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With centuries of shared history, Europe and America are deeply interconnected. But the same may not be true about electronic protocols; if you plan to move to the birthplace of Western civilization, you may be wondering if your TV will still work.
Your TV will work in Europe if you use an adapter, transformer, or converter to make the unit compatible with European 240V outlets. Plus, you need an HDMI video converter, so your TV can receive the PAL and SECAM signals there.
Indeed, the devil is in the details. But no worries; in this post, we will walk you through how to make your TV work in Europe, showing you practical tips so you do not need to leave your flatscreen(s) behind.
Europe vs. US: Electrical Systems
If you plan on moving from the US to Europe, you must first remember that the American and European electrical systems are different. This should be foremost in your mind when you want to know if your TV work in the continent.
There are two essential ways that American and European electrical systems differ from one another. First is the shape of their plugs, and second is the voltage their outlets and appliances use and run on.
Below is a deeper dive into the difference in voltage and the shape of plugs in the American and European electrical systems. Also, be ready to find valuable ways to get around these differences, to give you peace of mind.
Difference in Voltage
The most significant difference between the American and European electrical systems is the standard voltage for their outlets and appliances. In the US, the standard voltage of outlets is 120V.
This is precisely how most appliances are built to match that standard. But there’s an exception to this rule.
Even in the US, big appliances that require more power, such as ovens and washing machines, are an exception to this as you need a dedicated 240V outlet for them.
In Europe, however, the standard power outlets and appliances all run on 240V of electricity. So that applies to a flatscreen TV too.
| WARNING: While plugging a 240V appliance into a 120V outlet isn’t necessarily dangerous, it’s still not advisable. What’s dangerous is plugging a 120V appliance into a 240V outlet, as it will result in outright damage. |
This is the potential problem you’ll encounter if you bring an American TV designed for 120V to Europe. Fortunately, it shouldn’t spell the end of the world for you, as there are ways to bypass this voltage difference and safely use your American TV.
Let’s explore some more.
Difference in Plug Shapes
The shapes of the plugs used in American and European electrical systems are a dead giveaway. Plugs from the US have two flat prongs, while the plugs in European countries have two round-shaped prongs.
Differences in the plug shapes make it physically impossible to connect an American TV to a European power outlet.
Fortunately, this issue regarding the difference in plug shapes doesn’t pose a problem as big as the one regarding voltage difference. Replacement plugs are easier to access, but the different voltages require a more hands-on approach.
Solution: Use an adapter and converter to plug your TV into a European outlet
A step-down adapter and converter is a handy tool that you can use to plug your 120V TV from the US into the 240V power outlets used in Europe. This device will regulate the voltage from 240V to 120V so your TV can be plugged in safely.
The power cable of your TV will plug into the step-down adapter and converter, and the latter will be plugged into the European outlet. The step-down adapter and converter will lower the voltage from the outlet to an acceptable level for the TV.
We recommend getting a step-down adapter and converter that can handle a wide range of voltage so you can use it with many more devices. It’s also good to have an adapter and converted device to increase the voltage for more use cases.
You can shop for a step-down adapter and converter device on online shopping platforms like Amazon. The prices of these devices can range from $30 to $150 depending on the manufacturer and their extra features, plus the shipping cost.
So, with that out of the way, we should be able to deal with more troubling issues. Indeed, electrical standards will mean you must do some major adjusting.
Europe vs. US: Signal Transmissions
Even if you get to plug your American TV into a European wall outlet, the signal transmission differences may cause an issue. Without a doubt, that’s going to be a significant stumbling block.
This can result in your TV not displaying videos and images on its screen correctly — if at all. The differences in signal transmissions between the US and Europe are due to different power frequencies and signal formats for TV broadcasts.
You can learn more about these signal transmission differences in the sections below. We’ve also included our recommended solutions to help you bypass these differences in signal transmission and settle with ease.
Difference in Frequency
While the United States and most European countries predominantly use an AC (Alternating Current) power line, the frequency used is different. The standard power frequency used in the United States and Europe is 60Hz and 50Hz, respectively.
The frequency of the power current is measured in Hertz (Hz), which is equal to one cycle per second. One cycle refers to the moment it takes for the current to double down on itself after traveling in a certain direction once.
It means that the power current in the United States completes sixty cycles per second while the power in Europe completes about 50 cycles per second.
It may not be an issue with other more sturdy appliances, but not for a flatscreen TV. While most appliances today can handle this difference in frequency, it’s not the case for most TVs.
