When traveling overseas, voltage differences in various countries should be considered if you want to take along your TV, VCR, or DVD player. Luckily, there are products such as TV, VCR, and DVD voltage converters to make traveling with these items easier.
How Voltage Converters Work
Voltage converters, often called voltage transformers, enable you to use 110v TV, VCR, or DVD player with a 220v outlet or vice versa. Step down converters will lower the voltage from 220v to 110v (or other voltage ranges) while step up converters will raise the voltage from 110v to 220v (or other voltage ranges).
When Do You Need a Voltage Converter?
A voltage converter or transformer is needed when traveling to other countries where the standard voltage differs from the standard used in your own country. If your country has a standard of 110 volts and the country you plan to visit has a standard of 220 volts, then you will need an 110v to 120v converter. If the opposite is true, you’ll need a 220v to 110v volts converter. Some countries offer both voltages, in which case you wouldn’t need a voltage converter.
TVs and Voltage Converters
If taking your TV along, keep in mind that monitor formats for displaying television shows are often different in other countries. Televisions create a surge when turned on, so choose a TV voltage converter that is more powerful than the wattage indicated on the back of your TV set.
Though a voltage conversion will allow the television to work power wise, it will not make the format compatible. North American format for TV is called NTSC. Other modes such as PAL mode used in Europe are not compatible with a television designed for NTSC mode. So, a voltage converter plus a multi-system TV might be required.
VCR and DVD Players for Traveling
Traveling with a VCR and DVD player can also be a hassle if you own an older model. The older versions may not work with some formats of televisions overseas, and many models (old or new) will likely need a voltage transformer to operate. Check the format of your player to ensure it matches the format of the available television set. Also, find out the voltage of the country you plan to visit.
Once plugged in, the VCR and DVD player can be used to watch videotapes and DVDs from your country, but maybe not those from another country. Just like with TVs, there are various formats being used around the world for videotapes and DVDs such as NTSC and PAL.
Newer models of VCRs and DVDs called multi-system, code free, or region free will enable you to watch films from your country or from the country you are visiting. Also, some newer machines will convert the voltage automatically, so there’s no need for a voltage converter with these.
Voltage Regulators
Voltage regulators act as both a voltage converter and a voltage stabilizer. There are two types of regulators – Servo and Relay. A Servo type regulator stabilizes voltage by adjusting the converter or transformer to the desired output voltage. It gives the most precise voltage and is great for areas with unstable voltage currency. The Relay type regulator works electronically and is not as precise as the Servo type.
Before you go, find out what type of format and voltage converter you will need for your TV, VCR, or DVD player. If staying at a hotel, phone or email a hotel clerk to gather the information you need. Then, go online to shop for plug end adapters, voltage converters, or even a new multi-system or code free TV, VCR or DVD player for your enjoyment!
Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web. Learn more about TV, VCR, DVD Voltage Converters or Majon’s Travel directory
LiteFuze Heavy Duty Step Up/Down Voltage Converter Transformer Product Line Up
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Power Bright VC100W Voltage Transformer 100 Watt Step Up/Down 110 Volt – 220 Volt $13.95 This is a voltage converter or transformer that can be used as a step up transformer in 110/120 volt countries or as a step down transformer in 220/230/240 volt countries. This heavy duty voltage transformer can be used for continuous duty. It will convert voltages of 220-240 volts to 110-120 and will also convert voltages from 110-120 to 220-240 volts…. |
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Power Bright VC1000W Voltage Transformer 1000 Watt Step Up/Down 110 Volt – 220 Volt $59.75 This is a voltage converter or transformer that can be used as a step up transformer in 110/120 volt countries or as a step down transformer in 220/230/240 volt countries. This heavy duty voltage transformer can be used for continuous duty. It will convert voltages of 220-240 volts to 110-120 and will also convert voltages from 110-120 to 220-240 volts…. |
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Power Bright VC500W Voltage Transformer 500 Watt Step Up/Down 110 Volt – 220 Volt $29.95 This is a voltage converter or transformer that can be used as a step up transformer in 110/120 volt countries or as a step down transformer in 220/230/240 volt countries. This heavy duty voltage transformer can be used for continuous duty. It will convert voltages of 220-240 volts to 110-120 and will also convert voltages from 110-120 to 220-240 volts…. |
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Grounded Adapter – CE Certified – USA to Europe – Heavy Duty Adapter $0.69 Grounded Europe Adapter Round Pins accepts Flat Pin American plug – CE Safety Certified with the CE Mark stamped right on the housing – this Grounded Adapter is tested from 120 to 250 Volts with a high current of 16 Amps. Cheaper versions of this plug are… |
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Revised Quest For The Seasoned Traveller It’s only because A Tribe Called Quest’s first two albums–People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm and The Low End Theory–are so filled with great singles that the remixes on Revised Quest for the Seasoned Traveller are essential listening. The songs are freed from the constraints of having to fit into the style of the rest of the album, and Tribe open up the treasure chest: “The Luc… |
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Travel Smart TS-185TR Heavy Duty Tranformer $15.43 85 Watt Step Down Transformer… |
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Travel Smart F11 50 Watt International Transformer $9.50 Quality, performance, value… or your money back!™Coverts 220V foreign electricity to 100V U.S. electricity for use on most appliances rated 0-50 wattsFor use with appliances rated 0-50 watts: Electric shavers, radios, calculators, etc.Thermal fuse for temperature protectionConvenient travel pouch includedAccepts paralyzed plugs… |
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Travel Smart by Conair TS250AD All-in-One Adapter with Built in USB Port, White $17.79 Built-in USB port allows you to charge cell phones, digital cameras, iPods, and other devicesAllows you to plug dual voltage appliances into foreign wall outletsEasy to use all-in-one adapter fits electrical outlets in the most commonly visited countriesFor use in: Africa, Asia, Australia, Caribbean, Europe, Fiji, Great Britain, Ireland, Middle East, New Zealand, North America, and South AmericaFe… |
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Adapter Plug – Europe – Universal Polarized Wide Input Round Pins – Heavy Duty 8 Amp Rating $0.01 High Quality Europe adaptor features a molded (no screws) high quality design that holds up better than cheaper adapter plugs found elsewhere and is rated for maximum 8 Amp current at 240 volts. This specific European adapter is tested and approved Conformité Européenne. Polarized USA to continental Europe adapter accepts the wide flat American appliance plug. You need the wide input for all Ame… |
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150 Watts Travel Voltage Converter For Europe and Asia.Ideal for Laptops, Phones & Camera Chargers Etc. (VTM 150GS) $20.95 Step down grounded transformer with a grounded German plug. » Maximum capacity: 150 Watts. » Converts 220/240V down to 110/120V. » On/Off Switch » Fuse Protected. » Ideal for laptops to be used in Europe and Asia. Weight: 2.5 lbs. |
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