I need PAL tapes converted to NTSC

[MWGemini 0]

About a week or two ago, I bought the VHS tapes Fly Like A Pro and Pack Like A Pro. Problem is, they are both in PAL format, but I am in the USA, and can't watch them. One of the video guys at my DZ said he could convert them, since the video room has both PAL and NTSC equipment (for jumpers with european video gear), but the tapes are copy protected, and he was unable to get them to copy.

So, is there anyone out there who could convert the tapes for me, or knows of a way that I could view PAL tapes on a NTSC system (or even recommend a capture card that would convert the signal that I could use with my PC)? Failing this, I'll just have to sell them and look for the NTSC version.

Thanks,

Mike

[AggieDave 6]

Why don't you contact the delaer you bought it from and switch out the tapes?

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[MWGemini 0]

Bought them used off E-bay, not from a dealer. Didn't realize until after the fact that they were PAL.

Mike

[AggieDave 6]

Ah. Well, with VHS technology, if it plays you can run it through another VCR and record it, since once it leaves the first VCR its simply a video signal.

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[MWGemini 0]

The video guy I spoke with at my DZ tried to do that, connected the PAL machines to the NTSC machines through his video board/converter/whatever, but said there was some sort of copy protection on it that made him unable to copy it. He has no trouble converting unprotected PAL to NTSC and vice versa from what he tells me though. I remember when I was younger copying VHS tapes that would constantly change contrast due to copy protection. This may be something similar.

I've read that there are video capture cards that can do the conversion, but I don't know much about them and don't have the time to research them. I'm hoping somebody on here knows how and has the equipment to do it.

Thanks,

Mike

[AggieDave 6]

Hmmm...I learned something tonight, didn't realize that and never had encountered it in copying tapes.

Try PMing Quade and/or Duece, they might have an idea.

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[MWGemini 0]

Yeah, some guys get all the luck

[LouDiamond 1]

Check this site out or do a search in the photg forum as it has been covered many times.

"It's just skydiving..additional drama is not required"
Some people dream about flying, I live my dream
SKYMONKEY PUBLISHING

[MWGemini 0]

The site you linked me to may not do anything for the copy protection, and I currently have no way of getting it into the computer. I'll check around in the video forums. Should've checked there first. I know the conversion itself isn't the problem, it's the copy protection.

Thanks,

Mike

[Frenchy68 0]

I do transfer from one system to the other about every week. But I am in LA... Cities with strong filoming industries all have duplication companies that can do it for you. You may have to ship them out though... Atlanta certainly has such companies. Also, be aware that when transfering from PAL to NTCS, you lose some definition in the process...

"For once you have tasted Absinthe you will walk the earth with your eyes turned towards the gutter, for there you have been and there you will long to return."