Please note that as long as the voltage rating is compatible, the difference in frequency won’t damage TVs from the US. But a boob tube needs to display pictures as crisp and complete as possible, and this is where the problem starts.
The common issue with plugging into a power outlet with a different frequency is that you’ll get terrible picture quality on your display screen. Needless to say, such a scenario defeats the purpose of watching TV.
Difference in Signal Formats
Your US-manufactured TV set may not work in Europe considering the signal they use there for TV broadcasts differs from the one used in the United States.
Out of the three standard formats used in the world, the US uses the NTSC (National Television Standards Committee) video signal format on TVs. On the other hand, some broadcasters in European countries use either the PAL or SECAM signal formats.
What does this mean? Simply put, TVs manufactured for the US market wouldn’t be compatible with the signal transmitted by some European broadcasters.
The difference between the NTSC signal format and both the PAL and SECAM signal formats is the refresh rate of their video output. You may not be familiar with refresh rates, but this is a routine aspect of your smartphone.
Entry-level smartphones survive on a 60Hz refresh rate. It definitely won’t hurt you, but there’s a massive difference in smooth user experience between a phone with a 60 Hz refresh rate and one with 120 Hz.
This applies to a TV set too. Images and videos transmitted using the PAL and SECAM formats have a refresh rate of 50Hz compared to the 60Hz of NTSC.
With NTSC’s 60Hz refresh rate, broadcasters can transmit 30 frames per second, while PAL and SECAM can only transmit 25 frames per second with a 50Hz refresh rate.
It looks like a slight difference in frame rate but, this is a significant factor in whether your TV will work in Europe.
Solution: Use an HDMI video converter on your American TV
If you want any TV that uses NTSC signal format to work in Europe, you’ll need an HDMI video converter. This device will convert the 50Hz PAL and SECAM signal formats in Europe to a 60Hz NTSC format compatible with your TV.
Doing so will help ensure that your image quality on your TV display screen isn’t blurry and distorted. Before you jump for joy, know there’s a catch; the price tag may not be to your liking.
| NOTICE: Please note that HDMI video converters can be expensive as they can cost around $100. This might be too much for one device with a specific use case. |
You may find affordable options if you browse online stores such as Amazon or eBay if purchasing an expensive converter isn’t viable. However, spending extra on a quality video converter is worth it, as you’ll likely have it for much longer.
TV License Fees
“Will your TV work in Europe?” isn’t the only thing to consider if you plan to bring your TV from the United States. Aside from the difference discussed above, owning a TV in European countries has other requirements.
One requirement in Europe that you need to fulfill if you own a device that can receive television broadcasts is the license fee you need to pay.
It’s not something you may want to take lightly. While your TV will still work without a license fee, the consequences of doing so aren’t worth the trouble.
The price of TV license fees is different depending on the European country imposing it.
In some countries such as Denmark and Austria, the price can go as high as €335 each year, while countries like Poland will only ask you a yearly fee of around €60.
Please note that not all European countries require license fees since other countries like Ireland and Cyprus get their revenue from advertising or taxation. With the shift to streaming, the TV license fee is nearly sidestepped.
Options for Converting and Adapting TV Signals for European Use
Using a TV from a different region in European countries may be impossible without using separate devices to adapt and convert TV signals. Plus, you also need your TV to adapt to the European power voltage and frequency standards to work.
Your options to make American TV work in European countries is limited to using an adapter and converter for power ratings and signal formats.
Additionally, you need a step-down converter that will help adjust the voltage to plug your American TV into a European outlet safely.
If you’re lucky, the area you’re residing in might even have a transformer, which allows you to have some 120V outlets installed. Otherwise, investing in a personal step-down converter or transformer will be necessary to use your American TV.
A simple power adapter should be handy to fit into a European power outlet. In the case of signal formats, an HDMI video converter will help convert PAL and SECAM formats from Europe into your TV’s supported NTSC format.
Common Issues When Using a TV from a Different Region in Europe
Using a TV from a different region has its clear downsides, which is why most people are wary about a transfer. For example, your foreign TV might not even work if you bring them over to Europe due to differences in power and signal.
A common issue you might encounter is getting images and videos on your TV display screen at a lower quality. The incompatibility of TV signal formats and power frequency of European standards can mean terrible video outputs.
Since American TVs are manufactured to be compatible with the NTSC signal format, your unit might not work in Europe properly as they use a different signal format. European countries use two signal formats, so there isn’t a single standard.
