I have been given a DVD - I was told it was in NTSC format but when I checked on my computer it said MPEG2. Is this the same or can anybody explain the diffrence please.
MPEG is the codec used to encode the video so that it will fit onto a DVD. It compresses raw video, which is then decoded by your DVD player or your software. NTSC is a video standard which is used in north america, PAL is used in Europe. NTSC basically means that the video is played at 29.97 frames per second at 50Hz, which differs from PAL. On a PC this does not matter, but if you try to play an NTSC DVD on a PAL TV or vice versa you may have problems. I'm no expert on the subject though.
Thanks for that Addis but forgive me for being a bit slow - but does that mean my DVD is still NTSC format? :doh:
please forgive me if i'm wrong, cos i'm not an expert in this subject either, but, the way i understand it, PAL, NTSC & SECAM are broadcast formats (TV) & are very similar, however, by the year 2012, the UK will be using DVB-T (if everything goes to plan) Source BTW: sorry, just realized that i wasn't helpful
I don't believe there's a way to check the DVD's region, unless your DVD player is set to a specific region, then it'll let you know if the regions are compatible. Some DVD playing software is set to Region 2, which is PAL, it depends on the software and where you live really.
So not able to check format? But thanks all for your input. and DVT-B in 2012 then D42 - I shall be even more confused then
On the case and DVD label there should be a small box with a number on it, indicating the region as well as the signal format (NTSC/PAL). For the DVD case, it should be on the back toward the bottom with the major credits and rating (TV-G or such for TV shows or PG, PG-13, etc. for movies).
