Delivery from Amazon

[ChiefKiasu]

Here’s a bit of info:


1. NTSC and PAL is the broadcast format, kind like a graphic file stored in JPG format and one that is stored in GIF format. You need a different "reader" to be able to read each format specifically. Nowadays, most TVs are multi-format, so you can read and decode both signals off the air on the same TV. PAL actually has a higher number of lines and operates at a higher frequency.

When video is encoded, it can also be optimized for playback on NTSC or PAL TVs. If you purchase a Region 1 DVD, you are almost guaranteed to be getting an NTSC DVD, so you have to ensure that your TV can also playback NTSC.

2. Region coding is another attempt by the recording industry to reduce churn across countries and protect their revenue.

3. Most reputable consumer electronics companies will not offer Region-Free DVD players, but they provide relative easy methods to make the players region-free because they know that is what consumers are looking for. Players from countries like China are a lot more lax in providing region-free players.

[lwm99]

insider:

My Toshiba is about 6 months old. Don't think those people will do anything for me. But at least I know when I buy the next one, I will tell them I want a 'REGION FREE' one (learnt this from here). Then, I can go Amazon to go shop for DVDs!

Officially the manufacturer cannot modify the plyers to make them region free. But it is common practice for them to send someone to your place to do that. Try calling Toshiba, you may hear good news from them

[metz]

Hi Insider!


Nice to hear from you:)

Perhaps the next player to invest in would be a Blu-ray Disc player? It’s a breathtaking experience watching Planet Earth on Blu-ray. Now I wish I have got a wider TV screen.

[tamarind]

nsmom:

Hi


Has any of you ordered stuff from Amazon? I want to order some books and games for kids.. Is delivery reliable and payment mode safe? Also, are shipment charges reasonable?

nsmom

I have ordered many times from amazon.com before. They are very reliable. Direct shipping to Singapore is expensive. I always use http://www.comgateway.com.

There was once one package took a very long time to arrive, I emailed amazon.com. They apologized and immediately sent the same items again, totally free of charge.

Then the first package finally arrived ! So I ended up with 2 of the same items !

The best way to save money is to join a spree with other people. I have organized many amazon.com sprees before. I order for other mommies so that we can all save on shipping cost. For example, the shipping charge of a DVD could be less than SGD 2.00. It is very much cheaper. I split by the weight of the times, so the shipping charge of a book depends on its weight, usually about SGD $2 to $3 for a thin paperback book. Amazon charge USD 4.99 per shipment, and USD 4.99 for each book ! So if you order only one book, shipping will cost you USD 9.98 !

[sashimi]

caroline3sg:

sashimi

I am interested in National Geographic (not shipping to SG) and Discovery.

Amazon is having many good discounts on nature-related films in honour of Earth Day:

<a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fgp%2Ffeature.html%3Fie%3DUTF8%26plgroup%3D2%26ref%255F%3Damb%255Flink%255F84025111%255F8%26docId%3D1000356071&tag=kiaspare-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=390957%22%3Ehttp://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_84025111_8?ie=UTF8&plgroup=2&docId=1000356071&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=0B2BTGT3HXHDVCRNWJCP&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=472937611&pf_rd_i=672576011%3C/a>

[caroline3sg]

sashimi


Thank you, would explore the web when I am free.

I glanced through, outer packaging of Planet Earth a little different from Discovery.

[clarabella]

Hi caroline3sg

I recall that there are two different versions of Planet Earth. The complete BBC series is narrated by Sir David Attenborough, whereas the Discovery series is narrated by Sigourney Weaver. I think Discovery may be a little shorter as well, but not 100% sure.

[sashimi]

Yeah, I read about that too. caroline, read the reviews at amazon or google for some information, that usually helps.


It's customary for different market regions to market the same film(s) different. Sometimes it's just a difference in packaging, however sometimes there are significant differences in the content.

Am eyeing the The Universe collector's megaset (US99.95). Last week was at 89.95, this week dropped to 79.95.... I usually won't buy until the discount is at least 30%.

[caroline3sg]

Clarabella

Yes, I notice the difference in narrator. At first I am not sure if the BBC series has 11 parts covering pole to pole, mountains, deserts, ice world, deep oceans, caves, forest, jungle, fresh water, shallow sea, great plains like what Discovery has. Then I read the reviews. Seems the same scenes. Only that Attenborough uses phrases that may not be easy to understand and Weaver uses simple english.

[clarabella]

Hiya Caroline

I obsessively compared the BBC series I have to the Discovery series that I recorded. Yes, yes, the BBC one has everything. You're right about the simpler narration by Sigourney Weaver too I enjoyed the BBC one more, cos somehow I kept thinking about aliens every time i hear Weaver's voice!