Seems like there are a lot of folks with NTSC TV's in India who want to watch Direct To Home (DTH) on their NTSC TV using the settop box provided by vendors like Dish TV or Tata Sky and don't know how to achieve this. This article is about my research of this problem and the solution I found for it. Hope this is helpful to you also.
The Problem: The basic problem is that the broadcast format in India is PAL - so you need a way to convert the PAL broadcast to NTSC before you can watch it on your NTSC TV.
The Solution: The solution requires a PAL-NTSC converter for this to work. A PAL-NTSC converter works like this - it takes a PAL signal (typically coming out of your DTH provider's set top box) and converts it to NTSC format viewable on a NTSC TV.
After a lot of research I found a decent PAL-NTSC converter within my budget - The Com-World Professional Video Converter CMD 1200 - that actually worked. I had my brother in the US purchase one for me and ship it over. I connected the output of my DTH settop box to the input of the CMD 1200 PAL-NTSC converter and connected the output video of the CMD 1200 PAL-NTSC converter to my TV - and viola - wonderful picture with very good clarity and no black bars anywhere.
You can find more about the PAL-NTSC issues in this post here.
Hope this was helpful - happy viewing!
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66 comments:
Hey Maverick
I must say - found your NTSC/PAL issues article very helpful. I have kind of settled on SHARP Aquos 46" as the TV I am going to get since I am going to be returning to India from the US in a few months. This one supports PAL/NTSC color system on Component, Composite and S-Video inputs. It says color system cannot be set for HDMI input. Do you know if PAL/NTSC matters for HDMI input? Also do you know anybody in India who is using the SHARP LC46D62U successfully witout the need for a converter?
Regards
Rahul
Hi Maverick,
very nice information. Can you please help me with some more information on a home theater set up.
I am planning to get a home theater setup from US to India. I am from Chennai. I am hoping to take Tatasky (Or any other dish channel) when I get there. But I am not sure, how the audio outputs for Tata Sky actually are. I think they have a RCA outs which is basically analog and I don't think we have HDMI yet in India (atleast in the Tatasky set top box). So will the receiver be able to produce a 5.1 (or 7.1) channel sound from the output of the Tatasky set top box.
Also the FM tuners that come with the receiver, will it work in India, or do we need to get some tuners or adapters for that. I am planning to get ONkyo 705 receiver. Please help me out with this, as I am travelling in the first week of Feb. I will have to make a decision soon. Please share your experiences on this.
Hi Orchid,
>>>I am planning to get a home theater setup from US to India. I am from Chennai. I am hoping to take Tatasky (Or any other dish channel) when I get there. But I am not sure, how the audio outputs for Tata Sky actually are. I think they have a RCA outs which is basically analog and I don't think we have HDMI yet in India (atleast in the Tatasky set top box). So will the receiver be able to produce a 5.1 (or 7.1) channel sound from the output of the Tatasky set top box.
Audio outputs for Tata Sky are RCS Composite outputs - i.e. stereo sound. You can hook this up to your receiver and enable various DSP functions of your receiver and may be able to hear it from 5 speakers - depending on the capabilities of your receiver - but this wont be the same as 5.1 Dolby Digital - where there are 5 separate channels of sounds for each speaker. Pro Logic setting would be best for Tata Sky in this scenario (thats how I have it set up with my Tata Sky connection)
>>>Also the FM tuners that come with the receiver, will it work in India, or do we need to get some tuners or adapters for that. I am planning to get ONkyo 705 receiver. Please help me out with this, as I am travelling in the first week of Feb. I will have to make a decision soon. Please share your experiences on this.
Funny you should ask about this - because for some reason the FM tuner in my Yamaha receiver does not work in India. I havent bothered trying to find out why as I hardly ever listen to the radio. But my receiver is also 10 years old - so maybe thats why. My guess is that the Onkyo 705 FM tuner should work just fine as FM/AM is standard and well specified technology. You should try checking with the Onkyo service folks - post your findings here in case you find something interesting.
Hope this helps - best of luck with the move.
Regards,
Mav
Maverick 24,
thanks for your profoundly useful advice.im sitting on the same dilemma. Is there a way I can email you or talk to you?Im based in Washington DC and returning to des in three weeks.
