I will need a multi-system (PAL and NTSC) VHS VCR when I get to Taipei with the facility to play long play videos, i.e., ones that run at half the speed of normal tapes. Are they available and how much do they cost ?
TIA
DVD rules, VCRs are dead … 
I think you find them only in the upper price bracket - if any. Can have a look during the weekend.
But what applies to your records also applies to tapes: humidity will cause mold and fungus to grow, not only spoiling the tape itself but also the head (drum) in the VCR.
Not much of a problem if your place has air-con, else I would consider if it’s really necessary.
[quote=“Rascal”]DVD rules, VCRs are dead …
I think you find them only in the upper price bracket - if any. Can have a look during the weekend.[/quote]
Thanks, I would appreciate it.
Plenty of people had VCRs in Taiwan and Hong Kong long before DVDs were invented. I never had a problem with video tapes when I lived in Taiwan. As for records, well, Roxy used to have thousands, I used to peruse them regularly, and never saw any problems caused by damp.
Well, I would like one. I could bring one, or get one in Hong Kong, but it would be a hassle. Multi-system VCRs over here are very pricey.
Another angle. Do Taiwan TVs accept incoming PAL signals through the scart socket ? If so I’ll just bring my own VCR.
Hex, I do know you can still buy VCRs here, but the kind you are looking for I’m not sure. My guess is you can probably find one, whether new or used someone is bound to have one. And if not you could always order one and have it shipped here…
Do Taiwan TVs accept incoming PAL signals through the scart socket ? If so I’ll just bring my own VCR.
SCART? What is that!? 
No Scart here, only AV inputs (Composite or S-Video + Audio L&R) as well most TVs are NTSC only - unless you opt for the more expensive ones.
PAL DVD can work however if you have a Component input at the TV.
No Scart !? Now I am confused. How do you connect a DVD player ?
DVD players will mostly be connected via S-Video - if people know what that is. Otherwise there is the trusty old RCA jack for the composite signal that worked so nice with the VCR…
If you are looking for a multi system VCR, you can go to www.cypress.com.tw and have a look at their MVC-6: Plays any VHS tape, records any system, converts any system into any system. That means you can record local tv as PAL and send it “home” or view european tapes on an ordinary NTSC tv.
I saw it once (two or three years ago) in Ximending for 30k. Don’t know about the quality, but it is available…
Thanks. I have seen that one mentioned. There is also this one:
Samsung SV5000W Multi-System VCR
Digital System Conversion, Playback Conversion, TV Signal Conversion, Conversion Timer Recording, World TV Signal Receiver, Any Broadcasting System Receiver, Quick Programming Timer, Auto Tuning System, Digital Special Effects, Noiseless Still/Slow, Strobe Motion, Image Changing (Art), S-VHS Quasi Playback, 99 CH TV Tuning Capability, Jog & Shuttle Remote Control, Worldwide Easy Programming, Broadcasting Signal NTSC, PAL, SECAM, M-PAL, N-PAL, NTSC4.43, Format VHS STANDARD, Recording System DA 4 HEAD HILICAL SCANNING, Power Source Free Voltage (100~240V, 50/60Hz), Power Consumption APP. 25watt, Dimensions (W x H x D) 430 x 98 x 310, Net Weight 5.1Kg
electronics-online.co.uk price:
Jeez Hex, you must have some awfully precious vids if you’re willing to spend that kind of poppy on a VCR – DVD machines cost as little as NT$2,500 these days.
They have “Debbie does Dublin” on DVD too now, you know.
I kind of forgot how cheap stuff is in Taiwan. My TV which I bought three years ago was GBP600 and the VCR to go with it was GBP260. That’s NT$14500. I think I’ll leave my videos at home. Run VT.
No Scart !? Now I am confused. How do you connect a DVD player ?
Scart is shit anyway. But you can connect a DVD player like this:
Analog Audio
L&R via RCA (aka phono connector) - red and white
Multichannel output (6x RCA/phono) - not available on all players
Digital Audio / Surround sound
Coaxial (orange RCA/phono) or optical out
Video
Composite - yellow RCA/phono connector - lousy quality
S-Video - small 5pin DIN-connector - good quality
Component - red, green and blue RCA/phono connector - best quality
NOTE: though the color of the Component connectors imply that it’s the same as the European RGB signal they are NOT compatible.
(Technically RGB is also a component signal, but the term “Component” refers to YUV/YCrCb only!)