NTSC, PAL, and SECAM - The Differences: Final Stage

Well, after many comparisons on a Japanese TV set, along with a UK TV set, I've finally compared it down to this.

Here's the formats as listed:

NTSC

 PAL

 SECAM

 The PAL format is the obvious victor in terms of color. Instead of the usual 1:33:1 non-anamorphic NTSC format that this set uses, the PAL version uses a 1:78:1 anamorphic PAL format. The PAL version uses a digitally transferring mastering system, titled "PAL Digital Workshop". This allows the colors and interlacing to be amped up, while still keeping a focused amount of brightness. The fields are focused and the edge enhancement does not corner the television screen, as shown in the NTSC version.

The NTSC version has some color bleed in ANY DVD set released, be it a television show or DVD movie. No matter what, there's always going to be some kind of color bleed throughout. Not to mention both the NTSC and SECAM versions suffer greatly from interlacing.

The SECAM version, as shown, is kind of in-the-middle in terms of color, between PAL and NTSC. It looks incredibly dark and the boldness has a comb filtering. However, the SECAM version does not suffer from DVNR, making it seem more durable than the former two.

In terms of animation, the NTSC reigns supreme. The PAL and SECAM versions tend to suffer due to the five extra frames that NTSC discs have, mostly because the PAL and SECAM versions do NOT have the 5 extra frames. Also, the NTSC versions are generally durable in terms of edge enhancement and DVNR. The PAL version tends to have DVNR problems.

The SECAM is actually at the bottom. Instead of being presented in the far superior NTSC 1:33:1 and PAL 1:78:1 formats, it's presented in a simple 4:3 format. This can cause damaged protection masters, but leave it as it is: the SECAM format has received enough criticism compared to the NTSC version.

Overall, there is no winner. Each one of the formats have their own superiority: the NTSC format has the superior animation, as it flows smoothly, but suffers from color bleed and interlacing. PAL format is greater in color and digital mastering, and the 1:78:1 format works great, but the animation can suffer. The SECAM has no troubles with DVNR, and despite the protection masters problems, not to mention the suffering screen format, it still looks cleaner than a normal NTSC DVD movie.

Well, that's all! Enjoy your discs!