is there a distinction between tapes along pal/ntsc lines? are all tapes compatible with both formats?

Yes -DV tape records the data but the format (PAL, NTSC) is established in the camera. But once you record it one way it needs to be played back the same way with compatible components.

All DV tape is compatable with either format.

Or to put it another way, *blank* tape is suitable for either PAL or NTSC, it doesn't matter. But once you record something to that tape, you can only play it back in that particular system.

Or, the short version... No.

thanks folks!