Which is better, NTSC or PAL?

filmguy123

Veteran
Which one is actually the superior format from an objective standpoint? Obviously this may be debatable... but for example, most people would agree the metric system of measurement is superior to what we use here in the states....

How about with NTSC vs PAL? If we had to switch to one universal format, which would be ideal?

And why?
 
Just for the lenght of the name PAL I would choose that...... For an objective standpoint.... I would choose PAL, But now with hd and etc I don't know..... Before PAL had more resolution.. More lines, but now the diferences lay in HZ and framerates.....
 
If we had to switch to one universal format, I think it should be 1080/48p. It's not a real format--yet, but it's fast enough to look like video when you need it, and you can shoot 24p and have it displayed in its native format. No more messing around with pulldowns! (Unless you're trying to show 30p/60i material. That could be a problem!)
 
PAL more resulotion to work with less frames to render.
and its prettier then NTSC. Especially in 16:9.
 
NTSC is about 30 fps, and PAL is about 25.

NTSC is 60 fields per second (60Hz standard current in the USA) while PAL is 50 fields per second (50Hz current standard in the UK and elsewhere).

NTSC=Never Twice the Same Color. PAL=Perfection at Last.

Draw yer own conclusions.
 
I moved from Canada to Europe, and therefore NTSC to PAL, and the difference is striking in SD. In HD however, not much difference except for frame-rates. I shoot everything either 24P or 25P anyway, and they're close enough to work with on the same timeline.
 
I moved from Canada to Europe, and therefore NTSC to PAL, and the difference is striking in SD. In HD however, not much difference except for frame-rates. I shoot everything either 24P or 25P anyway, and they're close enough to work with on the same timeline.

If you shoot DVX (SD), PAL is a clear winner - just look at LAND OF PLENTY (PAL) compared to LONESOME JIM/NOVEMBER (NTSC). There's a clear difference in quality. But yes, in HD not much difference.

I think PAL should be the universal format.
 
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