Hi,

I am looking to buy an inkjet printer, DVD recorder with hard disk, and
home theater system. The problem is that I am living in Italy
(220V/50Hz) and may move to the U.S. (110V/60Hz) in the future. I
would the option to use these electronics in both countries.

I have the option of buying the products in the U.S., but would prefer
to buy them here in Italy. From a technical standpoint, is it better
to step down from 220/50 to 110/60 or step up?

I would like to avoid purchasing a voltage transformer/converter. Is
it feasible to have these products rewired by an electrician to handle
both voltages and frequencies?

I assume there is some form of a motor in all of these products. Is
this a problem as far as the frequency is concerned?

Thanks in advance for the help!

wrote:
Hi,

I am looking to buy an inkjet printer, DVD recorder with hard disk,
and home theater system. The problem is that I am living in Italy
(220V/50Hz) and may move to the U.S. (110V/60Hz) in the future. I
would the option to use these electronics in both countries.

I have the option of buying the products in the U.S., but would prefer
to buy them here in Italy. From a technical standpoint, is it better
to step down from 220/50 to 110/60 or step up?

I would like to avoid purchasing a voltage transformer/converter. Is
it feasible to have these products rewired by an electrician to handle
both voltages and frequencies?

I assume there is some form of a motor in all of these products. Is
this a problem as far as the frequency is concerned?

Thanks in advance for the help!

If you buy a unit from one of the major brand printers which has an external
power supply (Hp has--or used to have--some), you can simply replace the
supply with a U.S. spec one when/if you come over here. It's not an
inexpensive option, however...costing roughly half the printer price.

Both inkjets and DVD's are so cheap here, I'd suggest just selling both and
buying new/used ones here.....

jak

As for computer equipment, some types will work in both countries. As
long as the power supply can work in 120 VAC / 60 Hz for North America
you will be okay.

As for audio and video equipment, as for stereo recievers, VCR's, DVD
players, and TV sets, this is where you will have a lot of problems.
The broadcast system here in North America is NOT compatable, and your
TV hardware will not be very usefull over here, if you plan to use it
for watching local programing, or using localy recorded materials.

Before coming over to North America, have all your archives copied over
to the NTSC standard that is used over here. When you come here, you
can then buy NTSC type television equipment, and you will be okay.

Your sound system for audio will be okay, except for the tuner section.
The frequency alocations are different in North America.

For the TV system, it is not only the frequency alocations that are
different, but so are the methods of decoding the video, and audio.

--

As for any appliances that you bring over to North America, make sure
that they can work on 120 VAC / 60 Hz.

If your equipment is 220 VAC, and can work on 60 Hz, it is possible for
an electrical contractor to install some 220 VAC outlets in your home
for you. Our major cooking appliances, and heating systems usually work
on 220 VAC / 60 Hz over here.

Jerry G.
========




wrote:
Hi,

I am looking to buy an inkjet printer, DVD recorder with hard disk,
and
home theater system. The problem is that I am living in Italy
(220V/50Hz) and may move to the U.S. (110V/60Hz) in the future. I
would the option to use these electronics in both countries.

I have the option of buying the products in the U.S., but would
prefer
to buy them here in Italy. From a technical standpoint, is it better
to step down from 220/50 to 110/60 or step up?

I would like to avoid purchasing a voltage transformer/converter. Is
it feasible to have these products rewired by an electrician to
handle
both voltages and frequencies?

I assume there is some form of a motor in all of these products. Is
this a problem as far as the frequency is concerned?

Thanks in advance for the help!

wrote in message
oups.com...
Hi,

I am looking to buy an inkjet printer, DVD recorder with hard disk, and
home theater system. The problem is that I am living in Italy
(220V/50Hz) and may move to the U.S. (110V/60Hz) in the future. I
would the option to use these electronics in both countries.

I have the option of buying the products in the U.S., but would prefer
to buy them here in Italy. From a technical standpoint, is it better
to step down from 220/50 to 110/60 or step up?

You are somewhat better off with 50 Hz stuff. I doubt it will make a
difference, but it's the best way to go.