Hi Srivasta,
Post your questions on the blog - I will try to answer them.
Regards,
Mav
thanks mav.
I am an IAS officer posted in DC returning home in mid Feb. Im looking at bringing back the SOny XBR5 and maybe a vizio plasma.
1.Do you see any loss in picture quality with this converter?
2.Why did you recommend this over KV-5000 and CDM-1500?
3. Do you also use a step down transformer and if so which one?
4. ANy thoughts on this one which appears to be more sophisticated?
http://www.lenexpo-electronics.com/ATLONA-MULTI-SYSTEM-PAL-NTSC-VIDEO-CONVERTER-p-16319.html
i forgot:
can one connect TWO TVs simultaneously with one converter? thanks a lot for your help.
1.Do you see any loss in picture quality with this converter?
>>I use the CMD 1200 with a 32" CRT TV and there is no perceptible loss of quality.
2.Why did you recommend this over KV-5000 and CDM-1500?
>> The CMD 1200 was quite sufficient for my needs and budget. Also I recommend the CMD series because it actually works. I tried a few more (dont remember the names now) and those failed miserable. The CMD performed very well - hence recommended.
3. Do you also use a step down transformer and if so which one?
>> Yes I got a step down transformer from the US - but this is unnecessary. Just get a good one made from India based on your specs. This can be easily done in India. Also convertors weigh a lot - so save you transportation costs also.
4. ANy thoughts on this one which appears to be more sophisticated?
>>> I tried and tested CMD 1200 and it works great. I would stick with that - unless you get a personal review from someone for this PAL-NTSC converter. In my experience finding a good working coverter is not easy - lots of false advertising out there.
5. can one connect TWO TVs simultaneously with one converter? thanks a lot for your help.
>>> Its only one TV with one converter. But you could get a Composite Video Splitter (depending on what video output you plan to use) and use that for 2 TV's - but the question is will you have 2 TV's so close to each other that you could use the same converter? I suspect not.
Anyways good luck with the move.
Regards,
Mav
Hey,
Was planning to buy an XBOX 360. Have a 32" Sony Bravia HD LCD. I am looking for a setup in my bedroom which is fairly small.
I am planning on using my laptop computer as my media centre. I have external creative 2.1 speakers presently in use with my laptop.
1>What speaker system gives a great value for money?
2> What region encoding issues am I likely to face with the XBOX?
Maverick,
thanks for the owesome research, you are sharing with us all.
I have an HDTV and want to know if if it is worth bringing that to India. My current inclination is to dispose this one off and buy a system in india. Price looks comparable now, is my assumption true?
Also, you said US microwaves does not work in India with voltage converters, because they depend on frequency, please confirm
Sam
Maverick,
Thanks for sharing your owesome research.
I am returning to India in 2 months. I have a Sony Bravia
52" 1080P 120Hz, LCD HDTV
Tuner: ATSC, Clear QAM Resolution: 1920 x 1080. It cost me $3500 here.
Someone told me the cost of a similar tv is around $10,000. Is this true ? Is HDTV available in India?
>>>>I have an HDTV and want to know if if it is worth bringing that to India. My current inclination is to dispose this one off and buy a system in india. Price looks comparable now, is my assumption true?
Well let me put it this way - the flat panel LCD TV's are definitely cheaper in the US to begin with - but when you add transportation costs of shipping it, a converter to convert PAL-NTSC, possibly voltage conversion as well and the fact that you wont have warranty coverage in India - then it starts looking less attractive. For instance I got my 40" Sony Bravia in India about a year back for close to $4000 (1.5 lakhs) - but you can get the same set in the US for about $1000-$1500 - so the price difference does exist - you need to decide whether the headache of handling all the issues with the US TV is worth the headache. In my experience with my US equipment, it is not.
>>>>Also, you said US microwaves does not work in India with voltage converters, because they depend on frequency, please confirm
Yes - microwaves need a lot of power to start with - these are commonly 1000 Watts and above - if you bring these to India you need a huge transformer and then there is always the issue of frequency conversion. Microwaves are quite cheap in India - compared to LCD TVs and you can get a good one for as low as Rs. 5000 ($100). So definitely dump the microwave in the US - as for the TV - its your call.
