Samstores offers you a variety of convenient payment options to choose from, so that you can transact at Samstores conveniently in a secure manner. We hope that offering you with multiple payment options makes you more comfortable shopping with us.

You may also make orders using Manual order at Samstores.com

Print and fax/mail 
APO/FPO addresses 

::: GSM Phones :::

What does GSM Stands for and what is meaning of Triband or 900/1800/1900 mhz in GSM phones?

GSM
Global System of Mobile Communications, the most widely used digital mobile phone system. The GSM systems family also includes GSM 1800 and GSM 900. There are different phases of roll-out for the GSM system and GSM phones are either phase 1 or phase 2 compliant. Phones having all the three frequency are called Triband or World GSM phones.

GSM 1800
Also known as DCS 1800 or PCN , GSM 1800 is a digital network working on a frequency of 1800 MHz. It is used in Europe, Asia-Pacific and Australia.

GSM 1900
also known as PCS 1900, GSM 1900 is a digital network working on a frequency of 1900 MHz. It is used in the US and Canada and is scheduled for parts of Latin America and Africa.

GSM 900
GSM 900, or just GSM, is the world's most widely used digital network and now operating in over 100 countries around the world, particularly in Europe and Asia Pacific.


What is meant by UNLOCKED?
Unlock means your phone can be used with any GSM service Provider. It’s not locked with any service provider.


Can I use my ordinary GSM phone in the USA?
No, most probably not, if you don't happen to own one of the very latest Dual-band or Tripple-band phones that are prepared for this. E.g. Ericsson T39

Which is the best GSM phone?
It is impossible to say. Most GSM phones are good enough. Try to ask your friends and colleagues what their experiences are. You almost always get what you pay for. Check the real prices, not the subsidies ones, then you´ll get a hinch about what you get. The largest producers in the world are Motorola, Ericsson, Nokia, Siemens and Samsung (not necessary in that order).

I'm going to buy a new phone and can't decide, Nokia or Ericsson. Which one should I pick?
Both phones are about the same quality. It's a matter of taste.

Can I connect my PC to the phone and in that way administer phone numbers
and such?
Yes, many mobiles have data cables or IR (infra red) connection.

Keep in mind that:

• All cell phones we sell are SIM unlocked so you can use them with any compatible GSM service provider.
  900/1800mhz MHz phones are for use overseas in Europe, Asia, Africa and South America. They will not work in the USA.
  
• Phones with 1900 MHz can be used in the USA and North America. These models will work with Voice stream, T-Mobile, Cingular and any other GSM 1900 MHz service provider.
  
• World Phones will work in any GSM Country.
  Some models may not have English language manuals. You may be able to download English versions from the manufacturer's website. We cannot guarantee you will get an English manual.

::: Multi System Televisions :::

WHAT DOES "MULTI SYSTEM TV" MEAN?
A TV which incorporates to all major World broadcasting and video standards. All our TVs are PAL, SECAM, NTSC standards for international use and can operate on any voltage ranging from 110 vt to 240 volt 50/60 hz. for TV viewing and video playback worldwide.

DO I NEED A STEREO MULTI SYSTEM TV TO GET SURROUND SOUND?
Not necessarily. if you have HI-FI stereo VCR and surround sound music system, that will do the job.

WHAT IS PICTURE-IN-PICTURE (PIP) AND 2 TUNER PIP?
Picture-in-Picture (1 tuner) has one built-in tuner in the TV which allows using a VCR to watch two different TV stations at once on the screen using VCR. A 2 tuner PIP TV has two built-in tuners which allows to watch two different TV programs simultaneously on the TV screen without using VCR's tuner.

I HAVE A HI-8 CAMCORDER, DO ANY OF YOUR MULTI SYSTEM TVs HAVE S-VIDEO
INPUT?
Some 25" or larger screen TVs have Super VHS (S-VHS) input jacks to connect HI-8 video camera and S-VHS VCRs. This type of connection delivers superb picture quality compared to using standard video (RCA type) jacks.

I HAVE TO ORDER A TV THROUGH MAIL ORDER. HOW SAFE IS IT?
In addition to manufacturers original packaging, we double pack TVs for extra protection and to ensure safe delivery. TVs up to 25" are shipped by ups. 29" and larger TVs are shipped by air cargo or truck lines.


::: Multi System VCRs :::

WHAT DOES "MULTI SYSTEM VCR" STAND FOR?
Multi system VCR or some people also called "multi standard VCR" is a combination of various video system like PAL, SECAM or NTSC for play back and recording video worldwide.

WHAT IS PAL, SECAM AND NTSC?
There are three major broadcasting and video system used all over the world.