I would like to avoid purchasing a voltage transformer/converter. Is
it feasible to have these products rewired by an electrician to handle
both voltages and frequencies?

Many items run on both anyway. No, if they aren't set up for it there is no
way to fix that and an electrician is the wrong person. HOWEVER, you can get
a 220 line in any US house, in fact most kitchen outlets have 220 volts
already. Bring two or three power bars with you so you can plug it all into
one outlet.

I assume there is some form of a motor in all of these products. Is
this a problem as far as the frequency is concerned?

Almost never.

HOWEVER, the DVD recorder with hard disk, and home theater system almost
certainly will not work in the USA. Italy is PAL, the USA is NTSC. Also, the
DVDs from there are the wrong zone.

--
N

Many items run on both anyway. No, if they aren't set up for it there is
no
way to fix that and an electrician is the wrong person. HOWEVER, you can
get
a 220 line in any US house, in fact most kitchen outlets have 220 volts
already. Bring two or three power bars with you so you can plug it all
into
one outlet.


In the kitchen? If the house has an electric stove, then yes there'll be
240v behind the stove, but nowhere else. While technically you could easily
install a 240v outlet in any room, you'd want to check first to see if code
permits this.

I assume there is some form of a motor in all of these products. Is
this a problem as far as the frequency is concerned?

Almost never.

HOWEVER, the DVD recorder with hard disk, and home theater system almost
certainly will not work in the USA. Italy is PAL, the USA is NTSC. Also,
the
DVDs from there are the wrong zone.


Most any computer DVD drive will let you change regions 3 or 4 times, just
buy one that supports this feature and change it if you move. For a DVD
player you could just pick up one of the easily hackable Apex players or
something similar, or just buy the cheapest one you can find now, and give
it to a friend and buy another one in the US if you move.

wrote:
Hi,

I am looking to buy an inkjet printer, DVD recorder with hard disk,
and
home theater system. The problem is that I am living in Italy
(220V/50Hz) and may move to the U.S. (110V/60Hz) in the future. I
would the option to use these electronics in both countries.

I have the option of buying the products in the U.S., but would
prefer
to buy them here in Italy. (snip)

The short answer is: don't bother.
As others in the thread have pointed out, the dvd recorder will be
totally incompatible, the home theatre system would need its power
supply modifying as would the printer. That is, assuming you could
find anyone who'd be bothered to undertake that work. If you had to pay
a tech, the costs of doing it, and then transporting it thousands of
miles, would easily equal the cost of a new machine in the US.

Inkjet printers and home theatre systems can be easily found new and
used these days without spending much. Just get 'em when you return
home.

While in Italy, consider second hand stuff for now, look around. I'm
sure, for instance, university students will be selling off what they
can't take back to their home area or country. In the Uk and also here
in Spain, there is a chain called cash converters, selling used gear
with 1 year warrenty by law. Major supermarket chains have special
deals on that kind of stuff also.

good luck, Ben

Hello,

There are some surround receivers that can be changed from 230V to 115V
with the flick of a switch. I'm most familiar with the Arcam units
(www.arcam.co.uk) but I'm sure there are other brands out there too.
Basic ink jet printers are so inexpensive in the US ($75-$150) that it
is probably not worth shipping one over. Give the old one a way to a
friend, and buy a new one when you get here.

The DVD recorder is the big problem. In Europe, the commercial discs
are region 2, and the US is region 1. It is not legal for a repair shop
to 'deregionalize' a machine, though it may be possible, and many can be
set for one region or another. Discs you record yourself probably have
no regional code and will play anywhere. Video turners will be
incompatible between PAL and NTSC. You might be able to find a
multistandard unit that will work everywhere.

Regards,
Tim Schwartz
Bristol Electronics


wrote:

Hi,

I am looking to buy an inkjet printer, DVD recorder with hard disk, and
home theater system. The problem is that I am living in Italy
(220V/50Hz) and may move to the U.S. (110V/60Hz) in the future. I
would the option to use these electronics in both countries.

I have the option of buying the products in the U.S., but would prefer
to buy them here in Italy. From a technical standpoint, is it better
to step down from 220/50 to 110/60 or step up?

