PAL or NTSC - this is the difference
The television standards PAL and NTSC determine how image and sound are transmitted. We show you in our practical tip whether you should use NTSC or PAL and what the difference between the two standards is.
The difference between NTSC and PAL
The NTSC television standard is only used in the United States and some parts of Asia. The rest of the world relies on PAL.
- In the PAL format, frame rates of 50 FPS (frames per second) or a multiple or part thereof are used. These are, for example, 12.5 FPS, 25 FPS or 100 FPS.
- With the NTSC format, the frame rates are multiples or divisors of 24 or 30. For example 15, 24, 30, 48, 60 or even 120 FPS.
- With a few settings, the frame rates of NTSC and PAL are the same. This is the standard for most cinema films: 24 FPS and 48 FPS.
- Both standards do not differ in video quality. The following applies: the higher the resolution, the lower the frame rate and vice versa.
PAL or NTSC: what to use?
- Basically you can use both standards for video recordings, you will not notice any difference. However, the end device must be set to the correct standard. This happens automatically on most TVs and game consoles.
- However, you should avoid mixing both standards. If you are composing a video from several videos, all videos should be in either PAL or NTSC, otherwise it may jerk. However, the frame rates used may differ.
In the next practical tip, we will show you how to create a time-lapse video with the GoPro. It doesn't matter whether you record in PAL or NTSC format.