PAL:- Is a format widely used in Europe, Australia, Asia and Africa. PAL stands for Phase Alternation Lines and has various sub-systems for VHF and UHF bands for each country.

SECAM:- Is mainly used in Eastern Europe and France (SECAM-L) SECAM stands for System Electronique Couleur Avec Memoire was founded by French.

NTSC:- Is mainly used in North America, Mexico, Canada and Japan. For detailed information on world system click here. NTSC stands for the National Television Systems Committee who developed the system and public broadcasting of NTSC began in the United States in 1954.

WHAT DOES NTSC PLAYBACK ON PAL TV (PAL 60) MEAN?
This feature in VCR allow you to view NTSC (American) tapes directly on ordinary PAL TV. If picture shrinks and rolls over the TV screen, it can only be adjusted by vertical hold button on the TV. Vertical hold button is generally found on older models or on black and white TVS.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN 2-HEAD AND 4-HEAD MULTI SYSTEM VCRS?
4-Head video machine offers sharper picture quality and noise-free special effects like slow motion, still etc. Compared to 2-head models. This is because one pair of video heads are designed for recording and playbac in SP mode while other pair is dedicated to EP mode for excellent picture quality. All 4 head VCRs offers multiple speed playback and recording.

HOW DIFFERENT ARE 6-HEADS VCRS THAN 4-HEAD VCRS?
All 6-heads VCRS are same as 4-head VCRs as long as the picture quality is concerned. Only the sound quality makes the difference. 6-heads VCRS delivers HI-FI stereo sound where 4-head mono. Some of our 6 heads VCRS also record in stereo sound.

MY RELATIVES IN EUROPE HAS SENT ME A VIDEO TAPE. HOW CAN I VIEW IT ON MY STANDARD U.S. TV (NTSC TV)?
A: To answer this you have a 3 options.

1) Buy one of our multi system TV and VCR

2) Buy a VCR built-in converter (probably the best alternative)

3) Buy one of our multi system VCR'S and a video system converter unit.

HOW CAN I TRANSFER MY 8MM VIDEO TO STANDARD VHS TAPE?
Several of our VCR models offer front panel A/V inputs. This inputs are designed for quick and easy Camcorder hook up. Some of our multi system VCRs built in converter are also equipped with front A/V input jacks to enable you to dub a tape to and from PAL-NTSC system for worldwide playback.

::: Pal System Camcorders :::

WHICH ONE SHOULD I BUY - PAL OR NTSC CAMCORDER?
It really depends on where you are going to live most of your life. If you are planning to move overseas permanently or for a longer period of time, buying a PAL Camcorder would be the best choice. Because PAL Camcorder records in PAL System which is compatible with all TVs and VCRs overseas. There is no need of buying multi system TV or VCR. You can also share videos with your friends and family overseas since it records only in PAL. If you are going for a short trip, then buying NTSC Camcorder would be the right choice. However you cannot playback tapes on overseas TV or share the tapes with your friends or family overseas. If you already have NTSC Camcorder and have a multi system TV overseas and planning to leave a Camcorder overseas, you can able to play tapes only with a multi system TV. You can not share tapes with your friends because not everyone has multi system TV or VCR overseas. Also you will have hard time fixing it overseas if it needs repair because NTSC Camcorders carry only U.S. warranty while PAL Camcorders carry international warranty and can be honored in most countries.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF 8MM OVER VHS-C FORMAT? OR VICE VERSA?
Even though VHS-C offers easy and convenient feature of play back right in to VCR (without need of using a Camcorder), 8mm tapes offer longer recording time than VHS-C. Also with 8mm models the frequency response (sound) is much better than VHS-C models. But to playback a 8mm tape either you need to connect your Camcorder directly to a TV or dub 8mm tape in to VHS format to playback in to VCR.

I WANT TO TAKE WITH ME MY AMERICAN CAMCORDER (NTSC SYSTEM) AROUND THE WORLD. CAN I USE IT ANYWHERE IN ANY COUNTRY?
Yes, as long as recording part is concerned. No matter what type of Camcorder you have, PAL or NTSC, all Camcorders AC power ADAPTER/BATTERY chargers are designed to operate on any voltage worldwide automatically ranging from 120 volts to 220/240 volts 50/60 hz. However you might need necessary plug adapter simply to fit in that country's electrical outlet.But to play NTSC recorded tapes overseas, either you need a multi system TV or multi system VCR built-in video system converter or multi system with a separate video system converter.