I would like to avoid purchasing a voltage transformer/converter. Is
it feasible to have these products rewired by an electrician to handle
both voltages and frequencies?

I assume there is some form of a motor in all of these products. Is
this a problem as far as the frequency is concerned?

Thanks in advance for the help!

Thanks for all the replies. It seems like it is more trouble that it
is worth. The problem is that some of the products that I want are
somewhat high end. A couple more questions before a final decision...

Some UPSs have inputs/outputs at both voltages and frequencies. Is
this a viable option? Do UPSs make a lot of noise (e.g. fan)?

On the internet that there are companies that claim to supply region
free products (e.g. http://www.world-import.com/). Are these
companies for legitimate? Do you know if they modify the products?

Thanks again!

"James Sweet" wrote in message
news:KYBOd.24753$uc.4870@trnddc03...

In the kitchen? If the house has an electric stove, then yes there'll be
240v behind the stove, but nowhere else.

Are you unaware that in kichens now, all outlets are split 220? This is a
regulation. Try a voltmeter - measure hot to hot.
--
N

"GG" wrote in message
om...
Thanks for all the replies. It seems like it is more trouble that it
is worth. The problem is that some of the products that I want are
somewhat high end. A couple more questions before a final decision...

Some UPSs have inputs/outputs at both voltages and frequencies. Is
this a viable option? Do UPSs make a lot of noise (e.g. fan)?

No a good option. Still won't fix the TV problems. No fans.

On the internet that there are companies that claim to supply region
free products (e.g. http://www.world-import.com/). Are these
companies for legitimate? Do you know if they modify the products?

Usually WAAY expensive. A DVD player can be as low as $30 in the US.

--
N

"Tim Schwartz" wrote in message
...
Hello,

There are some surround receivers that can be changed from 230V to 115V
with the flick of a switch. I'm most familiar with the Arcam units
(www.arcam.co.uk) but I'm sure there are other brands out there too.
Basic ink jet printers are so inexpensive in the US ($75-$150) that it
is probably not worth shipping one over. Give the old one a way to a
friend, and buy a new one when you get here.


A bigger problem might be that the home theater system will likely be PAL in
Italy correct? For it to be useful in North America it would have to be
NTSC.

The DVD recorder is the big problem. In Europe, the commercial discs
are region 2, and the US is region 1. It is not legal for a repair shop
to 'deregionalize' a machine, though it may be possible, and many can be
set for one region or another. Discs you record yourself probably have
no regional code and will play anywhere. Video turners will be
incompatible between PAL and NTSC. You might be able to find a
multistandard unit that will work everywhere.

As I said earlier, the DVD recorder won't be an issue if it's a drive for a
PC, they can almost always have their region changed a few times.

"NSM" wrote in message
news:anROd.46223$tU6.20838@edtnps91...

"James Sweet" wrote in message
news:KYBOd.24753$uc.4870@trnddc03...

In the kitchen? If the house has an electric stove, then yes there'll be
240v behind the stove, but nowhere else.

Are you unaware that in kichens now, all outlets are split 220? This is a
regulation. Try a voltmeter - measure hot to hot.
--

No I wasn't aware, but they're not in my house (built in '79) nor are they
in any other house in which I've done electrical work. Changes in regulation
don't automatically change every house on the continent. If he was buying a
brand new house perhaps this would be something he could count on, but
certainly not in an older one. I have to wonder though, what would be the
point of splitting the circuit making 240v present between two sections of
an outlet? Sounds dangerous more than anything.

"James Sweet" wrote in message
news:bRWOd.1361$uc.501@trnddc01...

"NSM" wrote in message
news:anROd.46223$tU6.20838@edtnps91...

"James Sweet" wrote in message
news:KYBOd.24753$uc.4870@trnddc03...

In the kitchen? If the house has an electric stove, then yes there'll
be
240v behind the stove, but nowhere else.

