A lot of new terms have entered the videophile’s lexicon in recent years: NTSC, PAL, SECAM. These terms identify broadcast television standards, which are vitally important to you if you plan to edit video — because your cameras, TVs, tape decks, and DVD players probably conform to only one broadcast standard. Which standard is for you? That depends mainly on where you live:
- NTSC (National Television Standards Committee): Used primarily in North America, Japan, and the Philippines.
- PAL (Phase Alternating Line) Used primarily in Western Europe, Australia, Southeast Asia, and South America.
- SECAM (Sequential Couleur Avec Memoire) This category covers several similar standards used primarily in France, Russia, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia.
