The world may be smaller and we may be able to connect instantly with someone half way around the planet, but that doesn't mean that everything is the same. I remember when I was in elementary school and we were being taught the metric system because it was said to be the "new world standard" for measurement. I don't know about you, but I still have measuring "cups" and spoons that denote "teaspoons" and "tablespoons" in my kitchen. Change is hard and we can be resistant to that change.
The same can be said for video formats. Even in the digital age there are several video formats in use. Most of us don't realize this. I can't count the number of times we received calls from people who purchased a coveted video on eBay from overseas only to find that it would not play in an American machine. (Quick Tip: Look for the letters in the product description... NTSC is American, PAL and SECAM are foreign formats.)
One customer brought us a tape that was filmed in Africa. She could find no one who could play it and it was irreplaceable. Video images of the first time she met her family tribe; dancing and singing with people who shared her heritage and blood. AND SHE COULD NOT SEE THE FOOTAGE! Thankfully we were able to convert the format and create archival DVDs for her.
Be aware of video formats sent to another country as well. You may film events with your video camera, but will family and friends be able to watch them in Italy? We've added a helpful map, courtesy of Wikipedia to help determine formats.
So remember, if you order or are sent a videotape or DVD from another country, make certain it is in NTSC format. If you are sending something overseas find out what format they can view.
Home Video Studio is adept in handling all video formats.
We like to say that if you can't watch it or listen to it, bring it to Home Video Studio!
~Sharon
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