Hope that helps.
Regards,
Mav
>>>I am returning to India in 2 months. I have a Sony Bravia
52" 1080P 120Hz, LCD HDTV
Tuner: ATSC, Clear QAM Resolution: 1920 x 1080. It cost me $3500 here.
>>>>Someone told me the cost of a similar tv is around $10,000. Is this true ? Is HDTV available in India?
Yes that is true - cost of a 52" TV in India is around $10000
See the Sony India web site:
http://www.sony.co.in/product/klv-52x350a?site=hp_en_IN_i
And yes HDTV is easily available in India, most brands and most sizes - though it caps out at around 52". You may be able to special order larger sets.
Regards,
Mav
>>>> Was planning to buy an XBOX 360. Have a 32" Sony Bravia HD LCD. I am looking for a setup in my bedroom which is fairly small.
I am planning on using my laptop computer as my media centre. I have external creative 2.1 speakers presently in use with my laptop.
>>>>1>What speaker system gives a great value for money?
There are way too many systems out there in many price ranges. Get What Hi-Fi or AVMax magazines in India to get an idea of cost vs. features.
>>>>2> What region encoding issues am I likely to face with the XBOX?
Shreyas its not clear from your question whether you are purchasing the XBox 360 in US and plan to take it to India - in that case that is a bad idea - as the games and DVDs in India wont work on the US Xbox as regions will be different. Definitely sell the XBox before heading to India and get a new one there.
Maverick,
Sorry to bother u again. I leave US for good on 28th...barely 3 days away.I was abt to go by your advice and by the converter but i read on AVS forum abt difference in FPS and color decoder between PAL and NTSC TVs which makes it difficult to get identical picture as you would in the US (analog) or as on a regular TV in India.
Any thoughts on the issue of differences FPS (frame rate) and color decoder? May i request u to email me your number to srivatsa.krishna@gmail.com so that I can call you. I need to make this Go NO GO decision in 48 hrs and am confused. A conversation with you would be gratefully welcomed. thanks
Hi Srivastav
I am in the US at the moment - I will email you my phone number and we can talk.
Regards,
-Mav
Hello Mav.../ Srivastav
I sent my parents a 52" sony xbr to india, they now have tata sky there. will the converter you mention convert the tata sky to the tv.
Please let me know if you guys managed.
Thanks
Baj
Hi Maverick,
Any suggestions of which converter to use. I have a 1080p TV which I am getting to Pune. Planning to use Tata sky in Pune.
Either the:
ATLONA VIDEO / S-VIDEO + ANALOG AUDIO TO HDMI CONVERTER SCALER
SKU: AT-AVS-HDMI
on website: http://www.lenexpo-electronics.com
I have to buy in the next 2 weeks, so any advice would be very helpful.
OR
CMD 1200 for $259 at
www.220-electronics.com
Hi, Just wanted to let others know that, my Sharp TV - 52D64U series - worked in India out of the box. Both voltage and PAL signal was not an issue. I am using Tata Sky box and am using component cables to connect to the TV which accepts PAL signal.
This comment is for all those who need to know which TV to take back to India from US. FYI, all Sharp TVs have this feature.
Cheers,
Prit
Hi,
Your information about HD TV and the US and Indian Conversion is good. Thanks for the effort.
The CMD 1200, what kind of an Input does it need, is it an RF/S-Video or you name it.
What kind of a cable do you use to connect the CMD to the TV, Do you get it connected to the RF InPut or the S-Videdo. Does the Sound need a different cabling.
Pls Explain.
Thanks
David
>>>>Your information about HD TV and the US and Indian Conversion is good. Thanks for the effort.
The CMD 1200, what kind of an Input does it need, is it an RF/S-Video or you name it.
What kind of a cable do you use to connect the CMD to the TV, Do you get it connected to the RF InPut or the S-Videdo. Does the Sound need a different cabling.
Pls Explain.
