Differences Between PAL, NTSC, and AHD
PAL and NTSC are two common video standards used around the world. They define how video signals are transmitted, and understanding them is important when choosing cameras and recording equipment for global fleets.
What Are PAL and NTSC?
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- PAL stands for Phase Alternating Line and is the most widely used standard across Europe, Australia, most of Asia, and Africa.
- NTSC stands for National Television System Committee and is used mainly in North America, Japan, and parts of South America.
Both are analogue video standards that define frame rates and resolution.
Key Differences Between PAL and NTSC
Region
- PAL is standard in Europe, Australia, Asia, and Africa.
- NTSC is standard in North America, Japan, and some parts of South America.
Frame Rate
- PAL = 25 fps
- NTSC = 30 fps
(NTSC is slightly smoother for motion, PAL looks a bit more cinematic.)
Resolution
- PAL offers 625 lines (576 visible).
- NTSC offers 525 lines (480 visible).
- PAL generally has higher image quality.
Colour Stability
- PAL: developed later and improves colour consistency
- NTSC: suffers from colour shifts
Analogue High Definition (AHD)
When you see PAL or NTSC on our specifications, this refers to which video standard our cameras are compatible with.
- PAL = 25fps (common in Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia)
- NTSC = 30fps (common in North America, Japan, parts of South America)
Regardless of which Brigade system you select, you’re always getting HD-quality from our cameras.
Non-AHD |
AHD |
Brigade’s Approach
Brigade cameras and mobile digital recorders support PAL, NTSC, and AHD, giving you:
- Global compatibility
- Future-proof HD video quality
- Seamless integration with your existing fleet infrastructure
Whether your vehicles operate in Europe, North America, Asia, or beyond, you can be confident that Brigade’s solutions will deliver the right video format, resolution, and evidence quality.
