NTSC PAL

[abc_exporters]

Just curious could someone tell me what exactly this is? I keep on seeing these mentioned on the boards.

[Thomas Jentzsch]

http://www.google.com/search?q=PAL+NTSC

http://www.atariage.com/common/video_key.html

[tearex]

Just curious could someone tell me what exactly this is? I keep on seeing these mentioned on the boards.

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broadcast_tel...evision_systems

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PAL

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NTSC

[Max-T]

NTSC is the USA/Japan standard for video/televison. PAL is the standard for the U.K. and some of Europe. The two are not compatible with each other. So if you happen to buy a PAL-format game for your American Atari, it won't work properly. And vice versa.

 

A lot of us (OK, I) have accidentally bought PAL games, only to find out that they don't work with our NTSC equipment. So make sure you know what your system is, and be careful what you buy.

[Susuwatari]

PAL games aren't common in Texas, how did you "accidently" but them?

 

There are a few cases where PAL would still work OK, Sega Master System is probably the most flexible system.

[Max-T]

Susuwatari:

 

I was dumb enough to buy a "Bomb" cartridge from eBay that turned out to be a PAL cartridge, instead of the much rarer NTSC that I assumed it to be.

 

It was totally my fault -- the seller had not specified the video format, but I didn't ask. Older and wiser now...

 

BTW, where I live (San Antonio), NO cartridges are common. Last couple of stores I knew of that sold Atari closed down last month. Have to drive to Austin, College Station, Houston or Dallas now.