Rockgurl

I know this has been asked a million times and I have always eagerly read replies, only to be disappointed that it turned into a technoblurb that evaporated into cyberspace. Can I ask a simple question in the hope I will get a simple answer? I do not need a technological dissection of the workings of my tv!

If I take my TV (small ordinary uncomplicated portable) and video player to the US and use a transformer to make them work on US electricity, can I continue to watch my UK videos on them. I would not require to watch any TV stations...this is just to watch videos from England on.

Thank you! Drive thru.

BrigieDarling

I don't think you will be able to... I have british Tapes that I currently convert weekly... What is the best way and can you get VCR's here (where) that will play them..

Sorry for jumping on your wagon RG!

Think I might need one of these thingies!

Calling Radio Shack!

mytwojakes

The simple answer, I would imagine, is YES.

But thank God for multi-region dvd players

robclews

Yes you can use the tv and video to playback, but of course you won't be able to watch US tv on it. As a means of playing your UK video's thats a good idea, don't forget to get an a transformer.

Rob

BrigieDarling

Just got a Multi Region VCR at Tweeters! $399, but gonna be worth it when I have my sisters taping everything I can think of!

Rockgurl

Splendid! Thank you! That's all I needed to know. I just want to be able to watch my enormous collection of videos if I wanted to. We have a DVD player in the US and one day I hope to have a recordable one so I can put all my vids on DVD, but until then it's great to know I can still watch them.

garyf

yes you will be able to do this . Brookstone which is a store in most malls sells a 120 to 240v transformer. i would advise that you bring over some 6 socket extension leads and a couple of 3 pin to 2 pin contenental travel plugs as it seems impossible to get these in the states. also scart is a lead that you will not be able to get in the states.

Pulaski

There's an excellent range of transformers at DVD Overseas - you should get a "voltage stablizer" as they don't cost much more than a basic transformer, but give much "cleaner" output that will be better for a TV, VCR and hifi. Make sure to allow plenty of spare power, more than just the bare minimum of the power consumptions added together. Personally I'd get one that is about twice the rated power of your TV and VCR.

Rockgurl

Steady Pulaski...you're starting to lose me

Rockgurl

Thanx Gary...it really helps that you've given me the actual name of a store, because that was my next question.

DBH

Hi! It's me... your stalker.

Ya know... you had me fooled. I thought that you knew all about that technoblurb stuff.

I'll try Brookstone and Radio Shack to see what they have for you.

BTW: Stop using my saying!

Pulaski

Look on the back of each appliance that you are intending to run off your transformer ("voltage stablizer") and you should see a number just above or below the voltage, that will be either marked with a "W" or "Watts". Add up all the watts values, then double it and that is how big a transformer you need.

Don't waste your time with Radioshack their range of products is likely to be limited, whereas DVD Overseas has products from a few hundred watts up to several kilowatts. I bought a superb voltage stablizer from DVD Overseas, and at a very good price. It runs my hifi and you couldn't tell that it isn't running off a British 220 volt supply.

DBH

You're right Pulaski! I guess it's best to stay away from Radio Shack. I'm looking at a web site right now that explains how to figure out the number of watts needed. I had no idea what a transformer was until I saw some pictures. My father would probably be ashamed that I just admitted that... seeing that he's an electrician and all.

Thanks for your help... and everyone else's! I'll buy one for Rockgurl right away!

Rockgurl

Uh oh...'er indoors is threatening me with the rolling pin again. Quit stalking me, woman!

Rockgurl

Thank you, Pulaski, you absolute star! Things are looking up...I actually understood that!