Posted by Rob Neal on
URL: https://www.shado-forum.com/Australian-UFO-DVD-discs-are-all-region-tp1509927p1509971.html

I think a little technical explanation is in order here:
NTSC format (National Television System Committee) was developed in
the USA to synchronise film projector motors with the mains frequency,
hence 30 frames per second on a 60hz mains frequency. Similarly, the
European PAL standard (Phase Alternating Line) accommodated the 50hz
mains and ran 25fps. There are many other differences but sufficient
to say it is unlikely to change for a long time.

DVD regions were brought about due to the fact that most major film
releases start in North America (zone 1) - Prints costing up to
$100,000 a set are distributed to the cinemas throughout USA and
Canada. Once they have been shown, then the Zone 1 DVD can be launched
for domestic viewing. Meanwhile, the prints are cleaned, repaired and
checked before being shipped to Europe (Zone 2). For obvious reasons,
the film companies would not wish to see US DVDs shipped to Europe
whilst the movie was still on theatrical release, and so the DVD zone
system was introduced to prevent this happening. Again, the prints are
returned, cleaned and sent on to the next region and so on, as the DVD
for that zone is then sold.

The Australian UFO set is all zones as it is a 30 year old TV show,
and there are no commercial conflicts.

I hope this helps explain some of the peculiarities of film distribution.




--- In [hidden email], "Marc Martin" <marc@...> wrote:
>
> > Most new TV's will convert PAL/NTSC and vice-versa automatically
as the
> > same chip is used world-wide. Older televisions will need convertor.
>
> maybe this is true for most parts of the world... however, in the USA,
> I think most TV sets sold (even today) don't recognize PAL. I think
> this is a special feature which must be sought out specifically.
>
> Marc
>