David - I hooked up CMD 1200 with the S-Video connector - it also has the yellow composite video output connector. As for sound that is a totally separate thing - CMD 1200 has no sound options. I connected my TV tuner sound via composite to my TV and video connection of my TV tuner to the input composite video connection of the CMD 1200 and the S-Video output of CMD 1200 to S-Video input of my TV. Hope that helps.
Hello,
Thanks for creating such a nice blog, MAv. I have 3 quick questions. I am in US now and planning to take an LCD TV with me to India.
Can anybody confirm if SHarp aquos work in India? - It has PAL N and PAL M input but no PAL.
Also, do we get PAL to NTSC converters in India?
Do we get PAL to VGA 16:9 converter in India?
A 300$ converter must be the last option if u pay 1500+ for a TV!!
What I came to know is that PAL has the best quality and NTSC has more number of frames[30], so if we convert PAL to NTSC, we are in a loss of quality and with no improvement on frame rate [25].
Hi Prit,
I think you almost clarified my doubt, but India has PAL B, Sharp TV supports PAL N and M, meant for LAtin America. Can you please check and confirm if Sharp can tune in Doordarshan[Local cable channels\ not TATASKY stuff]or any local PAL DVD's?
What feature says that? I could not find anything in LC-52D64U's specification on Sharp USA website.
What should we look for?
Hey pragnesh,
I took a sharp and it works gr8 here in india :) though it says PAL NM etc....
Hi Pramod,
From overall reviews, I found that Samsung LCDs are better. So, I want to buy Samsung, but looks like ther eare less headaches with Sharp when I take it back to India. I am confused between Samsung LN40A650 and Sharp Aquos LC42D64U.
Can you give me your email/phone, I want to discuss this in detail, before I buy one.
Regards,
Pragnesh
Hi Maverick,
This blog is extremely helpful... many thanks to you and all those who have left comments...
I see a lot of Sharp recommendations in the comments sections. The Sharp LC-46D64U manual too mentions PAL compatibility and according to comments it has worked out of the box with Tata sky (without converters).
Are there any similar experiences with Sony Bravia tvs?? Where the TV has worked without converters??
Keep up the good work everyone and thanks for responding.
Maverick and all others:
This really is a great blog containing very valuable information.
I too have a question like many others - recently had a Samsung TV shipped (LN52A850 model) and I have a DishTV. The picture on Dish is shown in Black & White - guessing this is NTSC/PAL Conversion issue? If not, what else could it be? and if at all, I do need a convertor, any inputs would be appreciated.
and if any one would like to share a cell phone, a quick phone call would answer a lot of queries in this area - if OK for receiving a call :-)
Thanks a lot for your help!
- Atul.
Hi Maverick,
Great research! We are returning to India shortly and need to prepare for it. I have a Philips LCD HD TV (42PF7421D/37) which has HDMI input in addition to Component, Composite and S-Video. The manual talks about QAM signal display capability. Does this mean I could use this TV without a PAL>NTSC converter box if I were to get the DishTV or similar Indian HDTV service? If not, which is an ideal converter, given the HDMI input availability?
Another unrelated question: Did you use a container to ship your stuff back to India? What is the optimal solution there?
Thanks in Advance!
any updates on this issue? I have a Samsung LCD with ATSC and I have been watching B&W TV with tatasky...I am wondering if any new options have come up which are <$300 and dont compromise on picture quality!!
one more question! can you shed some light on the FPS discussion you had over the phone with Srivastava? also i read somewhere the converters work best only for analog signals...assuming sometime soon we will have HiDef Digital DTH service for channels i m trying to figure if this CDM1200 is my best bet on a converter for my LCD which is already now in India with me :)
I just bought the Sharp Acqos LC40E77U based on the above recommendations. I just want to make sure that it will work in India although it shows options for Pal M-N (and not Pal B). Also I read a recommendation that we should use the composite input to connect the home theatre receiver to the TV..is that correct ?
Lastly, Do I have to change the color system to either Pal M or N ? When I tried to check that, the options seemed disabled. Does it get enabled only when you connect the composite inputs ?
hey Maverick,
thanks for the post.
I have a few questions myself....
1) what do you think of this converter? http://www.world-import.com/international-kdv-6000-pal-video-converter.htm
I was curious to know if this will work instead of the one you mentioned.
