Yank moving to the UK

winks2

winks2

winks2

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19 Feb 2009
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Hello all:
I will be moving to England at the end of the month. I am wondering what transformers and other electronic converters I will need. I am bringing my NTSC 42" LCD Toshiba Television with so I know I will need a pretty hefty transformer for that along with a signal converter... I was thinking this one (http://www.atlona.com/Atlona-HDMI-DVI-Scaler-with-Analog-Digital-Audio-p-17507.html)

Are there any transformers that anyone can suggest?

Also I have a battery backup for my two computers and I am wondering if a transformer will correctly convert the power without "hurting" the batteries or what is connected to it...

I have an HTPC and a Gaming rig is there anything else I am forgetting or need to know? They both have antec PSUs but only one of them have the red 110/240 switches on them. The other says that it is 110/240 but doesn't have a switch. Which makes me think that it has an "autoswitch." What do you think?

We aren't bringing anything with a motor as I understand that they will run hot and slow due to the whole hertz difference if connected to a transformer.

Thanks for any advice that you may have!
 
Hi, welcome to the boards :)

AFAIK you probably won't need signal conversion if you're using HDMI to link the TV to the receivers etc, it's even possible that you won't need converters for the signal if your TV has component, and composite.

Check to see what range of signals it'll take, as many TV's will accept a variety of input signals/types via the hdm/component/composite/scart connections they cannot deal with via aerial lead - for example my TV won't do NTSC via it's built in tuner, but will more than happily deal 60hz/NTSC via it's SCART and composite connections, and the whole range of frequencies/resolutions via the HDMI and component inputs (I suspect that a lot of the time they use the same board with just the aerial tuner changing for both EU and US models).
What is the model number of the TV?

As to the transformer for it, you'll probably need to look at how many watts your TV uses, then look for a suitable transformer based on that (without knowing the wattage it's hard to recommend a suitable transformer as we might recommend something that is too weak, or overkill).
My guess is it'll probably be around 200-250watt peak power use (my 32" LCD is about 100watt but peaks at 150ish according to my plug in power monitor and the labels max rating), in which case it'll probably cost around £100 for a suitable transformer from one of the semi specialist electrical outlets here (a store that sells electrical components, or import stuff).

The chances are, as you say the PSU that says it's 110/240v but doesn't have a switch is probably auto sensing, as that has become pretty common now and avoids the chances of someone setting it wrongly when they first plug it in (my newer Antec PSU doesn't have the switch, but my older ones do).
The Antec site should give a definite answer, as I'd imagine should the sticker on the side of the PSU (the one that gives the output wattages for the various lines etc).


I'm not sure about the battery backups, you may need to check their specs, as there is a chance they can cope with 240v straight off with just a new cable to the mains, but it depends on the model.
 
Newer antec PSUs are all auto-switching AFAIK. I've certainly not seen anything to the contrary. It's also more efficient at 230/240v, which might make up for a small amount of the energy prices over here. Just get the 3-pin UK plug and you're away.

I'll leave transformers and signal conversion to others... I'd just end up blowing up your stuff :-)
 
without meaing to hijack the thread, and since the poster has received his answer... I have a somewhat related query..

I will be receiving in the next week or so a set of logitech z5500 as a present.. however, the problem is that this unit is originally purchsed in the USA.

therefore, the intake would be 110v. Now, my problem stems from the fact that do I need a transformer for this bab? or jsut a simple plug converter from the us plug to UK plug will do?

if not possible, can i know how much wattage does the z-5500 eats so i know how hefty a transformer that i need....

please help
 
Being a Yank who has done a few moves back and forth I've found that as long as the PSU on any device says 110/240v then all you need is a new cable or plug adaptor. Sometimes the PSU might have a switch on it to change the voltage, but in most cases it is automatic. When I first moved I wasted a ton on transformers for PCs, TVs, consoles, etc..., but found that most of my equipment never needed it in the first place.

Also, check that the TV doesn't already support PAL. Most newer TVs I've encountered (even many of the cheapest) support multiple formats (NTSC, PAL, etc...). I wouldn't be surprised if your TV supported PAL without a signal converter. Also, digital signals don't need converters because the standard is the same on both sides of the pond.
 
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Most devices should have an electrical rating plate on them saying what they need, most PSU's with a high PFC rating (99% etc) are generally 90-250 volt autosensing. Older PSU's are generally fixed voltage but may have switches.

If you want to watch broadcast TV on your set, it will need to support 576line / 50hz but there's a fair chance it will, most euro tellys support NTSC for instance. The built in tuner wont work though, so you'll want some kind of set top box, either freeview, freestat, sky or virgin etc.

For DVD/BluRay no conversion will be needed. So just a transformer for the mains voltage, assuming the TV's not got an autosensing PSU itself. (Again look for ratings plates, if it says 110/60hz then you'll need one).

Enjoy the UK. and Welcome.
 
Wow thanks for all of the replies! The TV is a Toshiba 42HL167... I know it does not have the ability to tune PAL. I think the Atlona converter is the way to go as far as the 576line/50 hz thing goes. The Amps for the TV are 3.0 Max Amps with average power of 169 Watts. I do have Blu Ray in the HTPC along with ANYDVD HD so I think I am set with being able to watch region 2 discs on my region 1 "player." Is that correct? I've taken a look at my other devices and found that my vonage adapter will work with a new plug adapter. However my Linksys 54wrtG router says it requires External, 12V DC, 0.5A" for the power and my wall wart here in the states is only 112/120 Volts So would I just need a new wall wart that is 230v ~ 12V DC? Same with my Telephone that is connected to my vonage box. Thanks again all this is turning into a better post than I had imagined!
 
Yeah, anything that runs on 3-18V, its probably best to just buy a replacement transformer, they are easy to pick up, just make sure that the output voltages and +/- polarity match your devices.
 
winks2 said:
Wife's in the Air Force, we'll be in the Lakenheath/Mildenhall area...
Click to expand...

with your wife being in the airforce you may actually find the base accommodation will have dual power systems
One for appliance's you purchase here and one for appliance's that you bring with you form USA

I know thats how it works in some of our base's based in foreign countries
 
me too

Hi Winks2

I've just come over to the UK from the US with a Toshiba REGZA 42HL167 42-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV (specs link)... any tips? Its actually in transit due here this week.

Several websites have specs that suggest it can cope with PAL & NTSC - can it or do I need a converter (like this one 'gadet20')?

Does it allow dual voltage or do I need to get a step down power converter too? Is the power lead attached?

And finally, was it worth it :)

Any advice based on what you did gratefully accepted.... OR if anyone else can help!

Thanks
 
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