How to Convert PAL DVD to NTSC and Vice Versa

Different countries use different camcorders and encoding standards. For instance, if you record a video in Europe using a PAL camcorder, viewers in the US won’t be able to watch it using their VCRs. Also, an NTSC DVD can’t be played on a strictly PAL DVD. In that case, you’ll need to convert PAL DVD to NTSC and vice versa. However, doing that is easier said than done because you’ll need the right converter and procedures. So if you want to learn how to change PAL DVD to NTSC, keep reading.

• Part 1: PAL vs. NTSC DVD
• Part 2: How to Convert PAL DVD to NTSC and Vice Versa

Part 1：PAL vs. NTSC DVD

For years now, most DVD players are made similar in sizes and are manufactured and assembled in China. This way, most of them are capable of playing both PAL and NTSC formats with very few exceptions. So what is the difference between these two formats?

• NTSC (National Television Standard Committee) is an analog encoding system that is mainly used in DVD players. Currently, this color-encoding system is also used in TV broadcasting in North America. NTSC comes with an aspect ratio of 720 x 480 pixels and is prevalent in Japan, Canada, United States, Asia, and South American countries.
• PAL (Phase Alternating Line) is another analog color-encoding system that is found in DVDs and Blu-ray players. PAL was designed in the 1950s and was supposed to address some shortcomings of NTSC, such as signal instability during poor weather conditions and more. It comes with a resolution pixel of 720 x 576.

So, when it comes to the PAL vs. NTSC DVD, the differences are very minimal. To begin with, PAL comes with 23.97 FPS (frames per second), whereas NTSC’s frame rate is 29.97. Another difference is the resolution lines with PAL delivering 625, with 576 being visible. NTSC, on the other hand, delivers 525 resolution lines with 480 being visible. This means that PAL boasts of 720 x 576 pixels (576p) while NTC has 720 x 480 pixels (480p). In short, PAL DVDs have better image quality since they come with superior resolution pixels.

Part 2: How to Convert PAL DVD to NTSC and Vice Versa

Up to this point, I’m quite sure that you now know a thing or two about PAL and NTSC DVDs. But the hardest part now kicks in – how to convert PAL DVD to NTSC and vice versa. Lucky for you, there are several downloadable programs on the internet that can help you do that easily. However, finding the right program can be problematic, and that’s why I recommend UniConverter. With this tool, you can copy your PAL DVD to NTSC DVD by altering PAL to NTSC system. Honestly, very few programs can do this with lossless quality.

Step by step guide on how to change PAL DVD to NTSC with UniConverter:

Step 1: Add PAL DVDs to iSkysoft PAl to NTSC converter

First and foremost, download, install, and launch iSkysoft PAL to NTSC Converter and then click the Burn tab. Next, click the drop-down arrow next toLoad DVD button to load your PAL DVD to the program.

Step 2: Make NTSC changes (Optional)

Below each thumbnail, you’ll see three edit icons. Click on one of them to start editing your PAL DVD. You can crop, trim, cut, compress, add subtitles, apply effects, etc. to your videos. Click Ok to proceed.

Step 3: Set DVD as NTSC TV standard and other DVD Parameters

On the right side of the template panel, you’ll see a small pencil-like icon that you’ll click on. Click on the drop-down arrow next to TV Standard and select NTSC. Again, click Ok to proceed.

As I had mentioned earlier in this post, both PAL and NTSC come with different resolutions and frame rates. Here, you’ll change the frame rate to 23.97 and the pixel resolution to 720 x 480. You’ll then proceed to set the Quality, Menu Type, and DVD Label.

Step 4: Convert PAL DVD to NTSC

Now you’re set to start converting PAL DVD to NTSC. But before you do that, insert a blank DVD into your computer’s disc drive and then go to the Burn video to drop-down menu to locate it. Also, remember that you can burn your video to a DVD Folder if you like. Lastly, click the Burn button below the screen and iSkysoft PAL Converter will begin converting your PAL DVD to NTSC DVD. In a few minutes, you should have your new NTSC DVD ready for use.

That was pretty straightforward. Download and install UniConverter If you want to enjoy these features plus many more. And yes, the download and installation process is pretty simple as well.