How to Convert a PAL DVD to NTSC with a Video Converter

To convert PAL to NTSC, follow these simple steps:

Download, install, and launch Movavi Video Converter.
Add your NTSC or PAL DVD.
Select the appropriate format.
Convert the DVD.

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Edited by Shafin Tech

December 1, 2024

22,017

Different countries use different analog television encoding standards. If you record your video in the United States using an NTSC camcorder, people in Europe will most likely be unable to watch it on their VCRs. Also, a DVD recorded in the NTSC format cannot be played on a DVD player that supports only the PAL format. So what’s the difference between these formats?

The PAL (Phase Alternating Line) format is common for Europe and Asia. PAL is used in almost all Western European countries, Australia, and in some countries of Africa, South America, and Asia.*

NTSC (National Television System Committee) is a Color TV standard for the United States, Canada, Japan, and other countries of North and South America and Asia.

Here are some issues you may be familiar with.

A clip is to be seen internationally

If you want your video to be seen around the world, consider converting its format to NTSC. The reason is simple – PAL players can play NTSC videos, but NTSC players can’t usually handle PAL.

The video playback is jerky

If your PAL video is jerky, the chances are you have an NTSC player. What you can do is get a native device, so the footage doesn’t lag, or simply transfer the video to NTSC using the Movavi converter.

Your device won’t play the video

If your player doesn’t support PAL videos, the device may not be compatible with this format. To get around this problem, just convert your videos to NTSC with Movavi Video Converter.

Below, we’ll explain how to convert PAL to NTSC or vice versa and learn more about the difference between these formats.

Convert PAL to NTSC in 5 easy steps

To resolve the incompatibility problem of the NTSC and PAL video formats, it’s best to use software that can change PAL to NTSC and vice versa. Movavi Video Converter offers just what you are looking for! Our convenient NTSC-to-PAL converter will allow you to transfer between these formats. Just download the appropriate version of the software for Windows or Mac and follow the steps below.

Step 1. Download and install the PAL-to-NTSC converter

Download the Movavi video-converting software. After the download is complete, run the installation file and follow the on-screen instructions.

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Step 2. Launch the converter and open a DVD

Start Movavi Video Converter. Hit the Add Media button, then choose Add DVD, and click Open DVD. Locate the VIDEO_TS folder on the DVD to add the DVD video files that you want to convert to the program.

Step 3. Choose the PAL/NTSC preset

Open the Video tab and go to the DVD-Compatible Video category. There, you can choose any of the available PAL or NTSC presets.

Step 4. Convert the DVD

Click the Save to button to specify the target folder to save your converted files, then click Convert. Conversion between PAL and NTSC couldn't be simpler!

Step 5. Burn the DVD (optional)

If you use Windows and want to burn your PAL or NTSC videos to a DVD right after conversion, use Movavi Video Suite for Windows. This comprehensive software package will help you with these and many other video processing needs. In addition to Movavi Video Converter, the suite contains a DVD-burning module and tools for video editing, splitting, screen capturing, and more. Try Movavi Video Suite and see how easy it is to create, convert, and burn videos all in one go.

Download Movavi Video Suite

With Movavi Video Suite installed, you need only to insert a writable DVD into your DVD drive and click Burn Disc to make a DVD from your files. As you've already selected a DVD-compatible preset in Movavi Video Converter, there is no need for the videos to be re-encoded into the DVD format, so writing the videos to a DVD will only take a few minutes.

* There's also a format called SECAM (Sequentiel couleur avec memoire, French for “sequential color with memory”). France, most countries of Eastern Europe, many Asian and some African countries broadcast in SECAM. Some SECAM countries are currently switching to PAL and broadcasting in both the PAL and SECAM formats.

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NTSC vs. PAL – comparing formats

What is the difference between these two video systems? Find out in this PAL vs. NTSC comparison.

Comparison parameter

NTSC

PAL

Full form

National Television System Committee

Phase Alternating Line

Supported regions

Japan, North America, and most of South America

UK, Australia, Africa, most of Europe and Asia

Audio carrier

4.5 MHz

5.5 MHz

Video bandwidth

4.2 MHz

5 MHz

Lines/field

525/60

625/60

Frames per second

29.97

25

Aspect ratio

720 × 480 pixels

720 × 576 pixels

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