Topic: DVD conversion from PAL to NTSC ?

[Debs.]

Has anyone had experience with converting a (homemade/non-commercial) DVD from PAL to NTSC format?
I`ve done a lot of reading and research about the subject on 'CD freaks' and  with Google searches, but now my head is spinning with excess info. overload :?

I have some Japanese houseguests next month, and `have madé some DVD gifts for them to take home, so the 60 minute (as 5 chapters) DVD`s have to be converted to NTSC.

I have DVD decrypter, DVD ripper and Cyberlink Power-producer/P-director available on my PC., and have made some attempts to rip the original to a single mpg file (no problems there), and then chapterise/convert/burn it as NTSC with P.Producer/Director....but, there seem to be 'comb effect' artifacts* (esp. on diagonal straight lines or fast moving subjects on screen) doing it that way which rather spoils the high quality original-DVD viewing experience.
*There are no copyright encryptions on the disc so there`s no problem with that aspect.

I know that standards conversion is a difficult process....but am I missing something obvious (pehaps there`s a better/easier to use program than I have currently available to do it)  :?:

[Simon]

You might find some useful info here, Debs:-

http://www.michaeldvd.com.au/Articles/PALvsNTSC/PALvsNTSC.asp
 
I think your 'comb' effect is possibly due to the fact that PAL operates at 25 frames per second, and NTSC operates at 30 fps, which is why a 90 minute DVD on PAL will run for approximately 94 minutes on NTSC.  I'm not sure of any of the software you mentioned will deal with this successfully, but there are plenty of PAL > NTSC converters on Google, although some are actually hardware.  I did find this piece of software, which claims to do the job:-

http://www.blazemp.com/convert_between_pal_ntsc.htm

Hope that helps.  

[Sandra]

This claims to be able to do it Debs, I have it and it looks quite easy to use but I havent tried the convert to NTSC part
 
Super Video Converter

http://www.witcobber.com/

[Debs.]

Many thanks Simon & Sandra.
I`ve tried both programs that you recommended, both for ease of use and converted picture quality, and I think the Super Video Converter has the edge over BlazeMP with a visibly better end result.....the SVC UI is considerably easier to work-through also.
Sandra`s suggestion is also bit cheaper!   :wink:

I`m a happy lady this morning, as I`m now able to get these DVD`s converted; ready for my Japanese guests....I know they`ll treasure them!

Thanks PC Pals.
Debs.

[Sandra]

Nice to have the feedback about how the program works Debs