Path: chuka.playstation.co.uk!news
From: "Scott Ward" <scott.ward6@virgin.net>
Newsgroups: scee.yaroze.beginners
Subject: NTSC & PAL!?
Date: Sun, 26 Sep 1999 13:29:57 +0100
Organization: PlayStation Net Yaroze (SCEE)
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I think I'm in need of some basic tutoring in the ways of PAL and NTSC.

Here's how I understand it:

PAL - 50 fps. 256/512 horizontal lines.
NTSC - 60 fps. 240/480 horizontal lines

Until now I've always just left the Yaroze in it's default mode (which I
thought was PAL but turned out to be NTSC). I didn't think there was any
problem 'cos I had heard that in NTSC the picture was in black & white and
mine was always in colour. Plus, I was always under the impression that NTSC
left a 'letterbox' effect because of the reduced horizontal lines and my
picture has always been full screen. It's not until now that I've swapped
the modes and PAL seems to squash the picture and leave the borders
top/bottom of the screen.

1) Both modes show a clear picture in full colour on my TV. I've been told
that some TV's swap modes automatically, is the case with my setup?

2) Why does PAL squash up and leave borders even when it has extra
horizontal lines? It may make the resolution look better but it messes with
the vertical dimensions of the graphics. :o(

3)In the same way, why is NTSC full screen even though it has less
horizontal lines? It may be more 'blocky' but at least the graphics look
like they're supposed to.

4) This may seem obvious but in theory, does PAL leave you with slightly
more cpu time?

Any help much appreciated.

Cheers,

Scott