Compatibility of US camcorders for UK usage

[colinryhope]

Do digital camcorders record digital video imagery the same way regardless of the format (NTSC/PAL) of TVs on which they (DVDs?) may be viewed. I believe this to be the case and that the camcorder or DVD player determine the output as selected between the two formats.
Also. The issue of regions (region 1vs region 2) does not affect the digital recording in any way but is an encryption of some sort applied to DVD. Is this correct?
With the exception of the voltage issue I wish to know if buying a camcorder in the United States to use in the UK will be a safe thing to do?

[pug100]

Hi Colin,
On your first point digital camcorders and dvd recorders record the picture information as either PAL (Europe) or NTSC (USA / Japan). You can sometimes buy multi region equipment (DVD) that will playback in either format. I am not aware of any available dv camera that offers multi region playback or record.

You are correct on the second point in that the region code is imposed on pre recorded DVDs so that Hollywood can stagger the release of movies to the home and overseas markets.

If you can live with your tapes or DVDs being in NTSC then think about repairs (you won't find anywhere over here that will look at it if it goes wrong). Another thing to consider is your tv / plasma will need to have the ability to display NTSC pictures.
If you want to share discs or tapes with family you will need to convert them to PAL to make sure they can be played on UK equipment.
Import tax, if you do buy a camcorder in USA you should declare it and pay the appropriate tax and VAT, or take a chance and get landed with a fine. Hope this info helps in your decision