Planet 3000

Guide to Frequently Asked Questions
and Important Info

- How do I view different standards of tapes? What do you recommend in order to do so?
- What's the difference between 4.43 and 3.58 NTSC?
- Why is the TR-10SP Standard Converter the best?
- How can I legally save money on duty?
- Standards Conversion Chart
-Satisfaction guaranteed
- How can I order?
- Warranties

How Can I View Different Standards of Video Tapes on my TV and VCR?

To view tapes of different standards you need either a multistandard VCR and a multistandard TV or a multistandard VCR with converter built-in or one (a multistandard VCR) with a stand-alone converter connected by cable "in-line". If you want to convert one standard into another and have a tape that you can send to a friend or a client you must have a multistandard VCR, a converter (such as the TR-10SP - best images at the best price) and another VCR or, a VCR with built-in converter such as the SAMSUNG SV-4000 and another VCR. It's the same principle as making a copy of an audio cassette tape where you must have two separate devices that read and record.
Want the very best in a combo VCR/Converter? Then get the SAMSUNG SV-4000. Expensive, but worth every penny. This is a good choice for those who want the convenience of a one piece unit and need a high quality conversion. Remember that you still need another VCR in order to make copies.
The cheapest solution for converting is the Aiwa MX-1. This costs in the $600 range. Quality is inferior but nevertheless the Aiwa fulfills the needs of the average client.
If you want top notch quality and still priced lower than the Samsung, I would strongly suggest one of the Ten Lab converters. The conversion signal is strong and (even broadcasting studios use the Ten Lab!) you can combine it with the multistandard VCR of your choice.
If you're planning on getting into the conversion business then this is what you will want. Much more on the Ten Labs in the Ten Lab faq.

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What's the difference between NTSC 3.58 and NTSC 4.43?

VCRs having NTSC 3.58 MHz (USA standard) can play NTSC tapes on only NTSC 3.58 MHz TVs (i.e. any found in the USA for normal use).
Many VCRs have both 3.58MHz and 4.43MHz. In this case the 4.43 MHz signal can be played ONLY on 4.43 MHz TVs (usually found in Europe but I sell all of the products as well). The color in each of these is not compatible with the other so if you play an NTSC 3.58MHz tape on a 4.43 MHz VCR the image will be perfect but in black and white.

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Why is the TR-10SP Standard Converter the best?

To get a true converted image and of superior image quality only a true converter will do and the TR-10SP ($549.95) has the
latest Digital Chipset and circuitry and produces broadcast quality results not even available at any price just a few years
ago. The TR-11SVH ($699.95) handles both S-VHS and VHS formats.
A true converter changes all technical specifications of the NTSC signal which includes line resolution, 60 to 50 Hertz, color
sub-carrier frequency and much more. With a true converter a converted image can be recorded and/or viewed and recorded at the same time.
By getting a VCR and converter you'll be able to use ANY TV on earth, of any size and anywhere and ALSO be able to make copies of CONVERTED tapes for shipping overseas or for yourself.

Combine any Multistandard VCR with the TR-10SP Converter (or any TENLAB converter such as the TR-11SVHS which does S-VHS, Hi-8MM etc. as well as normal VHS) and you'll have superb conversion results, true Broadcast quality.
The TR-11SVHS can accept standard RCA (VHS, 8mm etc.) or any S-CONNECTOR source (such as S-VHS, HI-8MM, DVD, Laserdisc, Digital Camcorder, Computer S-Out etc.). Truly a professional device.
The PAL or SECAM to NTSC image will be so good you probably can't tell the difference between it and the original! The NTSC signal has less electronic information in each frame so when converted to PAL you can see a slight degradation from the original but it's still the best converted image I've ever seen for under $22,000.
Need customer recommendations? I have lots! Ask.
Have you heard cheaper converters exist? They do. Most aren't actually converters though they use the name. Even though they are available to us we won't sell them. Want to know why? Ask for our FAQ file on them. Sadly we would soon go out of business trying to sell these cheap Taiwan or Chinese made products. They can't be repaired and have very short or non-existent warranties and simply produce images guaranteed to produce loud demands for refunds.
Most of these "transcodifers" produce an image that can't even be recorded.


I sell 20+ different converters (including the SNELL & WILCOX full line - from $7,000 to $12,000 and UP) but none can compare to the TR-10SP.
Why?
No converter, VCR, TV or camcorder I know of has these 5 features:
1) World-Wide 1 Year Warranty - good for all countries. So sure is TENLAB of the quality of their products they will
pay round-trip shipping costs if any unit ever needs servicing within the warranty period (inside the US).
2) Phase control knob to correct possible NTSC original color error.
3) Gain control knob for signal strength.
4) Options for every conceivable variation of standard.
5) Upgradable by the factory when even newer technologies are invented. With TENLAB products you'll never have to buy a
new converter, just send it in for the latest upgrade!
As well, the TR-10SP has a TBC, produces incredibly sharp conversions thanks to it's advanced digital chipset and is Made In
America. The manufacturer, TENLAB, has superb and friendly customer service, has been in business for 20 years and is, incredibly, the least expensive true quality converter I've ever seen - $549.95 . Great for professional or home use. We sell TENLAB products to the US ARMED FORCES, Consulates, Universities, the broadcast industry, Video professionals, Conversion Services etc. worldwide.
(In min. qty. of 5 units the TR-10SP can also be made 12 V. DC)

