A TechLore "Ask the Experts" Question...

Question:

I have a 42" Mitsubishi rear-projection TV. When I play the PS2, everything is fine. When I try to play XBOX, the screen flickers. I have tried changing the A/V cables, even upgraded to the s-video cable, and no change. XBOX tech support states the problem is with the TV, and Mitsubishi states the problem is with the XBOX. The XBOX is a Thailand model, but I have the power converter installed. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

-submitted by akanitro409

Answer:

So whose fault is it, Mitsubishi or Microsoft???

Actually... neither.

You didn't give your country of home origin, but I'm assuming you're a resident foreign to Thailand since you felt it important to specify where your XBOX came from. The problem you're facing is that your XBOX and television work on different television systems. If your TV is from the US, it is setup for the NTSC TV system. Thailand uses a form of the PAL system, so the signal coming from your XBOX is incompatible with the TV.

Converting the power was only the first step. If you wish to use a PAL device on your NTSC or SECAM TV, you need to acquire a converter to do such a task. There are not a plethora of choices, but you should be able to find something online. Otherwise, you'll have to sell your XBOX to someone in Thailand and pick up a model from your home country.

Matt Whitlock - Editor, TechLore.com