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> FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions and
Help Page |
Welcome to our frequently asked questions (FAQs) page.
Here you will find most answers to your multi-system, voltage and region
free questions. Like what size transformer you need? Why to buy
that model? What digital tuners do and more. So you should find allot of useful information here. Please e-mail if you
still have any concerns or doubts about the product that you are purchasing.
Or stop by our store for an in store demo. Also, feel free to
e-mail us
questions that you feel
should be answered here.
General FAQs
DVD FAQs
Video FAQs
Voltage Transformer FAQs
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What you need to use a NTSC TV in a PAL country or a PAL TV in a NTSC country.
Also answers which Video Converter do I buy? |
The new
CMD-RF1080p solves all of your problems for PAL to NTSC TV
conversion. Before this model came out you needed an external TV tuner plus
a PAL to NTSC video converter to use your American TV in a PAL/Secam
country. Now, with the
CMDRF1080p, you do not need an external TV tuner as it has its own
built-in PAL/SECAM TV tuner! This model has a built in TV tuner for
PAL and Secam systems: PAL B/G, D/K, I and
Secam, B/G, D/K, L. So the
CMDRF1080p works as a TV tuner and a Pal to NTSC Converter also. And
it will output in NTSC format through HDMI connection for HDTV. It is the
perfect solution for those customers that already own an NTSC HDTV. So now
you can take that American TV you bought at Best Buy, Sears, Costco,
Wal-Mart, etc. to any Pal or Secam country outside the USA. This model is
on factory promotion so the price will not be so low. The
CMD-RF1080p is actually priced lower than all other video converters for
limited time only!
Just plug your antenna into this
converter and then connect the HDMI output to your American TV. That's it.
Before this model was introduced you also needed a TV tuner to use your
American TV in a PAL/SECAM Country. Not anymore. The
CMD-RF1080p eliminates all extra boxes and external tuners. It also
has HDMI input, RCA input, S-Video input and Component input in case you
want to use any other PAL devices on your American TV.
If you buy a video
converter that does not have a built-in TV tuner then the setup changes. Then, to use a NTSC (American TV) in a PAL country,
you need two items: A local TV broadcast tuner and a video converter. The local TV
tuner must be able to receive the specific PAL or SECAM broadcasting in the country.
Basically it is needed to receive local TV channels. Most multi-system VCRs have
a PAL tuner or you can buy a cable box or satellite dish in the PAL country you
are going to. The VCR or tuner will receive and output the local TV or cable
channels. The Video converter will then take this PAL signal and convert it to
NTSC for viewing on your existing American TV set. The
key to this process is to buy an excellent quality video converter like the
CMD-1500. The CMD-1500
has RCA and S-Video inputs and outputs.
We have many video converters on our
site that start at $129.99. All the PAL to NTSC Video
Converters are on our site for your
review.
If you have a HDTV
LCD or Plasma then consider buying one of our HD High Definition Video
Converters. We have now introduced fully
digital video converter models with HDMI output like our
CMD-HDX5,
CMD-HDX6 and
CMD-HDX98. These models convert PAL (up to 1080p) HDTV to NTSC (up to 1080p)
HDTV. These models will take RCA input, HDMI
input and Component input and change to HDMI output up to full HD 1080p!
The best feature of these models is that they have
New Digital technology which
provides direct conversion without any signal loss.
The input and output will be the same without any degradation after the
conversion. Using
the high definition quality conversion of these HDTV you can convert PAL HDTV signals
to NTSC HDTV for viewing on your existing NTSC HDTV.
Eliminating the need to buy a new
multi-system TV set. Local
PAL HDTV tuner like a Cable Box or Satellite Receiver is required to get HD
signals.
Our PAL NTSC video
converters are so good that you will not get a better PAL NTSC video converter
model even if you spend 3 times the price! Our guarantee is that if you find a
model that gives you better conversion for even 3 times the price we will take
our video converter back and even arrange for return shipping (within the USA).
So if you buy any other model
you won't like the conversion quality! We can ship our models world wide also!
To use a PAL/SECAM (Euro/Asian TV) in a NTSC
country you need the same equipment.
Call or email for
specific models and recommendations.
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Key points in playing PAL
tapes and converting between PAL and NTSC.
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To play PAL/SECAM tapes you need a multi-system VCR to play the PAL
tape. You also need a video
converter OR multi-system
TV to work with the multi-system VCR. With both units you can play any
type of tape; PAL, SECAM or NTSC. You may view a full selection of
Multi-System
TVs and Multi-System VCRs on our site.
The
best solution is to buy a Multi-System
VCR and a high quality video converter.
