My hd aus camera will not work on an american hd tv?

Question

I have the input cable but it wont work

Answer 1

Your problem is, the 2 countries have 2 completely different TV standards. In the US, it's called NTSC, here in Aus we have PAL. So you have a PAL camera. The 2 have different frame rates, and slightly different frame sizes. A few other tech differences too.

Check the playback settings on your camcorder. My Canon HD camera allows you to switch between PAL and NTSC output.

If you don't have that option, well it IS possible to convert between the two different standards, but in the US you won't find it easy (or cheap!). Your best bet would be to feed the footage into a PC or Mac. You could then either watch it on the computer or (if it has a DVD burner) burn a DVD from the computer, making sure you choose NTSC as the output type so it'll play on your friend's US DVD player.

Incidentally you would've had this problem even if you had an SD or even an old analog camera. Even a really old VHS camera!

Interesting fact: If this had been the other way round, a US visitor to Australia wouldn't have the same hassles. Most Aussie TVs, DVDs and even VCRs have no problem playing NSTC material. They build the converters into the equipment. Don't know why they don't do the same over there!

Good luck in seeing your video while in the US!