Is there some program out there that can tell me if a DVD is in PAL or NTSC format?

[StormRider]

I bought some HK DVDs for my parents and the box says it is all region NTSC format but it won't play in my parent's DVD player. It said something about invalid code or something. I thought it was trying to tell me it really isn't all region.

So, I tried it on my system. My Toshiba DVD player says it is not NTSC format and won't play it. But my Apex 3201 can play it just fine. Doesn't this mean that it must be NTSC?

Also, my computer can play the DVD just fine. So, I tried to make a copy of it in the hopes that the copy will play on my parent's player. Unfortunately, my Toshiba says the copy is also non-NTSC format.

How can I tell what format the DVD really is in? I think it's really in NTSC format (otherwise how can my Apex play it?) but somehow the code is messed up and it's telling DVD players it is in PAL format.

 

[Viper96720]

If you got power dvd start the video then click config and information. Should have NTSC in parentheses next to tv system. Other softdvd players should have something to show info about the disc.

 

[MercenaryForHire]

It's the region code that's PwNing you, not the frame format. Evidently the Toshiba doesn't like "Region 0" discs which most (bootlegged) HK DVDs are.

- M4H

 

[StormRider]

Crap, according to WinDVD, it's PAL format. Now I'm pissed. The description on Ebay said it was NTSC (and the packaging says this too). :|

 

[StormRider]

BTW, I'm surprised that the Apex 3201 player has the ability to play PAL disks on NTSC TVs. I didn't know this was possible.

I'm still pissed. :| Everytime I try to do something for my parents, something goes wrong...