USA TV Sets in the UK

Hi Suzzie,

It is true, and there is no adapter :-)  It's not a power/electric thing (well, that would be an issue too, but it's not JUST power), but the signaling interface used to display the picture.  All US televisions are NTSC, and all UK televisions are PAL.  There's almost no such thing as a television that supports both standards.  (They do exist, but they're very expensive, rare, and basically more trouble than actually buying one of each type).

You really have no choice but to sell / store your US TV, and buy a new one over here.  If you weren't warned, this goes for virtually all electronics (EVERYTHING in the kitchen, garage, and bathroom, and MOST of what's in your office -- laptop and most desktop computers being rare but critical exceptions).

One recommendation: if you have a lot of US DVDs, buy a multi-region DVD player once you get in the UK (they're fairly cheap, £30-40).  I don't think VHS tapes can be converted at all, but I may be wrong about that.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.  (And *don't* try importing a car :-)

Thank you for the help!!!  Better to know now than to cart the world's biggest TV to the UK.  And yes, we've figured out shipping a car won't work!  It's really nice having someone in the UK to ask for information!

Thank you!
Soon to be fellow Ex Pat
Suzzie

Also, keep in mind that in the UK you have to pay for a license for your TV.  If you are caught without a license, you could be fined heavily. Therefore, if you're on a tight budget for TV shopping, it will be important to consider that license fee!

tvlicensing.co.uk
For more information

Good luck!

Jamie
jamieinlondon.com