Will an American VHS tape work in britain?

Factual Questions
1

I recently found out that american dvd’s won’t play in Britain, is this also true for VHS tapes? If so, is there any way to put somthing on an american VHS tape onto a tape that would work in Britain?

2

American video systems use the NTSC standard, and will not work in most international video players. You can have your video converted to the British standard (I think it’s PAL) at certain video stores, I think.

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3

Many Indian (South Asian) grocery stores will be able to help.

4

To clarify a bit:

It isn’t the physical tape cassette that’s different, it’s the VCRs. Any VHS cassette will work in any VHS VCR, however the VCRs can only record or play in their home system format (NTSC, PAL, SECAM etc.)

Although a blank VHS cassette might say NTSC on it, it will work fine in any VHS machine (except that the amount of recording time may be different in PAL or SECAM.)

5

Also, there are some VCRs with built-in converters. These can play both NTSC and PAL recordings, but it may only output one of the two (i.e. can only connect to one type of TV). You might look for them in stores that cater to foreign customers.

6

A DVD? I don’t see why it would not play on a Brit computer. They usually have international languages on them anyway.

People here are talking about VHS, thats not the same thing.

7

I think that some of the newer VCRs on sale here (Britain) have a PAL/NTSC convertor switch which will allow you to play CHS tapes from either format.

8

It’s not so much about British vs American DVDs, it’s to do with the region settings.

The following section should explain it much more clearly than I ever could…the quote is from the DVD FAQ.

I never touched him, ref, honest!

9

Any American VHS tape needs to fill out the appropriate paperwork and gain a permit before working within the UK. I’d consult an immigration office for details.

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10

I bought a VHS video from the UK, then discovered it was in the PAL format and wouldn’t work on my VCR. I never knew there were at least 3 video formats. Anyway, I got it converted so I was able to use it.

11

My VCR plays both NTSC and PAL, and all of the currently available (for the last five years) VCRs here have that ability. I would’ve assumed that in the UK they would be the same. No switches, no convertors, just an in-built ability.

However, in the US, NTSC players cannot play PAL. For some dumb reason.

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12

Like everyone else is saying ,yes, a US tape will play in a recent UK VHS machine, although you will only get a mono sound signal.
If you are having problems with the DVDs, then it’s easy to get the player fixed. To find somehere that will fix a machine just type something like “multi-region DVD” into a search engine, or go to a decent local independent HiFi dealer - it’s a very common practice and quite legal.

13

Like everyone else is saying ,yes, a US tape will play in a recent UK VHS machine, although you will only get a mono sound signal.
If you are having problems with the DVDs, then it’s easy to get the player fixed. To find somehere that will fix a machine just type something like “multi-region DVD” into a search engine, or go to a decent local independent HiFi dealer - it’s a very common practice and quite legal. :smiley:

I once lost my corkscrew and had to live on food and water for several days
(W.C. Fields)

14

Sure, if you can find anyone working in Britain to tape. :smiley:
Sorry, chaps. Couldn’t resist.
Peace,
mwngeorge

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I know what I need to know
And
I know what I want to know
Mangeorge, 2000

15

Wait a moment. If you have a NTSC tv, vcr & vhs video in Britian, itll work just fine.

I used to have a tv that came with a PAL/nTsc switch.

16

Bottom line:

VHS is mechanically and electronically the same everywhere, but the TV signal recorded on the VHS varies. The USA uses NTSC, the UK uses PAL. Therefore, they won’t work without a conversion.

Fortunately, dual-mode NTSC/PAL players are common in Britain. They’re rare in the USA, though (the easiest way to find one seems to be to go to your nearest big city and find a really sleazy, disgusting porn shop).

John W. Kennedy
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– Charles Williams