I'm at a NYC based production company that is off to russia with our 2 H1's. Our H1's are NTSC and from what I am finding out we have to deliver to Russian television some b-roll of an event in PAL. I am hoping to do a fast NTSC assemble (we'll shoot HDV, but the deliverable is SD) and try and find a local facility to convert to PAL for us. I'm just looking to see if anyone has had to do something like this before - and have any tips for me. My understanding is that russia is SECAM, but the stations take PAL and convert for transmission.


Mark

Hi Mark. Russia is PAL format. I have a post production company in Moscow and a PAL H1. I would suggest taking your cameras to a Canon service center and getting the PAL Mod. If you need any conversion or post work on your HD material while in Moscow, feel free to send me an email.

Mark, perhaps Kevin can elaborate, but make sure you know the laws/rules about permitting for video work, etc. The risk of having your stuff taken away without due process is a bit higher in some parts of the world than others.

My GL2 drew at least a notice from Russian and Kazakh customs when I was over there a couple years ago. In my case, I declared them as personal, for hobby only (which was true) and got by with documenting the serial numbers of my still and video cameras on the customs forms, but pro work might be a bit more complicated. Probably good to carry a couple of copies of documents proving the purchase/ownership of the cameras and any other expensive gear, as well as settling any professional permitting ahead of time.

Thanks for such quick responses. I will keep you informed of our progress. It looks like the trip will be the second week of May. If I have more questions, I will be posting more.......



Mark

St Petersburg?

You can buy them off. Everyone is on the take. You may even pay them to take their picture.