2) how did you ship your stuff to India?
3) how much did it cost you?
4) how long did it take?
thanks much and good luck.
1) what do you think of this converter? http://www.world-import.com/international-kdv-6000-pal-video-converter.htm
I was curious to know if this will work instead of the one you mentioned.
2) how did you ship your stuff to India?
if u stayed in US for more than 2 yrs, u can ship it along with other stuff, customs duty will be very less.
else - order for a hard card board box or try framing it by an expert.I bought a big suitcase for a 32 inch, well anything bigger than 32 inch is a pain in ass.
3) how much did it cost you?
shipping in fed ex - 140-200 USD
4) how long did it take?
at max 1 month.
Note: Our offshore officers are very flexible :)
hi Sachin,
PAL NM are fine, they all work in India...for sure..cos i have PAL NM in India
I have a Samsung 52 LCD that I picked from the US, found a local person in Pune who gave me an AV digital converter for about Rs. 2700 and the TV works like a charm.
- Atul Gore (atulgore@gmail.com)
hi Mav,
thanks for your replies.
1) I have been here for more than 2 yrs -- but I am planning to send this TV for my parents in India. how do you think I should be shipping this? did you buy a suitcase and sent it across as a checked in luggage?
2) I was planning on getting a 40" tv. what do you think? is it going to be really difficult to get it shipped to India?
3) going through some of the posts here, it looks as if some of the tvs work out of the box without a converter. is that true? if so, what should I be looking out for?
thanks again and I look forward to hearing from you.
hi Mav,
thanks for your replies.
1) I have been here for more than 2 yrs -- but I am planning to send this TV for my parents in India. how do you think I should be shipping this? did you buy a suitcase and sent it across as a checked in luggage?
In that case u have to pay the duty or bribe them or else u got to be in India. Its better to ship it in Fedex[200 USD approx]. there are local cargo services in NJ.
2) I was planning on getting a 40" tv. what do you think? is it going to be really difficult to get it shipped to India?
It wont be difficult in New Jersey, contact Fedex...they are good at this. Its not difficult, but a head ache.
3) going through some of the posts here, it looks as if some of the tvs work out of the box without a converter. is that true? if so, what should I be looking out for?
See if ur sending it for your parents- just buy a sharp aquos[only brand that has PAL support in USA], cos it works out of the box. Else they wud need a converter.
thanks again and I look forward to hearing from you.
thanks Mav!
I will get Sharp Aquos 42" TV then!
what is the <2 yr clause for importing TVs into India? is it something that can only be used once every so many years? if not, I could probably carry it myself when I go on my next vacation.
also, you mentioned you bought a big suitcase? did you mean you packed and checked that suitcase in?
thanks again. your insight is greatly appreciated!
Hi Maverick,
I'm currently located in the US and own a Samsung LNT4032H which is NTSC/ATSC and supports a power voltage of 110 - 240. What I would like to know is a PAL/NTSC converter through which I can get an HDMI out. I'll be carrying my HDMI cables with me so that I can plug in my DVD player to the TV.The resale value for this TV is not much in the US and that is the reason why I plan to carry it along with me.
Also, if possible, please let me know how much will the customs charge me and can I carry it as a checked in baggage or should I ship it?
Thanks,
Chin
Hi..I have the Sharp Acqos 40" LCD TV. I connected it to cable yesterday (ant/cable) which is input 1 however i could only get picture (black/white) and noise from TV(no legible sound). Are there any settings I should be aware of ? Where/what cable have all the people having sharp used and what input did you connect to ?
I R2Ied 7 months back and have been using my US bought Sharp LC46D65U TVs (2 of them) with not hitch what so ever for the past 3 months. I have connected a tata sky box to the video 1 composite output and have not needed to buy any converter.
Good Luck all.
ur getting BW cos its NTSC setting.
check for some settings in software.
