I am looking for a solution to transfer some VHS tapes to DVD. These tapes were recorded in India, where the format used is PAL. I got these tapes converted to NTSC from a third party to make them play on the players in US but they do not look very clear when I am playing on my HDTV. I do not think converting from the NTSC tapes to DVD would be the best option for me right now.

1. I also had one of these full length tapes converted to a CD. Since a CD can accomodate only 700 MB as opposed to about 4 GB on a DVD, the quality must have been downgraded when it was transferred on CD. Does anyone know of a software I could use to improve the quality of media on this CD and copy over on a DVD?

2. Does anyone know of a software I could use to convert the original PAL format tapes to NTSC?

Thanks.

Rather than software you will need a VCR that plays PAL and a DVD recorder that records in PAL. PAL resolution is higher than NTSC so you don't want to downgrade the recording by recording in NTSC.

Most LCD's, if not all, are multi-system TV's, they will display PAL and NTSC. So once the tapes are converted to DVD play them back on a player/recorder connected to an LCD.

Converting VCRs are getting scarce to non-existent. Most places that used to sell multiformat converting VCRs now sell multiformat VCRs w/o converters, and sell the converters separately. My old Samsung multiformat converting VCR is no longer made. But, if you want a NTSC DVD that will play on any US TV or DVD player, I would recommend getting the multiformat VCR, a converter, and a DVDR, like a Philips with a HDD, to make your own conversions and dub your own DVDs. I have done a fair amount of conversions in this manner, and they almost always look at least as good, or a bit better, than VHS tape, displayed on my 56" DLP TV.