NTSC SECAM PAL TV video standards

NTSC - National Television Standards Committee. The oldest existing standard, developed in the USA. First used in 1954. Consists of 525 horizontal lines of display and 60 vertical lines. Sometimes irreverently referred to as "Never Twice the Same Color."  Only one type exists, known as NTSC M.

SECAM - Système Électronique pour Couleur avec Mémoire. Developed in France. First used in 1967. A 625-line vertical, 50-line horizontal display. Sometimes referred to by wags as "Something Essentially Contrary to the American Method" or SEcond Colour Always Magenta!"  Different types use different video bandwidth and audio carrier specs.  Types B and D usually used for VHF; types G, H, and K for UHF; types I, N, M, K1 and L for both VHF/UHF. Different types are generally not compatible.

PAL - Phase Alternating Line. Developed by German engineer Walter Bruch and the German electronic corporation Telefunken. Walter Bruch patented his invention 1963 and the first commercial application of the PAL system was in August 1967.  Also a 625/50-line display and variant of NTSC. Proponents call it "Perfection At Last."  Due to the cost of the enormous circuit complexity, critics often refer to it as "Pay A Lot," and engineering students may hear it introduced as "Picture Always Lousy."  Different types use different video bandwidth and audio carrier specs.  Common types are B, G and H; less common types include D, I, K, N and M.  The different types are generally not compatible.

MESECAM: VCRs featuring MESECAM will record SECAM signals in such a fashion, that can be later viewed on PAL TVs. This system is incompatible with both PAL and SECAM, and  a MESECAM VCR is required to play MESECAM tapes. 
 
PAL-60: Also called "NTSC playback on PAL TV". A VCR featuring PAL-60 will output a 60-Hz video signal with PAL color. The resulting signal is partly NTSC (NTSC synchronisms) and partly PAL (PAL color), and will be viewed on PAL TVs that are 50/60 Hz ready. If PAL TVs are not 50/60 Hz compatible, vertical size will be incorrect, and/or picture will roll vertically. This signal may not be recorded on PAL nor NTSC VCRs.
 
NTSC 4.43: This system is identical to the US NTSC 3.58, except for a different color subacarrier frequency. Tapes recorded in NTSC 4.43 VCRs can be played on NTSC 3.58 VCRs.