Multi-system TVs - where to buy

Sorry if this has been asked before, but I did a search, and couldn't find it.

We're looking for a multi-system TV - basically one that will get German channels, but that will also work back in Canada. Is it possible to buy these in Munich?

If not, does anyone know if our Canadian/US DVDs will work with a German-only TV? Thanks.

Have a look around all the standard places, Conrad, MediaMarkt, Saturn and Redzak

The above shops will likely have such a TV, but the staff may not know for sure what type of tuner is needed for Canada. I think most newer TVs have tuners that can handle cable systems from many areas, but you're likely to run into problems. Especially because of the PAL/NTSC difference.

It just doesn't make much sense to buy a tv here with the plan to take it with you. TVs generally cost more here, it won't be cheap to ship and could easily be damaged. You'll be better off getting a cheap(er) one that works here and then sell or give it to a TTer when you leave. You avoid the hassle of shipping it home and by that time you may want a new one anyway. You can get a good quality used tv for under 200 €.

Yes - if played on a region 1 or multi-region player.

mate got a 28" phillips TV for €222 in Walmart last week. buy one here then flog it before you go back, much simpler and probably cheaper solution than buying one, hoping it works and paying for shipping.

Shipping back home isn't a concern to us - my husband is an officer in the Canadian Forces, and so all of our stuff was shipped here for us, and will be shipped back to Canada in three years time, without costing us anything out-of-pocket. If anything is damaged in transit, we receive full compensation, so again, that's not an issue for us.

The Canadian support base up in Geilenkirchen recommended a multi-system TV, so there must be a good reason why. The Canadian Forces don't recommend anything without a good reason. So that's why we're looking for one.

Thanks for all the answers. We were shopping at Conrad today, and the TV guy there said that they didn't carry multi-system TVs. I guess we may end up having to make nice to one of the American officers, so we can go down to the American PX and buy one there (which we can do, but it is supposedly a real hassle for Canadian officers to get on the US base the first time, although we are allowed to shop there.)

either go to Garmisch and check out the Px there (should be able to use the Canadian Military card there), or PM- Gemini- she works on a base, and maybe be able to help you.
But with the electric conversion, I really doubt you can use it back home.

As for the DVD's, make sure your player is multi region like others said- I use my laptop instead, as I am to technically disadvantaged to figure out how to change the region codes.

Most multi-standard TVs are multi-voltage/frequency too, as by definition they are intended to be used around the world.

told you I was technically disadvantaged!
I thought a multisystem was one that could use PAL and NTSC. Not one with a built in power converter.

Caylynn,

As Carm says you can get one in Garmisch at the PX, but that store is C**p, there is also a big PX in Wurzburg & also Heidelberg. We have both Multi system tv & VCR & both work fine here & in the US, I assume that the canadian system is the same. Also we just got our TV for $129 at the PX in Heidelberg.

That too, but they are also Automatic dual voltage.

I don't see at all why it should be any problem to buy a multi-system television. I wasn't exactly shopping for one, but the LG Flat Panel LCD television I bought will work across the world including Canada. The setting in the menu allows for virtually any television signal system and the power rating in ~100V - 240V / 50/60Hz.

Hey cool, on closer inspection, my television was manufactured the same month that I bought it

Caylynn: Chances are that if the tv power rating is anywhere in the 100V - 240V range, it will be compatible in Canada. If you can check the manual of the TV before you finalise your purchase, it should tell you if you can change the signal from ie: Japan, Canada/US, UK, Europe, France etc.

Good luck!