HDCP Capture problems

[overheat]

Hello,

I've just started getting into EX-Rental VHS and wanted to add the trailers to my youtube channel. For the first couple tapes, this worked great, however, the other tapes I have come up with a HDCP error, which I guess is Macrovision?

Anyway, just wanted to know if there is an easy way to get past this? i've tried composite, s-video, and even running through other electronics for component and HDMI, but they all still throw up the HDCP logo.

My current setup is a Panasonic HS960 > Composite > Startech USB 3.0 Capture device.

I've had this capture device for a long time, so I'm open to other ideas for getting the best possible picture quality, as well as getting past this error - many thanks in advance!

Paul.

[sum_guy]

HDCP and Macrovision are two different things. HDCP errors are typically a system or cable error. A google search may give you more information.

[Brad]

Yes, the Startech USB3HDCAP says "HDCP" for Macrovision on analog inputs, even though that doesn't really make sense.

You didn't say how much you're willing to spend, or what your computer OS is.

One option is a capture device that ignores MV, like: https://youtu.be/RVbqGrf4rIQ?t=436

BTW, you're needlessly lowering the video quality from your fancy VCR by using composite output.

[Alwyn]

If you're talking about the USB3HDCAP, the HDCP issue can be defeated using a 1>2 splitter. This is mine, but this listing is "not available". You can probably find something similar. My Panasonic VHS combo and DVD recorder must put out HDCP signals even when I'm playing personal videos, and the USB3HDCAP will not capture them due to the HDCP. This gadget allows the signal through.

https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B091GG183D?ref_=pe_2361882_297267902_302_E_DDE_dt_1

even though that doesn't really make sense.

Agree.

[overheat]

Yes, the Startech USB3HDCAP says "HDCP" for Macrovision on analog inputs, even though that doesn't really make sense.

You didn't say how much you're willing to spend, or what your computer OS is.

One option is a capture device that ignores MV, like: https://youtu.be/RVbqGrf4rIQ?t=436

BTW, you're needlessly lowering the video quality from your fancy VCR by using composite output.

Hi Brad,

Really appreciate your help. I’m trying to get the best possible rips, so let me know the best possible option, no expense spared, and maybe also a slightly cheaper option as I’d rather not go into thousands if possible. I don’t really know the price of these things. My player cost me £120 which seemed reasonable. My PC is a GPD Win Max, which runs on Windows.

I’m guessing I should be using S-Video then? I was unsure on this as I know VHS is stored in composite and didn’t know if it would be best to stick with composite or go through the processing to go to S-video, but very much happy to be guided on this. I could also run it through my AV receiver which is a Pioneer LX55 and output either component or HDMI if that would improve quality. The best possible quality is my ultimate goal. Also been looking at the Topaz AI upscaler as a final step if you think it’s worth it.

Best Regards,
Paul.

[lollo]

I was unsure on this as I know VHS is stored in composite

Analog signal is stored as Y and C separated on VHS tapes. Then for capturing it, use S-Video connection if available. For the test, follow Brad’s recommendations and you won’t be disappointed

[Eric-jan]

@Overheat: do you have maybe a dvd recorder available with RCA component video out ?

[overheat]

@Overheat: do you have maybe a dvd recorder available with RCA component video out ?

Yeah, I tried running through that to defeat the macro vision, but it didn’t seem to work

[Eric-jan]

@Overheat: do you have maybe a dvd recorder available with RCA component video out ?

Yeah, I tried running through that to defeat the macro vision, but it didn’t seem to work

You need to set the component video output into progressive mode, this will defeat macrovision.
This works for me with my DMR-ES35V when i need that.

[Subtitles]

Have you tried screen recording? I am assuming that you can watch the video perfectly on your monitor and quite frankly a VHS video quality isn't that great anyway even if you get over the Macrovision limitation. And it will cost you nothing.

[lollo]

Have you tried screen recording? I am assuming that you can watch the video perfectly on your monitor and quite frankly a VHS video quality isn't that great anyway even if you get over the Macrovision limitation. And it will cost you nothing.

