Alternative to SimaVCM

[fairtomiddlin]

I'm looking for a reasonably priced alternative to the Sima Video Copy Master. Here's the problem. I wanted to capture and convert several of my old VHS tapes (Disney, etc.) to DVD. I purchased a Sima VCM (<$50) because several posts here said it would remove the Macrovision protection. I connect my VCR to the Sima unit, which in turn is connected to my Canon ZR45 mini DV camcorder, which in turn is connected to my PC via firewire. I then attempted to use the camera's pass-through function to capture the VHS tapes onto my harddrive. Unfortuantely, the Sima unit does not strip the Macrovision and I am unable to capture any Macrovision-protected tapes. Non-protected tapes (i.e home movies) capture fine. Can anyone recommend an alternative to the Sima, other than the relatively pricey Canopus units?

TIA.

[Tommyknocker]

Click here.

[fairtomiddlin]

Tommyknocker, thanks for your input. Have you had any experience with the FacetVideo device? Does it work as advertised? I was really surprised when the Sima did not work as I expected it to.

[Tommyknocker]

Not personally. But Bob W swears by it.

[bek]

I'm not too thrilled with facetvideo's Clarifier. Got it this morning and started copying from VHS to DVD immediately.

First thing I noticed was that my video tends to roll. Not the movie itself, but the part before the movie and on every VHS menu. Weird, eh? So I emailed support early today and haven't yet heard back from them.

Next item... it did indeed bypass Macrovision, but the resultant DVD is "jittery." The original video was fine, but the jittery DVD version is distracting. This is kind of a big deal.

Last, and a minor item, is that it's called a "Clarifier", but actually does NOT clarify your videos at all. Its sole purpose is to beat Macrovision. I was hoping to get some minor visual benefit from the Clarifier, but no go. Also, mine doesn't look quite like the one pictured on their web site--mine has no neat identifying label on top.

If all my videos are going to be jittery, I'm going to return it. I'll probably get a TBC...

-Brian

[Tommyknocker]

Hmmm...If you get jittery DVD from good original video, the problem may not be your Clarifier. If you did a search on this forum for the same topic, you will find it is a common occurrence, usually caused by wrong frame order or bad media.

[bek]

I don't follow you, TommyKnocker.

The source is a VHS tape. I use this recorder for non-Macrovision stuff all the time with no "jitters." When I record this VHS video to DVD, I suddenly have jitters for the first time since having my DVD recorder.

I don't think it's the media because even during the recording, I could see the jittering! When the video was actually playing... since the video never did this before, and this is the first time it's going through the Clarifier, I tend to think that's the problem.

I'll try another video and see what happens...

[Dr. Swirl]

I checked out that website--it was very interesting, especially when they referenced the Sima Color Corrector (I have one), and thus far have no bad experience in copying anything. Granted, the knobs for adjusting the color, etc. can be a pain in the butt, however, it's really worked well in backing up my VHS tapes and DVDs. I paid 80 bucks on Amazon, and can't say a bad word about it...unless somebody knows something I don't!

[bek]

The Sima SCC won't copy protected VHS to DVD. It might help the picture quality a tad, but it's not good for anyone wanted to break Macrovision and record to DVD.

[Bob W]

I'm not too thrilled with facetvideo's Clarifier. Got it this morning and started copying from VHS to DVD immediately.

First thing I noticed was that my video tends to roll. Not the movie itself, but the part before the movie and on every VHS menu. Weird, eh? So I emailed support early today and haven't yet heard back from them.

Next item... it did indeed bypass Macrovision, but the resultant DVD is "jittery." The original video was fine, but the jittery DVD version is distracting. This is kind of a big deal.

Last, and a minor item, is that it's called a "Clarifier", but actually does NOT clarify your videos at all. Its sole purpose is to beat Macrovision. I was hoping to get some minor visual benefit from the Clarifier, but no go. Also, mine doesn't look quite like the one pictured on their web site--mine has no neat identifying label on top.

If all my videos are going to be jittery, I'm going to return it. I'll probably get a TBC...

-Brian

I also get the "roll" with my Clarfier however I don't see a bit of jitter in the final recorded DVDR. I think the roll is a result of a low sync from the VCR so until the actual movie starts and the unit receives a strong sync signal it tends to roll the frame.

[bek]

Hmmm... I wonder what's happening with the jitter. My equipment has been tried and true, and I only experienced this when I connected the Clarifier, so I feel that's the problem.

Maybe it's just a bad model. They are sending me a replacement. I'll let you know if the replacement fixes the problem.