NTSC compliant SCART TVs

[Epyx]

Does anyone have any experience with these *chinese* tvs:

http://kaimy.manufacturer.globalsources.com/si/6008825575114/pdtl/Color-CRT/1006232394/Color-CRT-TV.htm

Apparently they are NTSC compliant tvs with SCART interfaces...now its likely cheaper to just get an arcade monitor but just curious as there may be sources here in Canada or the US where these tvs can be purchased (Chinese malls here in Richmond, BC for example).

[Ummon]

Um, I don't think it matters what format it is (PAL or NTSC) when using scart, because you can set your modeline to that frequency format. Meaning, if you want to go SCART, get whatever you can....although if you're wanting to connect other sources that are NTSC, then sure try to get this unit and check it out.

[MonMotha]

There are two parts to TV standards: the video timings (refresh rates) and the chroma modulation.  These two pieces are often commingled, sometimes resulting in a confusing discussion.

"NTSC" as most know it (-M/-J as used in North America and Japan) specifies a 59.94Hz field rate.  The chroma is QAM modulated, and the phase reference of the oscillator is kept constant on each line.

"PAL" as most know it (-B/-G/-K/-I/-H as used in Europe and several others) specifies a 50Hz field rate.  The chroma is again QAM modulated, but the phase reference is alternated 180 degrees for each line (hence "Phase Alternating Line") to make any drift in the PLL go in opposite directions on each line, leading to less objectionable (note: not necessarily "better") color reproduction.

However, it's entirely possible to mix and match.  Brazil uses 60Hz power and runs their TV at ~60Hz field rates, but uses PAL style color modulation.  This is referred to as PAL-M.  I'm not aware of any countries that go the other way, but there are probably some.

But when using RGB via SCART or similar, the chroma modulation is entirely irrelevant.  There is no chroma modulation at all as you're feeding it separate components at baseband (this applies to YPbPr component, too).  Therefore, the only thing that matters is the TV's ability to handle the refresh rates you're sending it; you need not be concerned about PAL/NTSC color matters.  Most modern European TVs are apparently capable of handling 60Hz timings, so you'd just need to get one that can run on a AC line voltage you have handy (most of Europe uses 220-240V, not the US customary 120V).

There are some NTSC-M (North America) TVs floating around with SCART inputs, but most will accept at best S-Video via that input, and that's only if you're lucky: most only take composite.  I've never seen one that takes RGB or YPbPr (which is far more popular in the USA for TV connections than RGB) via the SCART connector.  Apparently the cable industry played around with using SCART for cable boxes way back when but gave up after a while.  That particular TV you linked however appears to be an attempt at a "universal" TV, so who knows.

[Epyx]

Thanks Monmotha, interesting read and of course has me even more curious about these Chinese sets hehe.

[Jack Burton]

You know, I've often wondered if it might be cheaper to just buy a new SCART enabled TV and decase it than to buy a new Arcade monitor.

Anybody around here ever investigate the idea?

[gumby510]

How can I find out if a TV is Scart? Is it a different plus like s-video out. I found this TV here http://lasvegas.craigslist.org/for/905464015.html on craigslist and she said it has a euro plug. Does that mean it can have scart?

[AloneIBreak]

How can I find out if a TV is Scart? Is it a different plus like s-video out. I found this TV here http://lasvegas.craigslist.org/for/905464015.html on craigslist and she said it has a euro plug. Does that mean it can have scart?

Since the TV is European probably it has a scart connection.
 

[Jack Burton]

You might want to make sure that they don't mean the European power plug. 

[gumby510]

ya from the ad im sure its a 120volt or whatever they use over there. My question is I'm sure it has an scart plug since it has a euro plug right I assume.

[Ummon]

Both in the wiki and at Wiki, there's stuff on scart. Then you'll have to see it. You could ask - but I asked someone recently whether their TV had component, I even specified with 'red/green/blue inputs', and the guy was still a goof about it and was wrong. No component. But I had to drive 12 miles to tell.