Are you unaware that in kichens now, all outlets are split 220? This is
a
regulation. Try a voltmeter - measure hot to hot.
--

No I wasn't aware, but they're not in my house (built in '79) nor are they
in any other house in which I've done electrical work. Changes in
regulation
don't automatically change every house on the continent. If he was buying
a
brand new house perhaps this would be something he could count on, but
certainly not in an older one. I have to wonder though, what would be the
point of splitting the circuit making 240v present between two sections of
an outlet? Sounds dangerous more than anything.

It's not 240 it's split 220. The top and bottom hot lines are on two
separate breakers off two sides of the split 220. It helps to spread the
kitchen load over the two hot lines. In apartment buildings with a 3 phase
supply it's usually 208 between the two hot lines.
--
N

brand new house perhaps this would be something he could count on, but
certainly not in an older one. I have to wonder though, what would be
the
point of splitting the circuit making 240v present between two sections
of
an outlet? Sounds dangerous more than anything.

It's not 240 it's split 220. The top and bottom hot lines are on two
separate breakers off two sides of the split 220. It helps to spread the
kitchen load over the two hot lines. In apartment buildings with a 3 phase
supply it's usually 208 between the two hot lines.
--


Line voltage here in the US is 120/240, and yeah I understand what you
meant, I've just never encountered a house that was wired like that, nor
have I seen an apartment building with 3 phase power, always had 120/240
just like houses.

"James Sweet" wrote in message
news:yfXOd.26048$uc.5302@trnddc03...

Line voltage here in the US is 120/240, and yeah I understand what you
meant, I've just never encountered a house that was wired like that, nor
have I seen an apartment building with 3 phase power, always had 120/240
just like houses.

It was 208 in my old apartment and I've got 220 in my condo.
--
N

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?

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?

I use an American radio in Italy and it picks up all of the radio
stations.

wrote in message
oups.com...
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?

TV tuner frequencies are quite different. I'm sure there are lists on the
web.
--
N

Hello again,

I'd like to clarify the tuner situation:

For the AUDIO FM tuner, Europe uses 50uS de-emphasis, while the USA
uses 75uS. A european tuner in the US will sound bright, or a US tuner
will sound dull in Europe. In Europe AM has 9KHz steps, and the USA
uses 10KHz steps. Some A/V receivers will have either software
switches, rear panel switches or internal methods of changing these.
So, if you look carefully before you buy, you should be able to buy a
115/230V receiver that is easy for the owner to change. I'd also try to
make sure that the model is sold in both countries so you can get it
serviced if you ever need to. These receivers should also be able to
have their video displays switched between PAL and NTSC.

For the VIDEO tuner a european PAL tuner will do you no good in the
USA, and an American NTSC will be useless in Europe, so a
'multistandard' machine is the only way to go.

As to buying a DVD player in the USA, I've seen them advertised on sale
for as low as $19.95US. HOWEVER these are going to be region 1
machines, and will refuse to play region 2 discs that you bring over
from Europe. It is possible to find a multi region machine, where the
coding has been 'hacked' so that they will play any disc, but I don't
get involved with those.

Regards,
Tim Schwartz
Bristol Electronics


wrote:

Hi,

I am looking to buy an inkjet printer, DVD recorder with hard disk, and
home theater system. The problem is that I am living in Italy
(220V/50Hz) and may move to the U.S. (110V/60Hz) in the future. I
would the option to use these electronics in both countries.

I have the option of buying the products in the U.S., but would prefer
to buy them here in Italy. From a technical standpoint, is it better
to step down from 220/50 to 110/60 or step up?

I would like to avoid purchasing a voltage transformer/converter. Is
it feasible to have these products rewired by an electrician to handle
both voltages and frequencies?

I assume there is some form of a motor in all of these products. Is
this a problem as far as the frequency is concerned?

Thanks in advance for the help!

"Tim Schwartz" wrote in message
...

As to buying a DVD player in the USA, I've seen them advertised on sale
for as low as $19.95US. HOWEVER these are going to be region 1
machines, and will refuse to play region 2 discs that you bring over
from Europe. It is possible to find a multi region machine, where the
coding has been 'hacked' so that they will play any disc, but I don't
get involved with those.

You can often see portable DVD players on eBay, which run on any power
source, play any disk, and do it to any TV system.
--
N