So, with that said, this means you will have to be on the lookout for the standards of the country you’re transferring to. But no worries; in this department, we got you covered.
Below is a table we’ve prepared showing the TV signal format used by European countries. You can refer to this information as it might be useful depending on what European country you’re planning to move to.
| SECAM (Sequential Color and Memory) | PAL (Phase Alternate Line) |
| Bulgaria | Austria |
| Croatia | Belgium |
| Czechia (Czech Republic) | Cyprus |
| Estonia | Denmark |
| France | Finland |
| Greece | Germany |
| Hungary | Ireland |
| Latvia | Italy |
| Lithuania | Poland |
| Luxembourg | Portugal |
| Slovenia | Romania |
| Spain | |
| Sweden |
Your TV might not even receive the signals at all if it simply doesn’t work under these European conditions.
Worse, accidentally plugging your 120V-rated TV into a 240V European outlet will also result in overvoltage that might even lead to a fire or explosion.
Take note, however, that we’re talking about regular programming here. When you deal with digital programming or streaming, the regional differences won’t matter much.
That’s because digital is based on IP addresses. So, all you have to do to watch Netflix that’s geared for the American market is to ensure your IP address reflects that of the North American nation.
That can simply be achieved by using a VPN. By masking your true IP address, a VPN allows you to rout internet traffic that’s intended for the market you want, which in this case is America (or any country of your choosing).
Practical Tips for Travelers or Expats Bringing Their TVs over to Europe
The most practical tip we can give to travelers or Ex-pats who plan on bringing their TVs to Europe is to consider the cost of this action. Shipping your TV to Europe can be costly, and you’ll also need some extra devices to make it work.
So, you need to do the math before you make the move. Even if your American TV could work in Europe, what remains to be seen is whether it will not be too costly compared to just buying a new TV in the European country of your destination.
| ADVISORY: Do the math to weigh the pros and cons of bringing your TV. If the price you’ll pay to ship your TV to Europe and make it work costs as much as a new unit, buying a European TV might be a better option. |
You can start fresh. For one, you can instead sell your American TV and use the money from it to purchase a new TV that’s compatible with European standards.
This way, you can save yourself the trouble of getting your TV to work in Europe when you should be enjoying a fresh start. It saves you a headache.
Remember, there are other costs to consider when bringing your TV all the way to Europe. License fees could be top of the list.
With that, you should be in a better position to put things in perspective. Instead of asking yourself whether your TV will work in Europe, the better question to ask is whether doing all that is worth your precious dollars.
FAQs about Using Foreign TVs in Europe
What is the difference between analog and digital TV formats in Europe?
There are differences between the analog and digital TV format standards used in Europe. The analog TV signal format adopted by European countries are PAL and SECAM, and the digital TV signal format they adopted is DVB.
The main difference between analog and digital TV signal formats is the electrical signals they transmit. Analog electrical signals are continuous, and digital electrical signals are non-continuous.
Analog signal formats are also limited to analog devices, while digital signal formats are compatible with a wider range of devices. It’s a lot easier to use digital signals as they’re more flexible than analog.
Are there any customs or legal regulations about bringing TVs to Europe?
Paying a license fee is the only legal regulation you must keep in mind if you decide to bring your TV to Europe. It’s mandatory in most European countries to pay a license fee for owning a device that can receive radio and TV broadcasts.
Using your TV without paying a license pay will result in prosecution, fines, and other compensations that will be asked of you. The price of license fees varies between European countries, with some requiring you to pay more than €300 each year.
What options do I have for receiving digital TV broadcasts in Europe?
An external DVR or add-on tuner with DVB-T/2 can make your non-digital TV receive digital signals in Europe. The reason for this is that DVB was the digital TV signal standard that was adopted by European countries.
Note that streaming apps like Netflix are regional, with specific shows for various regions. To watch American Netflix in Europe, you must employ a VPN to mask your IP address and reflect the North American country.
Are there any potential costs or fees for ensuring TV compatibility in Europe?
You must pay fees to ensure your foreign TV will work in Europe. You’ll need to invest in a power converter or transformer to ensure your TV can be plugged into the 240V outlets in Europe.
You also need to buy an HDMI video converter for your TV to receive the PAL and SECAM signals in Europe. Plus, there’s a license fee that you need to pay in most European countries just to own a TV, that’s on top of the shipping fee.
