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#PAL on NTSC machine?

5 messages in this thread

#133908From: Adrian AshfieldFeb 26, 1994 4:11 PM

Does anyone know what problems there are in running US (NTSC) programs on an A1200 PAL machine? I have to go to the Middle East and would like to take a 1200 with me. I could use an NTSC 1200 with Bigfoot to correct the voltage, but I want to leave the computer with my contact there, who presumably would then buy PAL programs. As there are NO 1200s currently available in the U.S. I'm also tempted to get a Mac Powerbook 145b. It would be much easier to carry. But, I prefer to spread the Amiga gospel if there is a way. Programs I want to run include word processors, spreadsheet & paint. Any comments? t

#134071From: Richard DanielFeb 27, 1994 8:39 AM

Adrian, To run NTSC software on PAL systems and PAL on NTSC on a 1200 you can change the display to either PAL or NTSC in the Early startup menus. Just hold down the two mouse buttons while booting up and the display menu comes up. Then by pressing any key you can change from NTSC to PAL and back again. You can also do this through the display option by selecting the display mode you want. This should allow you to run whichever display system you wish. —-Richard Daniel.

#134217From: Adrian AshfieldFeb 27, 1994 8:32 PM

Thanks for you advice Michael & Shraddhan. A further question; any suggestions on an inexpensive dual voltage monitor for NTSC here and 220V & PAL there?

#134347From: Richard DanielFeb 28, 1994 2:52 PM

Adrian, All I can say is that most monitors come with a voltage selector, so you can change between different input voltages eg 220 and 115 or whatever. Keep the Amiga name in the Middle East if you can, it does a lot for the machine!! —–Richard Daniel.

#134083From: ShraddhanFeb 27, 1994 10:34 AM

Adrian, I use a PAL machine here in Britain and have never had any problems with NTSC/PAL incompatibility. The differences between the two systems are: (1) PAL has a slightly lower refresh rate than NTSC, so you may get a tiny bit of flicker. (2) The more important difference is that PAL systems have about 20% more lines to the screen. So, either you will end up with a blank border at the top and bottom of the display, (this usually happens with games), or the software will recognise that the screen is bigger and adjust itself accordingly. Regards, Shraddhan (via AP from Hertfordshire, England)