Jun 21, 2012, 3:05 AM
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Re: [Fuzzy] Sony PAL versus NTSC Model Numbers
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Sony's HDR-CX models with V or no suffix are NTSC models, models ending with E (including VE) are PAL models. (check here in my Sony camcorders overview)
for HD cams there is no difference in resolution, only in scanning frequency (60i NTSC / 50i PAL). there is one exception in their 2012 lineup, CX-260V has 60p/i and 24p scanning modes, CX-260E/VE offers only 50p/i (no 24p/25p).
Jun 21, 2012, 10:40 AM
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Re: [Fuzzy] Sony PAL versus NTSC Model Numbers
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one more detail, at least some cameras (CX-100(E), 105(E), 106(E), 120) have PAL/NTSC switch inside, check repair manual page 8 (download here), it is also visible on pic 4, 5, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 27 here.
(This post was edited by raceface on Jun 21, 2012, 10:42 AM)
Jun 24, 2012, 8:14 AM
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Re: [raceface] Sony PAL versus NTSC Model Numbers
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Is it as simple as flipping the NTSC/PAL switch? I was expecting the firmware would be different between NTSC/PAL models and would need to be flashed.
Has anyone actually tried this and can confirm it works? I won't mind a boost in FPS going from PAL to NTSC.
DSE (D 29060)
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Jun 25, 2012, 7:04 PM
Post #7 of 13
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Re: [Tim-O-T] Sony PAL versus NTSC Model Numbers
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In the case of the cams that have the switch, the firmware does not need to be flashed. In the higher end camera models, it's merely a clock switch that changes when the camera is rebooted.
Jul 1, 2012, 11:08 AM
Post #8 of 13
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Re: [DSE] Sony PAL versus NTSC Model Numbers
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Well, I tried flipping the PAL/NTSC switch on my CX100E, but it didn't work too well. Video and LCD are scrambled and flicker like hell (see attached). Flipped it back to PAL and all was good again.
Maybe the NTSC versions can be downclocked, but the PAL ones can't go up?
DSE (D 29060)
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Jul 1, 2012, 11:26 AM
Post #9 of 13
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Re: [Tim-O-T] Sony PAL versus NTSC Model Numbers
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Certainly possible PAL can't go up...I haven't had my hands on a stock PAL camera for a long time. 24p as a standard in the cams changed up my need to access PAL. When you rebooted the cam, did you get an error message of any kind? Also, what does the HDMI output do vs the LCD screen?
Jul 1, 2012, 1:24 PM
Post #10 of 13
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Re: [DSE] Sony PAL versus NTSC Model Numbers
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No error messages and I also did a hard reset. Video on the LCD was scrambled, but I could still see the icons, etc. Also checked the recorded video file info on pc and the metainfo still said 25fps.
Didn't try the HDMI output.
My guess is the clock can go up, but the cam software can't write in higher frame rates. Guess there is no easy was to change the firmware?
DSE (D 29060)
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Jul 1, 2012, 1:29 PM
Post #11 of 13
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Re: [Tim-O-T] Sony PAL versus NTSC Model Numbers
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In reply to:
My guess is the clock can go up, but the cam software can't write in higher frame rates. Guess there is no easy was to change the firmware?
Jul 4, 2012, 2:28 AM
Post #13 of 13
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Re: [garywainwright] Sony PAL versus NTSC Model Numbers
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Yeah, that screenshot was from a video recorded with the switch flipped to NTSC. (Its strange the handycam logo comes out in since that's only in the boot screen)
Video and LCD are scrambled and flicker like hell (see attached). Flipped it back to PAL and all was good again. 
Untitled.jpg