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Duty tax help

You may or may not have to pay duty on items. Usually for one product they don't make you pay but this also depends on the country.
DUTY TAX HELP is possible if we ship to you via US MAIL only, not by FEDEX, DHL, UPS etc. But US mail is by far the least expensive way to go and even to Australia takes only 8-10 day AIR PARCEL POST.
For most countries a single unit imported is not of commercial quantity and usually they let them pass with no duty charged.
Yours may not be this case so to help we offer this:
Most duty is charged according to the insurance value so by insuring the product for 1/2 actual value if tax is assessed it will most likely be at that rate. ("Insured amount" and declared "value" on shipping forms must be the same or they won't accept the insurance.)
We have only had a single reported case of damage and that was by FEDEX on a VCR shipped to Israel. It was fully insured so FEDEX promptly paid that and refunded the shipping cost in full and we shipped a new VCR to the customer.
However, be aware that should any damage result, the merchandise will only be insured for half the actual amount.

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List of standards of all countries

You can also click here for a map on the world's standards.

Note: Before unification in 1990, German Dem Rep was SECAM B/G.

NTSC (National Television System Committee): developed in the US, it was the world's first color TV system.
Broadcast started in 1954.
Basic Parameters: NTSC M
Line/field: 525/60
Horizontal frequency: 15.734 KHz
Vertical frequency: 60 Hz
Color subcarrier frequency: 3.579545 MHz
Video bandwith: 4.2 MHz
Sound bandwith: 4.5 MHz (FM)

PAL (Phase Alternation Line): developed in Germany. Based in the NTSC system, it was modified to avoid color distortion.
Broadcast started in 1967.
Basic Parameters: PAL B,G,H PAL I PAL D PAL N PAL M
Line/field: 625/50 > > > 525/60
Horizontal frequency: 15.625 KHz > > > 15.750
Vertical frequency: 50 Hz > > > 60 Hz
Color subcarrier frequency: 4.433618 MHz > > > 3.582056 3.575611
Video bandwith: 5.0 MHz 5.5 6.0 4.2 4.2
Sound bandwith: 5.5 MHz (FM) 6.0 6.5 4.5 4.5
(">" means same as previous column)

SECAM (Sequential Couleur Avec Memoire): developed in France.
Broadcast started in 1967.
Basic Parameters: SECAM B,G,H SECAM D,K,K1,L
Line/field: 625/50 >
Horizontal frequency: 15.625 KHz >
Vertical frequency: 50 Hz >
Video bandwith: 5.0 MHz 6.0 MHz
Sound bandwith: 5.5 MHz (AM) 6.5 MHz (AM)

In general, these subsystems are used for broadcast in:
B VHF
G UHF
H UHF
I VHF/UHF
D VHF
N VHF/UHF
M VHF/UHF
K UHF
K1 VHF/UHF
L VHF/UHF

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Satisfaction Guaranteed

If not satisfied with your mail order purchase, return it postage pre-paid within 10 days after receipt for 75%* refund (postage not included).
Software must still be shrink-wrapped. Merchandise must be returned in original condition, with all original factory packaging materials, inserts, manuals, discs and blank warranty cards and in New condition. If you wish to return a mail order purchase, you must call or write our Customer Relations Department to obtain a Return Authorization Number (RMA). Manufacturer's Warranty applies after 10 days in case of defective merchandise. Some video or audio products may have no warranty.

* This is due to some people in the past who merely wanted to view a few tapes and return the hardware for a refund. We apologize and do hope you understand. The 25% we charge for restocking isn't enough for us to even break even on the item.

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Warranties

The SAMSUNG SV300W and SV-4000, all TENLAB products (and some others in the 220 Volt multistandard line) and 99% of all 110 Volt electronics and 220 Volt appliances have USA factory warranties.
99% of all multistandard gear comes with either the international (non-North American warranty), but I always give a 60-day warranty (customer pays round-trip postage, we handle repairs or replacement), but not for the larger TVs (anything over 29" there is generally NO warranty, but at times there may be, so please inquire).
If defective upon arrival, please return within 10 days with an RMA# first (contact us for that) for a full replacement at our expense.
Please use your purchase as soon as possible and contact us should you have a question. 99% of the time PLANET 3000's friendly personnel can indicate to you a solution for a question you may have in setting up your purchase properly. We take time with you, no rushing, just a friendly, helpful person to speak to - the same way we would want to be treated by others.

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Order

Planet 3000
Open 24 hours a day, every day!

Call or e-mail for information or to order!

To Order Call 1-800-733-2209
or
Call (925)686-9945 for all other inquiries
Fax (925)686-9968

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