dvd to dvd-r stand alone problem

[kaz171]

I have a stand alone Sony GX7 for about a year or so now. I mainly purchased it to go from VHS to DVD-R and mini dv to DVD-R. I'm done converting my collection and want to start "backing up" some dvds. The problem that I run in to is that the GX7 shows the message "CAN'T RECORD THIS SIGNAL" When I start recording from a dvd. I'm assuming this is due to digital copy protection. In analog, my good ol' SIMA unit took care of the macrovision. any similar product or tips for getting the DCP out of there so I can start recording???

Please Help!!!!!!

[guns1inger]

You could look at a full-blown TBC, but the costs is probably not worth it for the benefits. That said, macrovision is still essentially an analogue copy protection, even with DVDs (it's just a flag to tell the play to output macrovision noise in the signal), so the sima should work (they advertise it to do exactly what you are trying to do, which is why macrovision are suing them).

Otherwise, use your PC to do. The quality will be much better as it will be a 1:1 copy if you use DL, and close too if you use the right tools when reencoding for SL disks.

[kaz171]

thanx for the reply, but I already tried w/ the SIMA and I still get the "can't record this signal" message. I know I need to to do it on the PC but I was trying to get by on the equipment I have already.

[RowMan]

There is a much simpler way to back up DVDs using your computer with the free programs DVD Decrypter, DVD Shrink, and DVDFab Decrypter.

If you must do backups going from DVD player to DVD recorder, you will not only run into problems with Macrovision, but another form of (digital) copy protection called CGMS/a. The Clarifier Classic shown here...

http://www.facetvideo.com/xcart/customer/home.php

...is one of the few devices that not only removes Macrovision like your Sima unit, but it removes CGMS/a as well. I have a couple of friends that each have The Clarifier and they say it works like a charm.

[johnnyelectron]

Sometimes you can record to a Sony 8mm camcorder then dump the camcorder to the DVD-R; but it would seem to be easier and a whole lot faster with DVD Shrink etc...based on what I've heard.