Read more about PAL video converters in the
explanation above also. This way you can use your existing TV. It is the perfect solution for
customers that already have a nice NTSC TV set or customers that do not want to
buy a new Multi-System TV. The Multi-System VCR will play the PAL/SECAM tape
which also outputs a PAL/SECAM signal. The video converter will then convert the
PAL/SECAM signal coming from the VCR to NTSC so you can view it on your existing
NTSC TV. This type of combination will let you view the PAL/SECAM tape on a
normal American NTSC TV set. Another benefit is that you can make NTSC
recordings of your PAL tapes. So not only can you watch the PAL/SECAM tapes but
you can also convert tapes from one system to another. This will enable you to
pass tapes to and from friends and family abroad. You can also transfer NTSC
tapes to PAL system. The key to video conversion is the Video Converter. The
better the video converter the better the conversion quality is. We do carry a
large selection of video converters
on our website. The
the CMD-1500 is an excellent model sold on our site. We also recommend
you look at one of our excellent VCR/CONVERTER
combos which include this top-notch video converter and a multi-system VCR. They start at $399 for a multi-system VCR with
a professional CMD-1500 converter. To look
at the features, pictures and exact pricing for all these models go to the
following URL: http://www.world-import.com/vcr.htm
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This paragraph will help you understand what TV digital and analog tuners
do and what they are used for. |
All Multi-System TV's, DVD recorders and VCR's have do not have digital TV
tuners. A tuner
enables a TV, VCR and to receive local TV (off the air from your roof top antenna or
rabbit ears) stations. Or cable TV, that is, if the item is equipped with a CATV
ready tuner. For example, a PAL BG tuner will allow the TV or VCR to tune PAL BG
TV stations in countries that broadcast in PAL BG, i.e. Sweden, Iceland,
Germany, UK, Australia, India and more. A NTSC M tuner will allow reception of
cable or regular broadcasting in the USA, Canada and Mexico. Check your
country's broadcasting system
here. The same rule applies for all NTSC, PAL and SECAM countries. We
mention what type of tuner each TV, VCR and DVD recorder on our site is equipped
with, within its description. A tuner is no way connected in the process of
converting video systems or playing tapes from different countries. A common
misunderstanding is that a NTSC tuner will allow you to play a PAL movie on an
NTSC TV. That is not true! To play PAL movies on a NTSC you need to read this
explanation.
Digital Tuners:
A TV with a built-in Digital TV
tuner allows it receive digital broadcasts over the air. Over the air means
reception through your roof antenna or rabbit ears. A TV with an ATSC tuner
allows for it to receive Digital TV broadcasting reception in the USA. A TV with
a DVB-T tuner allows for it to receive Digital TV broadcasting reception in
Europe and Asia (in specific countries where digital DVBT broadcasting is available).
For the very few channels are broadcast over the air it is not a very important
feature. That is why no multi-system TV at this time has a digital ATSC TV
tuner. We have many
multi-system TV models that have a DVB-T tuner.
We also sell DTV receivers. For TVs
with analog TV tuners we sell a HD receiver for $69.99. This digital TV receiver
box will take the off the air digital broadcasts and convert them to HDMI output
to watch on your HDTV TV. That will give you the best quality also. Please read
our recommendations and thoughts below also.
Our thoughts on digital TV
tuners:
A digital TV works best with digital
signals. Using an analog signal with a digital TV will give you very poor video
on your digital TV. The best digital signal is provided through an
HDMI (High Definition Media
Interface) connection from a digital source like DVD, Digital Cable or
for the best video quality use Digital Satellite service or Blu Ray. So, if you
have one of these digital sources a digital TV tuner is not required at all. So
all the hype about over the air broadcasting going all digital by February 2009
is not important at all based on our experience.
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What is Macrovision and what are Copy Enhancers? |
Copy Enhancers stabilize video signals for perfect copies. Normally,
if you try to copy a video that has copy protection your VCR or DVD recorder
will not allow the recording process to start. You will get an error similar to
"This type of signal cannot be copied!" or "Copy right protected!" or " Cannot
copy!", etc. We sell copy enhancers which removes all types of copy
guards. They are shown on our site at:
http://www.world-import.com/macrovisionkiller.htm. You can
use them to copy from your cable box, satellite TV, HBO, CineMax, DVD player to DVD
recorder, VHS to DVD, DVD to VHS, basically anything to
anything!
How they work:
Connection is simple. Just connect the copy enhancer, like
the
DP-X7000, between your source (like VCR, DVD player, cable box, satellite
receiver) and recorder (like DVD recorder, Hard drive, VCR, mini-DV recorder,
8mm Recorder, etc...). It works like a filter and like magic you can now record
any of your movies that you buy, already own or rent! Remember to take into account any copyright
laws that are involved when copying DVD or VHS tapes. Any unauthorized
duplication of any copyrighted media is your responsibility.
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What is a region Free DVD and
which model do I buy? |
There are 6 regions in the World. Click here to see the
World region
code map. Not only is a region involved in playing a DVD disc but PAL
and NTSC video formats also play a key role. A
region free DVD player will play
any DVD from any region in the World. A region free DVD player is also capable
of playing both PAL and NTSC formats. There is a lot more involved
in playing a DVD from another country. For example, DVDs from the UK are
region 2 and are in the PAL format. So, to play a region 2 PAL movie from the UK
you need a
Region free DVD player
that has a built-in video converter. These models are known as "Models
that work on any TV" on our site. Another example is playing DVDs from Japan. Japan is also region
2 but their movies are in the NTSC format. To play Japanese region 2 DVDs in America all
you need is a region free DVD player. No need for a Multi-System TV or a model
with a video converter as American
TVs are NTSC also. We carry
many DVD players that have built-in video converters.