Even better, film the screen with the smartphone, so the video is already there. After all, is just VHS quality

[overheat]

Have you tried screen recording? I am assuming that you can watch the video perfectly on your monitor and quite frankly a VHS video quality isn't that great anyway even if you get over the Macrovision limitation. And it will cost you nothing.

No, capture card doesn’t show a signal, just displays HDCP and no picture.

[overheat]

@Overheat: do you have maybe a dvd recorder available with RCA component video out ?

Yeah, I tried running through that to defeat the macro vision, but it didn’t seem to work

You need to set the component video output into progressive mode, this will defeat macrovision.
This works for me with my DMR-ES35V when i need that.

Pretty sure it was set to progressive, but I’ll try again.

[Subtitles]

Have you tried screen recording? I am assuming that you can watch the video perfectly on your monitor and quite frankly a VHS video quality isn't that great anyway even if you get over the Macrovision limitation. And it will cost you nothing.

No, capture card doesn’t show a signal, just displays HDCP and no picture.

Thanks for clarifying that.
Have you tried the splitter solution that Alwyn mentioned?
Worst case scenario for me is to play a VHS tape with Macrovision on a small TV that has composite connectors and record video and audio with a Logitech webcam connected to PC or laptop.
Perhaps I will try that over the weekend as I have both devices and report back.

[Alwyn]

This one looks exactly like mine, with the "Wingoneer" added.

https://www.amazon.com.au/Namvo-WINGONEER-Splitter-Output-Blu-ray/dp/B07Q2XM9M3/ref=cm...ct_top?ie=UTF8

[Subtitles]

This one looks exactly like mine, with the "Wingoneer" added.

https://www.amazon.com.au/Namvo-WINGONEER-Splitter-Output-Blu-ray/dp/B07Q2XM9M3/ref=cm...ct_top?ie=UTF8

It is also Currently Unavailable.
Amazon Germany has few interesting splitters
https://www.amazon.de/s?k=hdmi+splitter&crid=1QTBQX3AHIJW0&sprefix=HDMI+%2Caps%2C133&r...s_ts-doa-p_2_5

[Alwyn]

It is also Currently Unavailable.

Odd. It's available here in Oz.

Here you go, this one doesn't have the Wingoneer and looks exactly the same as mine:

https://www.amazon.de/-/en/WINGONEER-HDMI-Splitter-Outputs-Blu-ray/dp/B07NS99SX1/ref=s...s%2C507&sr=8-4

[jagabo]

This one looks exactly like mine, with the "Wingoneer" added.

https://www.amazon.com.au/Namvo-WINGONEER-Splitter-Output-Blu-ray/dp/B07Q2XM9M3/ref=cm...ct_top?ie=UTF8

It is also Currently Unavailable.
Amazon Germany has few interesting splitters
https://www.amazon.de/s?k=hdmi+splitter&crid=1QTBQX3AHIJW0&sprefix=HDMI+%2Caps%2C133&r...s_ts-doa-p_2_5

Most of those are switches, not splitters. Any that claim to be bi-directional are passive switches (they just physically connect pins at one end to pins at the other end) and are not active electronic devices that split the incoming signal to two devices (and hence they can't bypass HDCP).

[Alwyn]

Most of those are switches, not splitters.

"Most". The (powered) one I have, which looks exactly like the German one I linked to, does bypass HDCP. There are actually quite a few that are spitting images of mine on the German Amazon.

[Subtitles]

Most of those are switches, not splitters.

"Most". The (powered) one I have, which looks exactly like the German one I linked to, does bypass HDCP. The are actually quite a few that are spitting images of mine on the German Amazon.

Alwyn that's good to know to look for powered splitters.
The one on Amazon Germany may look exactly like yours, but there is no guarantee that it will work the same.
I saw a powered HDMI splitter branded Orei and it says:
Fully Compatible with any HDMI 1.4/ 1.3/ 1.2 version, support HDCP 1.4(NOTE: Will Not BYPASS HDCP)

[overheat]

I bought a Pinnacle Dazzle 107 on eBay - hopefully this will do the trick

[Alwyn]

The one on Amazon Germany may look exactly like yours, but there is no guarantee that it will work the same.

Correctamundo. You pays your money, you takes your chances. Caveat Emptor and all that!