DV Camcorder recommendations needed...

[oldfart13]

I need (and maybe this site needs as well) a list of camcorders with DV IN/OUT as well as external composite and S-Video inputs. As a lot of us are now starting to get into DV recording for making VCDs or DVDs, this might be very helpful. The external composite inputs would mean we wouldn't need breakout boxes like the Pinnacle DV Bridge in order to use analog devices like vcrs to be able to record DV streams. I've been looking around my town here and the wide price range is maddening enough without the numerous models. Salespeople are of little help since you are looking for features for a specialized project. This site is the best place to get answers anyway...

[invisibler]

Most retail electronics stores are not very helpful when it comes to researching DV cameras, nor are their prices very good... do a little research yourself and you will find plenty of websites focusing entriely on DV camera info...try online retailers that specialize in DV equipment...
http://www.profeel.com is a good one...there prices aren't the best but they are helpful and you can find info (like whether a particular model camera has Anolog inputs...every DV camera available now has analog outputs and DV in/out) at their site...

[oldfart13]

Well, we can scratch the Sharp VL-WD250U camcorder. Reading from the manual "If a digital video recording with a copyright protection signal is used as the playback source, "COPYRIGHT PROTECTED." appears on the camcorder monitor and the recording function is disabled."

We were trying to stay away from this crap with capture cards like the ATI line. Looks like it's in the DV camcorder market as well...

[oldfart13]

!@#$!! All the Sharp camcorders will refuse a copy protected tape as the source recording. Scratch that company off my Christmas card list...

[kiddoc]

I believe you will find that most DV Camcorders w/ the Analogue input have a way of recognizing copyrighted materials, including Sharp, Panasonic, Sony, & possibly JVC.

The "flag" is set in the video signal. Even if you could convince the Camcorder to override the flag, the video signal will be wavering, UNLESS you defeat the "flag" at the video source.

Please note: I DO NOT SUPPORT THE COPYING OF COPYRIGHTED MATERIALS. Do not render this forum into a Hackers/Crackers discussion.

[oldfart13]

Looks like the DV Bridge then for me. My tapes are old (as much as 20 years) and no one knows who owns their copyrights anymore (I've talked to people from old companies like RCA's old video division...their bosses don't know who owns what anymore so the old movies may NEVER come out on DVD). Sorta funny you talking about hacking/cracking systems on a site that promoted ripping DVDs to start with (look to the left...what's that column? DVD RIP? Hmmm). Each to their own...

[Tommy]

How interesting, I didn't know they had copy protection on videos back then (20 years ago). hmmmm