>Hi, I was wondering if any of you video people would know how I could
>view a video sent to me from Europe?  It is not compatible with my
>American VCR.  I know when we have sent a video made here to Sweden they
>have not been able to play it on their machine either.  Are there any
>places I can take my video to in Seattle that would be able to
>transcribe it into our system?  Thanks, Marilyn
>
You have the right idea, Marilyn.  You need to have the tape copied 
through what we call "standards conversion."  There are three major, and 
incompatible, technical standards in use around the world.  Here in the 
US, we use what's called "NTSC."  The two others are PAL and SECAM.  
Panasonic makes a VHS deck that can play and record in all formats, and 
let you play one format and record to another deck in another format.  
It's called the "W-1."  If you need this service a lot, you might buy one 
(around $2000).  If it's a one-time or very occasional need, you'll want 
to find someone who has one and get your tape copied.  
Hopfully you'll get a local response to your inquiry with a referral.  
Here in Raleigh, NC, the company I work for charges between $30 and $200 
to convert and copy a tape, depending on length.  Look in the yellow pages 
under "Video Production Services."
Good luck,
Gary Pearce
Franklin Video
Raleigh, NC
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