How to Convert PAL to NTSC With VLC (9 Steps)

By Jacob Stover

PAL and NTSC are the two global broadcasting formats. PAL is used primarily in Europe and Africa; while NTSC is used in North America and Asia. The two formats are not interchangeable and media encoded in one format will not function on players or electronics for the other format. There are ways to convert media from one format to another using the video playback software VLC. Converting from PAL to NTSC using VLC is simple and should take about 10 minutes to complete.

Step 1

Navigate to the VLC download page (see Resources).

Step 2

Download the most recent revision of the VLC software for your operating system.

Step 3

Run the installer file and install the VLC software to your local hard drive.

Step 4

Open VLC, then place your PAL DVD into your computer's DVD drive.

Step 5

Select "Media" from the program toolbar, then select "Open Disk."

Step 6

Click on the "Disc" tab, then check the "DVD" check box. Place a check mark in the "Stream/Save" check box.

Step 7

Click on the "Settings" tab, then place a check in the "File" check box. Enter the location you wish to save your converted video to in the text field.

Step 8

Click on the button labeled "MPEG PS," then place a check in the box labeled "Audio Codec." Choose "MP3" from the drop-down menu next to "Audio Codec." Select "192" for the "Bitrate" option. Ensure that the "Audio Channels" option is set to "2," then place a check in the box next to "Select all elementary streams."

Step 9

Click "OK" at the bottom of the "Disc" menu to begin the copying process. A notification window will appear when the conversion is complete. You can find your converted media in the location you specified earlier.

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