What does PAL mean? Why do some countries have different video systems?

PAL is the type of video system used in many countries including the United Kingdom. In order for you to watch a DVD your VCR must send an electronic signal to your television. This signal is based upon the AC (alternating current) power frequency in the country where you are viewing the tape.

In most of Europe, Asia and Africa the power frequency is 50Hz so two television standards were developed - one being PAL (Phase Alternating Lines) and the other is SECAM (Sequential Color Avec Memoire). While PAL is used in most of Europe and former territories of the British Empire SECAM is primarily used in France, Eastern Block and Middle Eastern Countries. America's television standard was developed under the guidance of the National Television Standards Committee (NTSC), as the USA has a power frequency of 60Hz.

Please refer to the chart below to see which video standards each country uses. Primetime Video currently only supplies DVDs in PAL system, but we do have suppliers around the World so please contact us.

Please note, some VCRs are able to play multiple Standards - please refer to your VCR manual.