PAL, SECAM, and NTSC refer to the different kinds of video systems around the world. For a videotape to play in a foreign country's system, it must be converted to the correct format. Refer to the local yellow pages under Video Production Services to find a company that will convert U.S. tapes for viewing abroad and foreign tapes for viewing in the United States. Costs for this service vary according to the quality or definition required and the type of equipment used to make the conversions. Mid-range equipment conversions run from $40 to $70 for the first hour.

Formats Used

PAL

Western Europe (excluding France); also Australia, South Africa, and parts of Asia, including India, China

PAL-M

Brazil

PAL-N

Argentina

NTSC

North America

SECAM

France, former Eastern Bloc, and parts of the Middle East