Now ASFAIK not all inputs in sharp takes PAL, i think digital inputs[3 pins red yellow ...] accepts PAL, but cable accepts NTSC. so try to get a analog to digital converter and give a shot....
i SHARP AQUOS from USA works in INDIA- tested and proven.....
hi CHin,
there are lots of local PAL to NTSC converted available in india, the only problem is with the quality of pictures...its really poor...i bot a converter before i knew that i didnt need it, but believe me it was like watching doordarshan, picture and sound is there - but you dont need an lcd tv for that!!!!!!!
i had to pay 80 USD in cash [bills??? ahem ahem] at bombay airport....u know wat i meant rite?
but the satisfaction of making the TV work in INDIA and realizing that you saved 50k......PRICELESS... :)
Hello Maverick,
My brother bought an LCD tv( LG moodel no 42LG30 ) in USA. He took it to india while coming from US and gifted it to me. I bought an PAL to NTSC converter and hooked up to my TV with DTH service.
But the some of the channel i am getting color but it was zoomed a lot. Suppose if i want to see NDTV the scrolling will be disappeared.
And the picture quality is very poor. The converter i bought in a local market in chennai which costs about 5000 Rupees.
Could you please suggest me why this problem occurs and provide me any suggestions for using a better one
I have a Sony 40" LCD TV Z Series bought in USA. It was advertised to have ONLY NTSC.
I connected it to Tata Sky STB and surprises of surprises!! It works!! I get BOTH Audio and Video in the quality that is expected of DTH.
Issue: The number of lines in PAL and NTSC are different. Consequently, I am finding that some of the bottom portion of the video is cut off.
I am currently thinking of getting a external TV tuner and fixing this issue.
This is a good Article. I just came back from the US last month and have a Sony 46" bravia tv. I am looking for the pal-ntsc converter boxes in Pune, but I am not able to find any. Can you tell me, the place in Pune to find such conversion boxes?
Someone also told me that switching to DishTV (from Tata Sky) allows you to view the channels on NTSC tv using the HDMI port. It seems DishTV digital box itself has the conversion feature. Is that true?
If not, can you at least tell me where I can get the pal-ntsc converter box?
Thanks in advance.
Abhi
Hi Maverick,
We just returned to Pune with our TV and PAL-NTSC convertor. I tried connecting the output cables from Tata Sky to PAL-NTSC convertor and then the output from convertor to TV. I thought this will help but unfortunately did not. I then called the convertor support line and they said that I need to set the video output from tata sky to composite..but i do not see any such option for the tata sky box. I asked tata sky people and they idiotically kept on saying only 1 thing tata sky does not work with ntsc..i told them i have a convertor still they said it will not work and we do not support NTSc :( not sure what to do next..can you provide some guidance please.
Thanks,
Shruti
Ashish,
Where from you bought this PAL-NTSC converter?I am based in pune and just returned from UK, I got Sony Bravia 32" with me and I have the same problem (I get black & white video)...
I too have Tata Sky dish at my home, I am looking for a good converter.
Did you succeed by now :) what next?
Friends, which is a best shop to buy PAL-NTSC converter in pune? What is the approximate price for that?
Appreciate quick response.
>>>>Hi Maverick,
We just returned to Pune with our TV and PAL-NTSC convertor. I tried connecting the output cables from Tata Sky to PAL-NTSC convertor and then the output from convertor to TV. I thought this will help but unfortunately did not. I then called the convertor support line and they said that I need to set the video output from tata sky to composite..but i do not see any such option for the tata sky box. I asked tata sky people and they idiotically kept on saying only 1 thing tata sky does not work with ntsc..i told them i have a convertor still they said it will not work and we do not support NTSc :( not sure what to do next..can you provide some guidance please.
Thanks,
Shruti
Hi Ashish/Shruti - if you send me your email address we can have a quick chat to see if the problem can be identified.
Regards,
Mav
hi friends,
I know how confusing and frustrating it can be if you have gone through similar issues.
I brought a Samsung 40" LCD HDTV ready from US (brought from Best buy - $600) + Jet airways additional baggage charge $50 = total charge for bringing the TV to India = $650. (did not pay any customs, this u guys need to manage, i heard if u dont know any one u need to pay additional Rs 5000/-).
Once after landing in Chennai, India....i brought the voltage converters that convert 220v to 110v...the catch here is when you go to the local shop to buy these converters he will ask for watts not volts and other than 110v u need to mention 60w, this is pretty much standard for all TV's brought from USA.