These models are our most popular as they work without any extra equipment,
right out of the box! These are models that will play
any region DVD on any TV in the World. The
Sony DVP-NS508p is an excellent quality model that is also very
economical (less
than $100). For high end video quality buy a
Yamaha DVD-S661.
This model has a 3 way converter to enable playback of any
DVD on any TV in the World just like the
Pioneer DV-320, DV-420,
Toshiba SD-590, Samsung DV-P191 we sell on our site.
If you want a excellent quality DVD player with trouble-free operation then buy the
Sony DVP-NS508p from our site. It is available for a limited time only.
We now sell Region
Free Blu Ray DVD models also on our site. They are a perfect fit for your HDTV,
especially the TVs with full HD 1080p resolution. We recommend Multi-Region Blu
Ray DVD player models even for TVs that have lower resolution than 1080p. Blu
Ray DVD players will give you a better video output and better video
reproduction on your multi-system TV even when you play normal resolution DVDs.
It is not necessary to play Blu Ray DVDs on a Multi Region Blu-Ray DVD Player.
Our region free DVD players
will play any region DVD from any
country. Our region free DVD player will even play specially coded DVDs that have RCE and
REA coding on them. These RCE/REA coded DVDs are specially designed not to play
on region free DVD player. But our models overcome this code and play them
perfectly as well. That is our guarantee!
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Which Voltage Transformer to buy? |
There are 2 types of voltage transformers,
Step down Transformer and Step up Transformer. Both are explained below:
Step down transformers are used
outside of the USA in 220/240 volt countries. They take 220/240 Volts and "step
down" the voltage to 110/120 Volts so you can use your US equipment in a foreign
country. Check our
voltage/plug socket chart to see which countries use what type of voltage
and wall outlets.
Step up transformers are for use in the USA.
Or in other 110/120 volt countries like Canada and Mexico. They will take household
110/120 Volts AC and "step up" to 220/240 volts.
So you can use foreign electronics in the USA with a step up transformer. Check
our voltage/plug socket
chart to see which countries use what type of voltage and wall outlets.
Models:
-
Style A models are
only step down models that are good for continuous use 24 hours a day/7 days a
week.
- Style B models offers
2 way conversion. They have the capability
of stepping voltage UP or DOWN all by switching a button on the back of
the transformer. Style B models also offer a housing for the transformer
so you will not feel the heat generated by the transformer. They also
have multiple outlets (2-4 outlets depending on the model) and an ON/OFF switch
for added convenience.
- Style
C models also offer 2 way conversion and are similar to style B. They have
the added feature of a voltage meter that shows the output voltage.
- Style D models are
our best quality transformers. They offer Step Up and Step Down feature, an
output voltage meter and best of all Style D models have a voltage regulator.
The voltage regulator function assures a voltage output that is known as a
"clean" and spike free voltage source. So, if the input voltage varies (up to
40%) the output of the transformer will be steady at the selectable 220/240
Volts or 110/120 Volts. This model is perfect for use in countries that have an
unstable household voltage supply. Our customers use it in India, parts of
Middle East, Africa, South America, etc.. Style D models are the perfect
solution for sensitive equipment like; TVs, VCRs, DVDs, Computers, Printers, AV
Equipment, etc.. A notable feature of style D models is that they can be used
for regulation alone without converting voltage. So you can use also them as a
surge protector in any country.
Which size to buy:
What size (capacity in watts) transformer you
want to buy depends on the input watts required by your item. If your device
does not mention watts then use this formula to derive watts from other
information. Watts = Volts X Amps. For example, a 1.1Amp device which runs on
110 volts would be 121 watts.
Remember to leave at least a 100% slack for the transformer. Using them
to maximum capacity will eventually burn the transformer out after prolonged
use. So for that 1.1 Amp/121 Watt device buy a 300 watt transformer.
Some items, such as laser printers, microwaves,
CRT TVs/Monitors and power tools spike
when you turn them on. These "spikes" occur for a fraction of second but they
raise the required amperage 2-3 times than the normal operating Amperage. For
example, a 120 Volt CRT TV which normally runs at 2 Amps will spike to 6 Amps at
startup. So you would need to buy a 6 Amps X 120 Volts = 720 watts. For this
item we recommend a 1500 watt transformer.
We have sold voltage transformers for use with Refrigerators, Microwaves,
Stereo Systems, TV's, VCR's, DVDs, Power Tools, Hot Tubs and more. They have
worked perfectly for these situations and we have not had any customers complain
about their functionality or compatibility with such items. Please e-mail
us if you have any questions regarding compatibility of an item with a
voltage transformer.
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