Is there an easy, simple way to convert a PAL DVD to an NTSC copy, using DVDXcopy or some other program? I am a newbie.
Why do you want to do that? Most standalone DVD players will let you play either format at the click of a button.
I have not yet taken delivery on the DVD in question, so don't know for sure, BUT: I own two standalone DVD players, both less than 9 months old, and neither one has any indication of being able to play PAL format. And I am not really wild about buying yet a third machine. ??
I assume you have read the guide to the players? Normally there is a button which converts playback immediately.
The user asked a simple question which I need answered as well. You are correct that many DVD players have the ability to play PAL and NTSC, however there are some noteworthy exceptions. Sony seems more intent on protecting it's intellectual property than servicing the customers of it's DVD players. On their website they say that the units sold in the USA play ONLY Region 1 and only NTSC. I just bought a sony dvp-nc685 to try out and I can testify that it is true. My old Philips 624 has no problem nor doe my Mintek portable. Sony wants to be an bumhole about it so they can take their unit back.
This has been answered before here: http://forums.afterdawn.com/thread_view.cfm/9383 Another way than that described in the post would be to use canopus procoder, with it you can easily reencoded the dvd to fit to a dvd-r and change the framerate from pal(25 fps) to ntsc(29.97fps)
