Buyer's Guide

Basics of overseas video

• Why can't I watch video tapes from overseas?
• What is a multisystem VCR?
• What is PAL, SECAM, NTSC?
• What video standard does my country use?
• Is there a difference between the video tape standard and the broadcast standards?
• What if I'm recording a broadcast standard onto a video tape. What standard is the video tape?
• What about PAL-M and PAL-N broadcast systems?
• Do I need special types of video tape to record in different video standards?

How to watch overseas video

• Why can't I watch video tapes from overseas?
• How do I watch video tapes from overseas?
• What do these terms mean?
• So using a multisystem VCR how do I watch my tapes?
• I've seen some multisystem VCRs that say NTSC playback on a PAL TV.

Camcorder FAQs

• What is a camcorder?
• What is the difference between the many video formats?
• Which format should I get?
• What model camcorder should I get?
• What is the different between a PAL and NTSC camcorder?
• Should I get a PAL or NTSC camcorder?
• Do SECAM camcorders exist?
• What are the inputs/outputs on camcorders for?

Codefree DVD Player FAQs

• What is a codefree DVD player?
• What are the 6 DVD regions?
• I currently have a DVD player. How do I know if mines codefree?
• Can I modify my own DVD player to be codefree?
• What warranties come with your DVD players?
• Are DVD discs PAL or NTSC?
• Since DVDs are digital are they still PAL or NTSC?
• Can I play CDs in your DVD players?
• Can your codefree DVD players play CD-Rs or CD-RWs?
• What is Regional Coding Enhancement (RCE)?

Multisystem VCR FAQs

• What is a multisystem VCR?
• Will a multisystem VCR let me watch my overseas video tapes?
• What is the difference between a 2-head, 4-head, and 6-head VCR?
• What is the difference between a multisystem VCR and a converting multisystem VCR?

Multisystem TV FAQs

• What is a multisystem TV?
• Will multisystem TVs work anywhere in the world?
• What areas of the world will a typical multisystem TV not work?
• How are your television delivered?
• Which televisions are stereo?
• Why are multisystem TVs different sizes than regular American TVs?

GSM Cellular Phone FAQs

• What is GSM?
• What is a SIM card?
• Where in the world can I use my GSM phone?
• Will a 900 baud GSM phone work in the United States?
• What does unlocked mean?
• Are your GSM cell phones unlocked?
• Where can I purchase a SIM card?
• When will I get my phone number?
• What language do the instruction manuals come in?

Prepaid SIM Card FAQs

• What is GSM?
• What is a SIM card?
• How do SIM cards work?
• Why prepaid?
• What are the call charges?
• How do I re-charge the SIM once it has been depleted?
• Can I keep my SIM card and use it later?
• Can I use different SIM cards in my phone?
• What happens if the phone is turned off and someone tries to call?
• Will my country specific SIM card work outside of the country of origin?
• Will my country specific SIM card work when I am on my cruise?
• Are there places the international GSM cellular phone will not work inside the service area?