What is the difference between NTSC and PAL?

The two TV formats (NTSC and PAL) have been adopted as standards by television broadcasters around the world. The main difference between the two formats is the number of frames per second they offer: 30 in NTSC, and 25 in PAL. This difference means

that a movie recorded in NTSC format is unplayable by a PAL player and vice versa.

NTSC (National Television Systems Committee) A standard format adopted by the FCC for television broadcasts in the United States, Japan, Canada, and Mexico. NTSC offers 525 lines of resolution per frame at 30 fps.

PAL (Phase Alteration Line) The standard format for television broadcasts in Germany, Great Britain, South America, Australia, and most of Western European and Asian countries. PAL offers 25 frames per second.