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How to Use a PAL Xbox With an NTSC TV

Video standards in Europe are different that those in the United States. Therefore, if you purchase an Xbox in Europe, you may be dealing with a Phase Alternating Line (PAL) standard rather than the United States National Television System Committee (NTSC) standards. PAL and NTSC systems are not compatible on their own. However, with the help of a PAL-to-NTSC converter box and a voltage converter, you can make connect your PAL Xbox to an NTSC TV.

Things You'll Need

PAL-to-NTSC converter box
Voltage converter
Video-audio cables (component or composite)

Instructions

- 1
  Plug the video input/output cords into the video input/output jacks of the PAL-to-NTSC converter box. Match the colors of the cords with the colors of the ports. A high-definition Xbox and TV have blue cord and green cords in addition to the red, white, and yellow cords of a standard-definition Xbox and PAL-to-NTSC converter box.
- 2
  Plug the video output cords of the PAL-to-NTSC converter box cords into the jacks video input jacks of your TV. Match the colors of the cord plugs to the colors of the jacks on the TV.
- 3
  Adjust the PAL-to-NTSC converter box to NTSC. Move the small, plastic switch on the PAL-to-NTSC converter box to align with the NTSC mark on the box.
- 4
  Connect the Xbox to the voltage converter. European plugs have different shaped prongs than those of the United States. Plug the Xbox power cord into the European side of the converter. This is the female side of the converter with holes to accept the rounded prongs of the PAL Xbox.
- 5
  Plug the male end of the voltage converter into an electrical outlet. The male end has two flat prongs and one round "ground" prong.
- 6
  Turn on both your Xbox and TV. Press the power button on each device.
- 7
  Adjust your TV to the appropriate channel that allows you to view the audio and video from your Xbox. This channel varies for each TV and the port in which you plugged the Xbox. Many TVs use channels such as "HDMI 1", "HDMI 2", "Component 1", "Component 2", "Video 1", "Video 2", or "AUX". Consult with your TV's instructions manual for the specific channel.
- 8
  Monitor your TV screen for Xbox video and listen for the audio from the Xbox. The converters will work to switch PAL to NTSC and allow you to play Xbox on your NTSC TV.

Xbox 360