They have multi system VCR's out there that will play tapes from around the world. I have a broken Hitachi here that would play these tapes.I like to fix it someday.
Sony SLV-ED7FS - Hi-Fi Multisystem VCR
Panasonic CE MULTI-SYSTEM VHS VCR ( AGW3 )
http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-MULT.../dp/B0002K6XRM
Aiwa HV-MX100 Hi-Fi Multi-System VCR
http://www.amazon.com/Aiwa-HV-MX100-.../dp/B00001QGUQ
Now thank goodness for the internet and the computer I can download TV programs from around the world and watch them on my computer or trans-code them with software to NTSC to put them on DVD and enjoy them on TV.
Years ago the world should of standardize TV systems with one format.I guess everybody wants to be different.