I quickly plugged in and connected the local cable tv, the sound quality was good and i was able to get the picture but it was in black and white(b&W) ..... :(
I called the local cable wala and asked him to enhance the signal for my home, i was suspecting that the signal strength is very poor so my picture is b&W, the cable wala did increase the signal strength and connected my home directly from a near by signal booster couple of blocks away from my home.....still the TV was coming in B&W :cry:
I then asked one of my friend in US who was travelling shortly to bring a PAL to NTSC converter ($179), ok now connected the local cable TV through the converter and from the converter to the TV, fantastic........i got the color on my TV finally, but the picture quality was pathetic.......my old 21" Hitachi TV quality was much better than this one.......i was frustrated again :angry:
ok so finally after telling my self that this picture quality is bad because of cable signal, so i ordered DISH TruHD, (Rs 2990 + 200 installation) the guy came installed and left.........i wanted to try with out the converter first........to my surprise the both sound and picture quality was awesome and my TV was coming in color.........with out using any F*ing converters :) .
The catch here though is i connected the TV with HD set top box from Dish TV and through HDMI port available both on my TV and the set top box...........now i returned the PAL to NTSC converter and got my money back and after going through frustrating times figuring out things.........i am finally happy and enjoying the LCD and especially the HD channels Nat Geo, Discovery etc.... amazing picture quality........though in India we are still using progressive scan, the picture and sound quality is 200% better than cable wala........
If u have any sepcific questions post them here i will be glad to help and share my experiences.... n'joy!
Sujith
Hello,
Thats a nice mail sujith. Didnt know that jet airways just charged 50$ extra for ur tv.
That was news for me as i htought 32inch was the max size allowed.
OK..just to tell u ...go for a sharp aquos and you will be free of all these issues. cos it has pal ntsc option, probably the only one with that feature making it a universal one. For rest of u guys. dont buy a pal ntsc converter, its waste of time and money from my exp. Just switch to some dish networks rather than cable guys...good luck
Sujith, Did you take the flight from JFK or EWR ??
How easy was it and how did you package it? and did u have 3 checkins for that extra 50 ?
Hi Sujith,
We have been sailing in the same boat using a LCD TV with black and white output from tata sky.Thanks for the post on Dish TruHD. Can you please check whether dish tru HD outputs NTSC by checking in your STB menu options.
Hello All,
New to this forum.
Just want to appreciate comments from Sujith.
I am also sailing on the same boat and bought Bravia KDL40EX700 in Japan(NTSC only). Shortly I have plan to send TV to India and really worried about availability of NSTC signal. But after Sujith's comments, I am bit relaxed now. Thanks Sujith for sharing this information.
Another small relevant question - Does TATA Sky HD also supports NTSC signal ?
Pls reply if you have any idea.
Hello All,
New to this forum.
Just want to appreciate comments from Sujith.
I am also sailing on the same boat and bought Bravia KDL40EX700 in Japan(NTSC only). Shortly I have plan to send TV to India and really worried about availability of NSTC signal. But after Sujith's comments, I am bit relaxed now. Thanks Sujith for sharing this information.
Another small relevant question - Does TATA Sky HD also supports NTSC signal ?
Pls reply if you have any idea.
Sujit and all, thanks for all valuable info...I am too sailing in the same boat...I have Tata Sky connection which has old type of set top box.I am wondering if I go for the HD set top box, will my problem of Black&White picture get solved???
Secondly, if I want to connect my DVD player which i bought in india few years back, it will need a converter, right...!!!
I tried it with my Sony Bravia (Bought in UK) but it too comes with Black & White video :)
I have Sony Bravia 52 in. that I brought from the US. I have been using a PAL to NTSC converter with the Tata Sky STB and this has worked fine. The Tata Sky STB has a single video output yellow cable and this does not render very good picture quality.
I have recently bought an newer PAL to NTSC converter that has HDMI output and claims to not need any STB (KDV 7600?). I wanted to try it out but the Tata Sky cable does not go into this converter. The cable has a screw in connection whereas the converter accepts a push in cable connection.
Has anyone has success with this without using a Tatasky HD STB.