I HAVE BROUGHT MY PAL CAMCORDER AND HOME VIDEOS FROM ENGLAND. HOW CAN I VIEW TAPES HERE IN U.S.A.?
To view your English tapes with U.S. NTSC TV you need to buy either a multi system VCR with built-in converter or any of our multi system VCRS with a separate video system converter. You may also consider to buy a multi system VCR and multi system TV which can give you flexibility of using it anywhere in the world.

WHICH ONE SHOULD I BUY? 8MM, HI-8 OR DIGITAL 8?
Not only depending on your budget, also the type of TV set you have. If you own a good quality TV with over 400 lines of resolution with a S-VIDEO input, HI-8 or digital 8 would be the best choice. Most HI-8 and digital 8 Camcorders record in HI-FI stereo for superior sound quality. Plus you can play and record your old regular video 8mm tapes on a HI-8 Camcorder. With digital 8 series Camcorder you can play and record both regular 8mm and HI-8 tapes.

::: Foreign Electricity and Voltage Converters :::

Voltage Converters (220 volt - 110 volt)
Electrical differences in the World are not so shocking! Electricity in the world differs for each countries 110/120 volts or 220/240 volts. Plug shapes, Plug holes and Plug sizes are also different in each country. Some countries like USA and Canada run on 120 Volts 60 Cycles (60HZ) and most of the world run on 220/240 Volts 50 Cycles (50HZ). This differences in the electricity can be solved by using an appropriate voltage converters.

What does voltage converter or transformer mean?
In speaking general Voltage Converters and Voltage Transformers are used to convert electricity. North America and some other countries operate on 110/120 Volt AC 60 HZ. While most of the world operates on 220/240 volts AC 50 HZ. Voltage Converters change the electricity to make work electrical appliances in different countries.

What does "Step-up/Down Transformer" mean?
Step-up/Down Transformers are used to convert electricity from 220/240 VAC to 110/120 VAC (Step Down) or 110/120 Volt AC to 220/240 Volts AC (Step-up). These type of transformers are grounded and with built-in fuse protection system which provides safety against electrical shock and damage to the appliances.

How can I figure how many watts voltage transformer do I need?
First of all, find out how many watts do appliance take. You can find this information usually on the label located on the back or bottom of the appliance or in the specification page of instruction book of an appliance. If only amperage (AMPS) is shown multiply the input voltage (i.e. 110 or 220v) by AMPS to find the watts.
VOLTS x AMPS = WATTS for example, 110 V x 0.5 AMPS = 55 W. Please make sure not to operate any appliance with higher wattage than chaise the wattage rating of voltage transformer. Heavy duty transformers can be used continuously at 75% to 80% of their wattage capacity.

I have brought some electrical appliances from overseas will they work in USA?
Yes, You can buy one of our step up-down transformers according to the wattage rating of your appliance(s). Please consider to buy higher
wattage transformer than the wattage rating of your appliance. All our heavy duty transformers (step up-down) are grounded and built-in phase protection
system for your and your appliances’ safety. Please remember transformers do not convert cycles (60 HZ. VS 50 HZ. Foreign) and some cycle sensitive appliances like microwave ovens, stereo turn tables and analog clocks may not operate properly. However, most modern electronic equipments like computers, printers and stereo music systems are not affected by difference in cycles. Our heavy duty voltage transformers can also be used for U.S. appliances (120 VOLT AC) to operate in Europe (220/240 VOLT AC). We also recommend to buy our voltage converters built-in voltage stabilizer-regulator to save your appliances from damage caused by power fluctuations.

What is the difference between AC and DC current?
Most counties in the World use electrical currents as alternating currents (AC). DC stand for Direct Currents. All appliances and voltage transformers run only on AC electricity.

What is the use of Universal AC/DC adapter?
Also known as battery eliminator, universal AC adapters are used to convert AC electricity (i.e. 120V or 240V) to a desirable DC current (i.e.1.5,3,4.5,6,7.5,9 or 12 Volt DC). Some battery operated items with DC input includes walkmans, baby monitors, telephones which can be used with AC adapters universally.

Can I use my several appliances at once with voltage transformer?
Yes, As long as total wattage of all your appliances do not exceed than the wattage capacity of a voltage transformer. Also consider only 80% wattage capacity of voltage converter than wattage rating of your appliance(s) to avoid damage caused by power fluctuation.

Can I use my American VCR, TV and Video Camera Overseas?
Your American system (NTSC) TV and VCR with appropriate voltage transformer can only be used overseas for playing back your U.S. home videos and video games. TV will not receive local broadcast channels and VCR will not play local tapes and record off the TV reception because most countries use PAL or SECAM TV system. We recommend multi system TVs and VCRs because they give you flexibility to use them with any TV and Video System and can operate on 120 VOLT or 220-240 VOLT 50/60 HZ in any country in the world. As with your NTSC Camcorder you need to replace it with a PAL Camcorder unless you have a multi system TV.

