I am moving to Zurich from the US. I have a Samsung LCD tv using 110Volts. Can I use it to Zurich? If so, what type of transformer/converter would I need? I believe the TV needs 300 Watts of power. Do I need a 300Watt transformer or higher wattage?

Thanks.

You'd need a step down transformer ie from Swiss 240V to US 110V. Am unsure of the power consumption - perhaps best stated in the Samsung TV manuals, which might also state if the TV accepts multiple voltage types ( in which only a low cost plug adapter will be required ).

Here is the Type J Swiss power outlet (SEV 1011 Swiss 10 A/250 V):




Source

Where is it possible to get such a transformer? My plasma will arrive from the US soon and I will definitely be needing one (I think).

It might be that the internals may well be able to switch from 110 to 230, you need to check the manual or the web site. If that's the case then just a Swiss power lead is needed.

Manufacturers find it far cheaper to ship with dual voltage from manufacture at source rather than produce localised models.

Try Spannungswandler / Stromwandler

Some search links are here and here.

http://www.pusterla.ch/
http://www1.westfalia-versand.ch/
yatego.com DE
smartshop.ch

Importing electrical equipment - ins & outs

Thanks jrspet for your quick response. I will check the manual; but I suspect I will need a step down transformer. Do you know where I can get one in Zurich?

I'd give Plusterla a go first in Zurich.

http://www.pusterla.ch/

Transformatoren

Thanks. I just went on their website; but wasn't able to find one - most likely as I can't read German. I will give them a call on Monday.

If you are still in US, get it from Radioshack.

Plusterla is a kind of place where you need to visit to see what's in store. There is an elderly and knowledgeable man there who can help you out. If browsing German sites is difficult, try using the site on Google Translate or on Google Chrome browser.

Ok - will go to the store instead.

I will try Radio Shack as well...but am not sure if they will have the power outlet plug for Swiss format.

You always need a few VA higher for conversion inefficiency and "headroom" I would look at a minimum of a 500 VA "auto transformer" for a 300W load, this will stop the tranny from, hopefully, becoming too warm and buzzing like a mumma. It is also good practice to put a surge protect MOV filtered distro or outlet on the 110v side.

You do however know that you will only be able to use this US TV with NTSC sources? it will not work on standard swiss cable or antenna unless it has dedicated converters (very rare on US spec)

Thanks. I will plan for a 500+VA transformer.

However, with an LCD TV, I didn't think NTSC or PAL made a difference. Thanks for the heads-up. If I use CableCom or satellite TV, would it still be an issue?

Switzerland uses PAL and most if not all programs are transmitted in that format here. You'd have to check your Samsung model if it supports both NTSC ( North American ) and PAL ( Europe wide ) - multi-system is the marketing word used.

http://www.mindfully.org/Resource/Vi...mats-World.htm
http://countrycode.org/tv-standards

Nothing to do with LCD... do you mean HD over HDMI connection?

I just called Samsung and they said if I get the right transformer, then my TV should work in Switzerland - I suppose it is a multi-system tv then!

As regards to connection, yes I would expect to use HDMI.

If a transformer is required, then it is not a multi-voltage system ie it currently does not support 240V.

As for video format, you might have an Unsupported signal - please check video output error even over HDMI.

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/25...-ntsc-flavours

Perhaps by posting the precise Samsung model number ( and / or a weblink ) might evoke responses from more knowledgeable members on the forum.

HD HDMI is far less problematic than PAL NTSC over component, composite or even scart.

It would appear that your TV can decode PAL signals then, which Samsung do you have? Do you know if it can do this over all input types or just HDMI? You obviously would have to make sure your new Digi box/ Sat box supports HD...

Unlike the US unless they are very high end machines most non HD machines (DVDs Sat boxes etc) do not have component video out, instead the old Euro standard scart (some with a different form of RGB) and the worst component over a yellow rca. Converting scart to component is rater complex which for such sources I would think your US TV would require... If you were only interested in HD sources this would cease to be an issue...

Thanks for the information. The model number of the Samsung TV is LN46B750. I would appreciate if someone can give more information specific to this model.