I have asked Tata Sky for their HD STB (which I think will work with this converter in rendering the HD channels) but the STBs seem to be out of stock and Tata Sky folks do not even give an estimate of how long it would take to get them.
Folks,
Here is completely "think outside the box" solution that has been working for my Dad for some time now. He has a Samsung 32" NTSC (only) TV that he got from Best Buy in the US. It has universal power (100-240v) so it plugs straight into the wall in India. He has attached a Slingbox ProHD to my brother's Dish 722K receiver in the US. He also has a ProHD attached to a TataSky HD STB in India. At home he does not have *ANY* STB, just a 2 MBPS Airtel DSL broadband. The broadband feeds his Sling Catcher connected to the Samsung TV through HDMI cable. With the PAL/NTSC agnostic Sling Catcher he accesses both the US and the Indian ProHD boxes over the Internet, both streaming HD content. The colors and sounds are exceptional and the Cather allows a true "lean back" experience with a real remote!
Folks,
Here is completely "think outside the box" solution that has been working for my Dad for some time now. He has a Samsung 32" NTSC (only) TV that he got from Best Buy in the US. It has universal power (100-240v) so it plugs straight into the wall in India. He has attached a Slingbox ProHD to my brother's Dish 722K receiver in the US. He also has a ProHD attached to a TataSky HD STB in India. At home he does not have *ANY* STB, just a 2 MBPS Airtel DSL broadband. The broadband feeds his Sling Catcher connected to the Samsung TV through HDMI cable. With the PAL/NTSC agnostic Sling Catcher he accesses both the US and the Indian ProHD boxes over the Internet, both streaming HD content. The colors and sounds are exceptional and the Cather allows a true "lean back" experience with a real remote!
Now with the converter I bought in USA, I get good clarity at lower price. For details, read through the below section.....
I had bought Samsung 40" LED TV from USA and was searching for NTSC-PAL converters in Bangalore. Tried out 2 options and both didn't give good picture quality. I got it from Mohan Electronics shop in JC Road @ Bangalore. The converters didn't contain good names - all it had was "CVD - Multisystem Video Converter" as the label. The two versions costed me 7500Rs and 10500Rs. Luckily the dealer was ready to take the converters if it didn't work. There was one more for 15000Rs which I didn't try.
Latter my relative in USA bought one on the internet - "CMD-HDX200" for ~150$. It takes HDMI input as well and gives out HDMI output. This is used widely in Europe. You can find more info @ http://www.world-import.com/Com_World_CMD-HDX220_PAL_to_NTSC_HDMI_Video_Converter.htm.
I am very happy with this converter. Good quality at lower price. More importantly it can take HD input. Recently I shifted to Airtel HD DTH and I get good clarity for the HD channels. Before buying this, I enquired all the DTH providers and none of them were compatible with NTSC.
Regards,
Prasanna
I have PAL to NTSC signal convertor to watch the US based TVs in India. Its 3 months old and in good working condition. Gaurentee to work. Pl call me if you want to buy in Bangalore. Cost is Rs: 9500.
Viswesh Mobile: 9986041267
Hi Friends,
The Info in this blog is really helpful to every one.
I have Sony bravia KDL-32EX710 TV (NTSC only) which i want to bring to Chennai,India this month.
Please share your answers for the below questions Thanks in advance for your time.
1. Which one among Dish True HD or Airtel HD TV will be good idea to opt for? Am looking for options to avoid converters.
2. To be on safe side if any one knows please let me know the converter number
3. Do i need any voltage converter for the following specs
Power Consumption (in Operation) max. : 63W
Power Requirements (frequency) : 60Hz for UL,cUL 50/60Hz for other
(voltage) : AC 120V for UL,cUL AC110-240V for other
Here is the link to the modal specs
http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921666248687#specifications
Thanks,
Sankar
Hey Maverick, I stumbled upon your blog about US TV compatibility in India at the right time, thank you! I am in the process of moving from the US to Mumbai, India early 2014. Do you still recommend taking the Sony Bravia LCD TV along and how about a desktop computer, would that work too? And is it a good idea to buy a laptop in the US for India use/
regards
renu
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