changed quality.
But some programs made it sound rather simple, and I thought if it was- might as well give it a try.

lordsmurf · #15 05-20-2006, 11:49 AM

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by SavageAmusement

The older viewers, don't really seem to liek the "just buy a new player' theory lol..........
But some programs made it sound rather simple,

I disagree. Older viewers/collectors generally know better than convert video formats. It's mostly only newbies asking for that to be done.

And if you believe the marketing by those simpleton programs, as they say, "I've got a bridge to sell you!" And there is a HUGE HUGE HUGE difference between converting progressive PAL movies, and converting interlaced PAL television. Progressive can be done sometimes, interlaced not at all.

There are some advanced tricks, but it takes many hours for a single 23-minute episode. And it's not for somebody inexperienced with advanced video techniques. And even then, it can fail.

emokid · #16 05-20-2006, 02:33 PM

I'd much rather take a PAL orignal over a converted NTSC disk...

Tranzor · #17 05-21-2006, 02:29 PM

although if done correctly a truly converted disc can look very nice. But I agree its best to leave it in its native format.

SavageAmusement · #18 05-21-2006, 09:02 PM

I appreciate all the advice, help and opinions!

I am really new to some of this, and with so many programs it is nice to ask expereinced viewers such things-
thanks!