NTSC vs. PAL

monger · 06-25-2001, 11:28 PM

I was thinking the other night, that if we could find some LCD's that accepted PAL video format, it could be a intermediate between NTSC screens and VGA LCD's with controlers.

As is my understanding, the PAL video format has about 1/3 more scan lines as compared to NTSC. This could give us a slightly better resolution for our setups without biting the bullet and spending a fair amount of money on a controler card for a laptop LCD.

Here is a link about the PSone screens that explains the differences between the 2 video formats. somewhat....

Just a thought

Tech^Cellfish · 06-26-2001, 08:21 AM

I live in Europe so I am used to PAL.

But it is not a big deal cause most
vid cards with tv-out can output both
systems.

ppgt94 · 06-26-2001, 03:18 PM

I'm not sure if it would be an intermediate. Going from any composite video signal to VGA is a huge jump in quality. We're not only talking signal, but the VGA LCD modules themselves are better. I'm not trying to discourage you. I guess I'm just so suprised by my vga setup I have to make sure that if possible, you try to go vga. I wish you luck and would like to know if there really is a noticable diff. between NTSC and PAL? I never noticed it.

PaulzY · 06-27-2001, 02:38 AM

if you could get a pal one with s-video inputs, not rca then that might make i bit difference, but on such a small screen it might not be noticable enough.

oh yeah your vid card would have to have s-video out puts as well

monger · 06-27-2001, 09:16 PM

I think that you all kinda missed the point of this topic. My own system is up and running, and has been for about 3 years now. I started this topic for those who were just starting their systems. PAL does have a higher resolution than NTSC, and your right, it cant compare to VGA, but it is a alternative to consider. The screens themselves (NTSC and PAL) are comparatively priced, but PAL is slightly better resolution for those of us who dont want to spend all the $$$ for a VGA setup. Remember that some of us are on a tiny budget and want the most bang for the few bucks that we can spare.

I myself was planning on getting a 11' VGA screen for my Jeep, however today the old beater just turned over 270,000 miles and I think that the money would be better invested in a little preventative matainance, i.e. a rebuild kit for the motor. (first one it has ever seen)

anyway, I have had too much to drink already and I think that if you can understand this message, then you are doing good.

have fun all.

Dartman111 · 06-27-2001, 11:19 PM

PAL will not provide better resolution on a small LCD screen. The small LCDs do not even have the same amout of lines NTSC has, but a controller compresses the signal so that it can be shown. Likely, a PAL LCD will be the exact same screen and resolution as an NTSC one, but with a different controller. If anything it would make it worse since there would be more lines it had to compress.

monger · 06-28-2001, 08:04 PM

That I did not know.

thanks for the info