NTSC vs. PAL

[DexDex]

I have a Philips TV purchased in the U.S.A that uses the NTSC system. I am moving to Lusaka, Zambia next month and I want to know if my TV will work in Zambia. I understand Zambia uses the PAl T.V. System. Can someone explain the difference?

Thanks

[Philips - Rohan]

@DexDex

What is the model number of your TV? Older Philips TVs had multi-system but most newer models do not, so I will need that info before I can help you.

Also, Zambia uses 230V vs. 110V for US, consider that as well. Not all TVs do 110-230V.

[DexDex]

The model# 42PFL6704D/F7. The TV is 110V-240V 50-60Hz.

Thanks

DexDex

[Philips - Rohan]

That is a 2009 TV, it only does ATSC & NTSC and yes it is multi-voltage 110-240V.

What that means is it will not tune to PAL signals via antenna or cable, but for everything else, i.e. Cable/Satellite Boxes, Gaming Consoles, Blu-ray, etc. it will work just fine.

[PBE]

The local mains voltage isn't the real challenge. It's the nation's transmission standard. The standards in Zambia for terrestrial transmissions are PAL B&G and digital DVB-T2.

The 42PFL6704D/F7 sold within the US is only capable to tune in to NTSC-M and digital ATSC channels. This basically means that can use this TV in Zambia, but you can't use the internal tuner. You need a separate external tuner to be able to watch the local channels. Since the TV isn't able to decode PAL signals through its CVBS inputs, you probably will be limited to a digital external tuner. You might want to consider a tuner that can handle both DVB-T2 (terrestrial) and DVB-S2 (satellite).