I own a Sharp 6-head multi-system VCR, and a Pioneer DVR-330 DVD-recorder. I have an NTSC-recorded tape. It plays OK on the VCR, on my TV. However, when I connect the VCR to my DVR (to convert the tape into a DVD), I can only capture sound with no video. The DVR shows on-screen a note "This signal's TV system is differnt from the recorder's setting". I reckon this is because the DVR is set to PAL system (the standard in Singapore). Would appreciate any advice/help on how I can record the tape into DVD using my 2 equipment...?
Most multi-system VCR's (VCR's that will play PAL and NTSC tapes) sold in PAL countries output PAL-60 when playing an NTSC tape. PAL-60 isn't genuine PAL, it uses the PAL video resolution but at an NTSC 60 fields per second. Almost all of the newer TV's in PAL countries can handle 50Hz or 60Hz so your TV can view the NTSC tape from your VCR just fine. I don't know for sure but I'm guessing your Sharp is sending PAL-60 to your Pioneer and your Pioneer can't handle it. Read the specs on your Pioneer to see what video formats it can read. If it can read PAL-60 then maybe you just have to change a recorder setting on the Pioneer.
Thanks! I contacted Pioneer as well and they gave me the exact instructions to enable the recording. Their after-sales service is highly efficient! The Pioneer DVR-330S is highly recommended: it can record from both PAL and NTSC sources onto a DVD that can be played in normal players once finalized. Cheers!
