Bypassing the input to VCR protection

[DRP]

Is there a way to get around the protection on DVD players that corrupts the picture when the output signal needs to be put through a VCR (like when you want to watch it on a TV without video input jacks)?

I have this situation right now. I've hired a movie on DVD and it's unwatchable on my RF antenna input only TV through the VCR.

[johns0]

The best thing for an older tv without audio/video inputs is to buy a composite video/audio to r/f convertor so that the macrovision problem you are having doesnt show up when watching dvd movies.Radio Shack has this type of device.

[DRP]

But then... and correct me if I'm wrong, but wouldn't I have to continually swap over the aerial socket input with alternatively the DVD and VCR output cables depending on which one I want to watch at the time?

My TV only has one antenna RF input socket (its only input socket of any description at all in fact, apart from the power cable of course).

If that's correct then such a situation would be unacceptable. I have since found out the protection I need to bypass is called Macrovision and requires a chip change in my DVD player. Where can I buy the required mod chips to do this?

[johns0]

Nope,the device would go inline after the vcr and anytime you want to watch a movie just simply put the dvd on play and you will get the dvd onscreen and when you shut it down the screen would return to normal,think of it as a game machine hooked up,dont have to do any switching.As i already mentioned the macrovision wont come into play with the dvd going straight thru a video to rf convertor because the signal isnt going thru an agc circuit.

[Poppa_Meth]

there are also macrovision descramblers available. its a small box that plugs inline between the DVD and VCR and removes the Macrovision protection before it reaches the VCR. you can get them for about $30 and up. I know Lik-sang.com carries a generic one and avtool.com has a higher end one.

[K(c)offee]

I had to get one of these. It was like 20 or 30 bucks but it works great.

[johns0]

The way i mentioned also lets you hook up a video switch so you can put in several video devices that can be switched to play,its your choice of convenience.

[jeg_jason]

Get this unit instead. It kills all macrovision and will allow recording to your VCR. It will also work with your DVD recorder. It is a great future investment especially if we eventually reach the point where many shows are broadcast with macrovision.

http://www.facetvideo.com/

[johns0]

Get both devices

[DRP]

Get this unit instead. It kills all macrovision and will allow recording to your VCR. It will also work with your DVD recorder. It is a great future investment especially if we eventually reach the point where many shows are broadcast with macrovision.

http://www.facetvideo.com/

Sounds great! Anyone know where I can get one in Australia?

[wingnut2003]

drp use can use a device called an rf converter, you hook the dvd player into it and your tv cable lines. when you turn the dvd player on it will switch the video to the dvd player for you, and when you turn it off it goes back to the tv signal. here is a link to give you an idea, there are many other brands, but all do the same thing. http://www.circuitcity.com/detail.jsp?c=1&b=g&qp=0&bookmark=bookmark_0&oid=46947&catoid=-8760

[DRP]

drp use can use a device called an rf converter, you hook the dvd player into it and your tv cable lines. when you turn the dvd player on it will switch the video to the dvd player for you, and when you turn it off it goes back to the tv signal. here is a link to give you an idea, there are many other brands, but all do the same thing. http://www.circuitcity.com/detail.jsp?c=1&b=g&qp=0&bookmark=bookmark_0&oid=46947&catoid=-8760

Hhhmmm, thanks. That may be the way forward for the immediate problem. It looks cheaper than the Macrovision decoder option. If I understand correctly though, this will not allow me to record DVDs on to VHS will it?

It looks to me like this item goes between the DVD player and the TV and doesn't modify the signal in any way at all. In effect all it does is to create some extra inputs for TVs that only have one. That may be good enough for me at the moment until I can get hold of one of these Macrovision decoder devices to solve the recording issue.

[wingnut2003]

drp, you can try it for recording. it may not remove the macrovision. i was always going to try it, but never got around to it. it's worth a shot.

[DRP]

I've just bought and tried one of these http://www.altronics.com.au/cat.asp?cat=8&grp=276&id=S9233

It doesn't work at all so I have to return it on Monday. Connected it up as shown on the instructions set it to AV input and put the tele on channel 3 and twiddled the tuning knob until the cows came home - nothing.

I could tell there was a picture from the DVD I was playing underneath all the snow but it never got anywhere near being watchable.

Oh well, I guess I'm back to Macrovision decoders again. Trouble is, no-one where I live even has the faintest idea of what a macrovision decoder even is and I've been to the 4 biggest electronics/home entertainment retailers in the city today asking the question!

I guess this is something you can only purchase over the internet.