Help! High Tech Blunder!
OK, why do we have to make things so complicated? By we, I am referring to Americans. Can't have 220V like the rest of the world, it has to be 110V. Does less voltage save energy?? Probably not. GSM, shmee ess em, we got CDMA fo yo @$$. So now my very expensive phone is moonlighting as a paper weight.
Before I turn this post into a rant, here's my dilemma and I'm hoping someone can help:
I brought with me from the US all my audio / video stuff (TV, receiver, etc). The problem I'm having is my TV is only NTSC and does not accept the PAL signal from my cable (or satellite receiver), which is a shame coz I really like my TV. I like it a lot!
Any suggestions other than "but a new TV" would be greatly appreciated. Plus, my wife, aka Secretary of Finance, is not approving such acquisitions at the moment.
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"I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." - Thomas Edison
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Nice one!
Now I have the idea what to consider when bringing things to Doha, Thanks to all and to thread starter I don't need to post this question again!
Ciao!
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Before you look into trying to convert NTSC to PAL, check your receiver options. On mine I'm able to switch its output between the different types of PAL and NTSC. If you can do that, change it to NTSC and you'll be fine.
No, sorry, I don't know where you can get a PAL-to-NTSC converter in Doha.
I got mine down the souqs! Went into a games shop and the transformer will do either voltage!
davidh4976 - Do you happen to know if and wehere I can find a PAL-to-NTSC converter in Doha? Thanks!
First: FYI, 120V network as a whole, is a lot cheaper to install, outlets are smaller more discrete as you know and cheaper, electric panels are cheaper, it is a lower voltage hence "SAFER" for domestic use, and there is only "ONE TYPE OF UNIVERSAL PLUG" that fits all oulets, as opposed to :
220V which is a mess when it comes to plugs with (3) flat bars, (2) round pins, need for adapters, sometimes not fitting ugly and bulky outlets... it is absolutely archaic, the entire network is a lot costlier to install, and is more dangerous for chocs.
Second: every small transfer you buy, there is a sticker on it that says "not intended for audio equipment", i.e. all 120V items like computer mini-subwoofers, amplifiers, even 1500W hairdryers, etc. won't work on small transformers which are only good for electric shavers. For audio, there are special transformers which are much more expensive, but in the end, not guaranteed if they will be ok for audio & video equipment.
Laptops and electronic camera chargers are safe cuz they are all designed for dual voltage 120/220V.
Moudir
Sounds a little bit scary, i don't trust the building wiring here in qatar. I've to change bulbs once in every 3 - 4 months, once one of it practically exploded and glasses shattered everywhere in the bathroom.
Use good step-up/down transformer, protect your investment.
This is the type of wall socket everywhere in Qatar.
You will also find many appliances being sold that have this type of plug.
You can buy adapters that fit any type of plug. You can also buy power strips that virtually any plug can be attached to.
Converting TV systems leads to loss in quality.
I got a heavy duty converter at Carrfour, it will operate in both directions, handle good size load, etc JEC VC-822. About 250-300 QR, I think, been a year.
For the TV: You can buy PAL-to-NTSC converters, but they will run $300-to-$500 USD. You'll also need a power converter for the TV but not just a plug adapter; you will need a trasnformer type converter rated for the TV's wattage.
You will also need a transformer type converter for the rest of the audio/video gear. You need to add up the wattage for all of your gear plus TV and then buy one converter that will handle that total amount of watts. You are probably talking around $60 USD. Examples can be found doing a web search. Here is one site that comes up:
http://www.voltage-converter-transformers.com/step-up-transformer.html
If your gear is really high end and you want to get stabilized power, you might want a converter with voltage stabilizer. About $80. I'm not really sure that you need a stabilizer in Qatar, but for an extra $20, it might be worth the peace of mind. See http://www.voltage-converter-transformers.com/deluxe-voltage-stabilizer.html
Note: I have never purchased from that store. They just have good examples of products.
Drak.
Yes Qatar is all 220V. You may run into 110V outlets in some of the hotel rooms for your electric shaver etc but other than that, 220V is standard.
Outlets are type G. Here's a pic: http://www.kropla.com/!g.htm
However, you can buy adapters almost anywhere that can accommodate most types of plugs. They're inexpensive, I've found them as cheap as 2 - 3 QR.
Good Luck.
Techneeq,
Yeah it’s a real bummer when it comes to this whole power thing. I had similar problems. What I did was to get an AC (as in Alternate current) power converter 110v to 220V. You can get these at the electrical stores near Arab roundabout. The only problem is that you cannot use heavy power consuming equipment. I Never used a TV so would not know, I used it for my laptop adapter. But it is worth a try. just hunt around and get that or you can approach a good TV repair guy to put in a 220V transformer in your TV it should not cost much cause anyway TV's use DC current for their circuitry. Better bet if you have the same TV brand dealer here in Doha they can do it for you.
tecneeq, I am sorry to hear about your mishap, OUCH!!
But if it’s any cancellation, you have done the god deed of teaching your fellow Qatarian inhabitants (to be) a very valuable lesson.
So can someone please summaries for us who don't know what is the plug type (two pin round? or square pin?) please confirm that the voltage throughout Qatar is 220V?
I would appreciate a pic of the plugs/sockets commonly in use in Qatar to [email protected]
Thanks
Boy I feel your pain. Not just the voltage but the plugs. I moved here from Canada and its amazing how things are so different.
Not to say what and which is better but:
- Wall unit AC's don't have plugs, needs electrician to be installed
- stoves don't come with plugs, needs electrician
- things you'll buy from shops here need adapters to be plugged into electric outlets in the house
strange.
... the US isn't in tune with the rest of the world when it comes to electronics, compatibility-wise, at least.
If you buy a TV or DVD player in Doha or London it'll most probably work in the US because it'll almost definitely be multi-system. The reverse isn't true.
You can easily get a voltage converter/transformer for your 110v stuff.
CDMA? Forget it. Get a tri-band GSM phone and you're set for most of the world.
Sorry, there are no other suggestions other than buy a new TV. The Secretary of Finance must relent or spend many a candle-lit romantic night. Or stock up on books.