Any version of Procoder will work. TMPGEnc 4.0 Xpress is also a good choice. It can convert just about anything to anything. It also offers a wide range of filters, a video editor, etc. You can even increase the audio volume (gain) of a DVD with this program.
If your goal is to go directly to DVD, Film Machine can convert PAL video formats to NTSC compliant DVD discs. You can use the included HCEnc or QueEnc encoders that come with it or can import ProCoder or CCE.
Now that I think about it, I used Nero 6 for my first PAL to NTSC conversion. I suspect later versions could also be used.
The thing to remember about any PALDVD to NTSC DVD conversion is that all the menus, etc., will be lost in the process. A program like DVDlab will be needed to re-create the menus and extras.
There is more involved than just the region coding. The PAL standard is 25 FPS (frames per second) while NTSC is 29.97 FPS. To go from PAL to NTSC requires either stretching the 25 FPS by adding time to the existing 25 frames or adding extra frames to get to the 29.97. The actual frame size is also different, and has to be adjusted. There are also other "scan" specifications that are different.
Now then, if someone just wants to *watch* a PAL DVD on their computer, there shouldn't be any problem with the various common players using a region free setting.
