This may be a dumb question, but here goes....

What is the difference between NTSC and PAL and how do I jnow which my VCR can play and tape in?

Thanks guys!

Since you live in the United States, I'm 99.999999999999999....% sure that you have NTSC. PAL is used mostly overseas.

You have to special buy a VCR that will play PAL video's. I had to order the one I have through a company online because there aren't even any stores in my area that carry them. Some people buy a special box that they can attach to their cable system but I have an actual VCR, it's twice as big and twice as heavy as a "normal" NTSC VCR that switches between NTSC and PAL. They are expensive but worth it.

I have a question on this subject..

I traded with someone in Australia who said their VCR could play American videos. So I assumed the video I would get would be in NTSC. I have never seen a 'PAL' video before, so I was wondering what do they look like? The video I received looks exactly like a NTSC video, it even fits into my VCR, but when I push play I just hear fast talking (like it's in the wrong speed) and no picture. LOL, so I am not sure what kind of video this is. The girl who gave it to me isn't sure if it's PAL. :| Is there anyway to tell if this is a PAL video? Thanks so much

Yes it's a PAL video. That is what happens when you put one in your VCR.

They look the same, they use the same type tapes but the transfer from their "code" to our "code" is different, which is why you see the fuzz. The speed a PAL tape tapes in is much faster. If you tape a tape in SP in NTSC on a T-160 you can tape 2:40. If you tape in PAL in SP on a T-160 you can fit 3:51. When I'm sending overseas I prefer to tape in PAL because you can fit more onto the tapes.

If you want to send the video to me I can convert it to NTSC for you.

Yes here in Australia we can watch NTSC video but out video taping signal is PAL.Everything here is multi systemed TV's DVD's Vidoes.
Our videos go up to 5 hrs SP or 10 hrs LP,I think there are more lines per picture in PAl which creates far clearer picture than NTSC.And now we have digital tv which is even clear.We are lucky,For most of the world to have it except you guys,its good.I have got NTSC videos and they are very wishy washy in color.