Question about Canon camcorder

[PaulM]

Hi all,

I have a Canon MV600i camcorder which I occasionally use as a PAL->DV converter for computer capture of old analogue footage.

I have an NTSC tape I'd like to capture and the easiest way would be to use the MV600i. Does anyone know if it's possible to switch it to accept NTSC instead of PAL input?

Cheers,
Paul

[paulw]

Nope. I have a Canon MVX150 (Optura 20) and it doesn't work. You will need to get a analog to DV converter that does both standards..

[PaulM]

Hi Paul,

That's not the answer I was hoping for but thanks for the bad news!

It's only a one-off so maybe I'll have to go back to an old Mystique if I can dig it up...

Out of interest, is it actually the hardware that makes it impossible or do Canon just like to make life difficult for us?

Cheers,
Paul

[degrub]

Maybe it has to do with a slightly different format - # of scan lines and scanning frequency.
If the hardware is not designed for PAL and NTSC, not a chance. Plextor has an external box that will do it i think.

http://www.plextor-europe.com/products/px-tv402u.asp?choice=ConvertX%20PVR%20PX-TV402U

or

http://www.plextor-europe.com/products/px-m402u.asp?choice=ConvertX%20PX-M402U

all you need is a NTSC or dual mode VCR to play the tape.

[paulw]

Hi PaulM.

I think it's software lock to PAL. I'm sure that the camcorder will do both but is locked to either NTSC or PAL. Never could figure out whey they don't bring out dual standard camcorders..