copying VCRs to DVDs, etc.

[wjt]

We are thinking of buying a machine which dubs VCRs to DVDs and also, will copy TV programs to DVDs. We have been advised that many VCRs are encrypted and can not be copied whereas we thought only certain bought movie DVDs could not be copied. Can any expert put us straight on this? The machine blurbs say it will dub any VCRs and copy any TV programs and now we are completely confused!

[bevills1]

It's not VCRs that are encrypted, but many commercial VHS tapes have Mcarovision copy protection. Some ILO and LiteOn recorders including LiteOn LVW-5005 of which I bought 2 a couple of months ago can be hacked to remove Macrovision protection, and there are video stabilizers that can be used with any DVD recorder to remove Macrovision. Search DVD Recorders forum or Google search for Macrovision for more info. DVD recorders can also copy TV programs to DVD as well.