They claim that some of their DVD recorders with harddisk play and
output both NTSC and PAL (e.g.
http://www.world-import.com/dvr-520.htm). The cost is about $100 more
than what it goes for without the modifications. Of course, the
shipping overseas is another story.

Jerrt G mentioned that the tuner frequency alocations are different in
North America. Are you sure about this? They seem that same to me.
Perhaps only on the AM side?