PAL and NTSC Video Formats FAQ

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Posted by - NA - on 21 06 2008 08:44 AM

"What is all this about PAL and NTSC?"
"What are the policies about ordering different video format products?"

PAL / NTSC are different video formats, and when buying you often need to make sure the format matches the destination country. That's essential in the case of analog TV tuners, and important in the case of CCTV cameras and surveillance equipment when you're combining cameras with receivers (they need to match systems).

Click here to read a general introduction to the PAL / NTSC problem.

Some Chinavasion.com products are available in only PAL, or only NTSC, but most products can be offered to you in both versions. Additionally some products are available in SECAM formats.

At Chinavasion.com, your needs come first and we're more than willing to help you in any way we can. Read on for full details of how you can find the right products.

Please always check in the description that the product you are ordering is compatible with the video (and other) standards in your order destination region!

First, check if the product has PAL / NTSC auto switching:

Ultra Double Din 6.2 Inch LCD Car DVD with Touchscreen + TV
[CVSF-1003]

"Video Color System: PAL / NTSC with Auto Switching"

No problems here! It can handle both PAL and NTSC video input.

However if the product is PAL only or NTSC only, you need to search to see if there is another version.

Micro 1.2GHz Wireless Pinhole A/V PAL Camera + Receiver Set
[CVAJM-007AS-PAL]

Oh no! It's the PAL only version! I'm in the USA and I want the NTSC one!

Grab the first part of the item code from the description...

...and stick that into the search box...

Hit "GO" and now you'll see the other version!

What If There ISN'T ANOTHER VERSION on Chinavasion?

If you see an item you like but want to buy it in either the PAL or NTSC format... we are more than willing to accommodate you, but do request that you place a 25-piece minimum order quantity for IP surveillance cameras, receivers and surveillance equipment and a 10-piece order for car DVDs.

When you place your order you can let us know that you want your purchases in a different format in two ways. You can...

- write a note in the comments box of your order requesting a change of product before your order is processed - all orders are checked by us for your special requirements before packing in the warehouse;
- or you can create the order, not pay, and email customer support with your order number and the color format you want the device to be in.

We will then try to make a special order to ensure that you get exactly the items that you want in exactly the format that you need.

Here are the minimum order quantities for getting you the other versions from the manufacturer:

25 pieces (for surveillance cameras, receivers and security equipment.)
10 pieces (for car DVD players)

Because in these cases, where the item is not listed on Chinavasion.com, the items are not in stock in our warehouse, it can take 5-10 days to get the new pieces manufactured and sent to Chinavasion. So please allow a little more time than usual in such cases, and Chinavasion can't guarantee that specials items can be sourced. We'll do our best though!

What If I Add The Wrong PAL / NTSC Version To My Cart?

If you didn't pay for an order you can cancel the order by opening a ticket - or ask us if we can change the item in your order before you pay.

If you already paid for your order, you need to contact us to request a change. Please request changes within 48 hours of paying for your order or else we cannot guarantee any change can be made. If the order is already sent out, no change will be possible.

If you pay for an order with "wrong" items, Chinavasion will send you what you ordered. You are responsible for choosing and ordering the correct models of product for your destination region. No returns can be accepted in cases of mistaken ordering.

Examples of Products Affected By PAL / NTSC Issue:

All Security Cameras and Video Receivers