I'm moving from the US to Malaysia for a few years. No HD currently over there and HD screens still costing a premium. I want to have a >42"HD screen for an Xbox 360, DVD's and satellite/cable. My question is this: If I buy a LCD screen in the US that accepts 110-220 power but has no tuner build in, does PAL or NTSC matter if I'm using HDMI or component cables? If my satellite or cable provider provides a converter box and I use HDMI or Component cables, does the format still matter (i.e. does the cable box still output the PAL format or is it a more "generic" one al la from a computer video card?) I assume if I bring my region free DVD player with me along with a transformer, I'll be able to view any DVD I purchase on my existing DVD plaver. Also, if I buy an Xbox 360 over there, am I correct in assuming it'll work on any LCD monitor regardless of if I buy the monitor here or over there.

In simple terms - do I need to buy a "dual system" screen if I can get a LCD or Plasma that supports both voltages?

Thanks!

Grimas

Yes it matters.

The monitor must support PAL resolution (576i) via its HDMI and/or component inputs if you want it displayed.

I am assuming from your post that Malaysia is a PAL-land. In this case it is quite unlikely that a Malaysian cable box or sat box will convert PAL to NTSC or upconvert to 1080i (but I don't really know). You can buy an outboard scaler which will take the PAL signal and convert it to anything you want. It's a good way, since the scaler will also act as a switcher, but it could be expensive (roughly $1K-3K).

I'd look for an LCD that supports both NTSC and PAL resolutions on the inputs you're interested in. Check the specs carefully.

I have a Panasonic plasma TH-50PHD8UK (a professional monitor) and it accepts pretty much anything you throw at it.

Dunno much about LCDs.