Do the plug shape makes the difference when using my appliance overseas with a voltage transformer?
Yes, since there is no worldwide standard for the plug configuration, plug shapes and plug holes (electrical outlets) differ from country to country. In addition to voltage converter a necessary plug adapter is required to simply fit your appliance plug in to foreign wall outlet. Please note that adapter plug only changes the plug shape not the electricity.

::: Code Free DVD Players :::

What does "CODE FREE DVD PLAYER" mean?
A DVD player which would not limit playback to a specific geographical region. all our DVD players are PAL-NTSC, dual voltage and all region playback compatible unless specified. you need a multi system TV or a compatible TV to play various region's DVD discs. Most our DVD models also play regular music cds and video discs (VCD).

What is a Code Free DVD good for and which model do I buy?
The world is divided into 6 different Regions:

• Not only is a region involved in playing a DVD disc but PAL and NTSC TV formats also play a key role. A code free DVD player will play any DVD from any region in the World. A code free DVD player is also capable of playing both PAL and NTSC formats. There is a lot more involved in playing a DVD from another country.
  
• For example, DVDs from the UK are region 2 and are in the PAL format. So to play a region 2 PAL movie from the UK you need a Code Free DVD Player for sure. Second example is playing DVDs from Japan. Japan is also region 2 but they are in the NTSC format. To play Japanese region 2 DVDs in America all you need is a code free DVD player. No need for a Multi-System TV or a video converter, as American TVs are NTSC also.
  
• We also carry DVD players that have built-in video converters. These are models that will play any region DVD on any TV in the World. Models with a Built-in video converter like Philips, Akai, Malata ,Fujilink, Sampo, JVC, Conia,Toshiba & Portable DVD Players will play any DVD on any TV, i.e., plays PAL movies on your existing American TV.JVC models only convert from PAL to NTSC. You cannot play American DVD movies on a PAL TV with this player. Name brands like Sony, Panasonic, Pioneer, Samsung and Sharp require a video converter or a TV that matches the video format of your DVD movie. i.e., You will need a PAL TV to play a PAL DVD movie or a NTSC TV to play a NTSC DVD movie
  

I want to play my DVD from any where in the World on my American TV (NTSC) as well as on my PAL TV
These Brands will play any region DVD on any TV in the World. Models with a Built-in video converter like Philips, Akai, Malata , Fujilink, Sampo, JVC, Toshiba Conia & Portable DVD Players will play any DVD on any TV, i.e., plays PAL movies on your existing American TV.JVC models only convert from PAL to NTSC. You cannot play American DVD movies on a PAL TV with this player. Name brands like Sony, Panasonic, Pioneer, Samsung and Sharp require a video converter or a TV that matches the video format of your DVD movie. i.e., You will need a PAL TV to play a PAL DVD movie or a NTSC TV to play a NTSC DVD movie

WHAT OPTIONS DO I HAVE TO CONNECT A DVD PLAYER TO MY TV FOR OPTIMUM PICTURE QUALITY?
Depending on your TV set and type of input it has. Most our multi system TVs are equipped with standard audio video (RCA type) input jacks, that can be connected to DVD players RCA type a/v output jacks. Nearly all DVD players have S-VHS out (s-video) that can be connected to a S-VHS input of a TV. Some of our high quality multi system TVs have S-VHS input and requires a special cable. S-VHS input on a TV is also designed for use with S-VHS or HI-8 Camcorder for best picture quality. Some models of our Sony VEGA Multi System TVs are equipped with component video input for DVD playback.

IS IT POSSIBLE WITH VCR TO RECORD OFF DVD?
In most cases no. All DVD players are designed with anti-copy circuitry to prohibit copying from DVD discs.

IF I PLAY MUSIC CDS IN DVD PLAYER, HOW WILL IT SOUND?
Outstanding compared to CD Players. Because DVD players hi-tech digital-to-analog converters are designed to read and process the audio and video signals to produce superior sound and picture quality. DVD players definitely sound better than CD players..

• PAL stands for phase alternation lines(625 lines) offers more picture detail and wider luminance (color signal) bandwidth. PAL has been adopted by almost all 50 HZ (50 cycles) countries in the world.
  
• NTSC stands for national television standard committee which established american TV broadcast TV standard as a 525 line broadcast. NTSC system has higher frame rate which reduces visible flicker and picture noise.
  
• SECAM stands for sequential couleur AVEC memoire designed by the french and was adopted in france and eastern europen countries. Secam system has higher number of scan lines (625 lines) which offers more picture detail and stable hues.