False 'Copy Protected' on Philips DVDR75

[JimLely]

Hi,

My Philips DVDR75 (running ff13k) gives me false 'Copy Protected' on about 15-20% of my CABLE (definitely not copy protected) recordings (using RF connnection, i.e. no 'box'). If I don't intervene (i.e. by hitting stop and re-recording) it will last about 18 minutes and then begin to record. This is a real pain for a timer recording. This problem only occurs at the beginning of the recording. Anybody else have this experience?

Jim

[mopar7]

have you done the latest firmware upgrade? I am not havng any problems, but I have been using the rca cable inputs from the digital cable box and the vcr, not the coaxile cable as they are supposed to give better quality.

[JimLely]

ff13k is the latest firmware. I'm not using a digital (or analog) box, just the coaxial through my RF input. That is the only cable source.


Jim

[FOO]

Sue Phillips and Macrovision for screwing up your life,
and mental anguish.

[hothandiman]

Foo, you still trying to up your post count? :P

[donpedro]

JimLely, where are you from and why are you sure that signal does not have Macrovision in it ?

[JimLely]

JimLely, where are you from and why are you sure that signal does not have Macrovision in it ?

I live in Florida and examples of the cable stations are: CNN, Fox News, and PBS (not copy-protected). COMCAST is my cable company and they state that these are not copy protected. Also, if these were copy protected why eventually would the DVDR stop flashing 'copy protected' and start to record (usually after 18 minutes)?

Jim

[Capt_Diode]

Jim,

I too live in Florida and am serviced by Comcast. Although I do not own a DVR as of yet, I plan to do so in the future. My experience with Comcast (old ATT) The cable plant in my area is 20+ years old. No Fiber in my area. I live two miles from the Head end. My signal quality is terrible. Each channel varies in signal strength. I have also noticed that the video carriers also vary. If the tuner has a fine tune adjustment give that a try. Several of the channels on our system have a hissing sound in the background. Fine tuning eliminates the noise for me. Another trick might be to use a VCR as the tuner and use RCA cables to connect the devices. This might help with signal levels if they are the culprit. Not the solution you want to hear but it may help if finding the source of the problem.

Good Luck,
Captain Diode

[JimLely]

Hi Captain D,

My Comcast is the former MediaOne and the cable is fiberoptic. All stations are clear and noise free.

Jim L.

[Capt_Diode]

Jim,

Glad to hear you have good quality signal, not the same for me. I am trying to think of things I would try if posed with the same problem. The 18 minute thing is suspicious of the unit itself. I would go ahead and try the tips I recommended earlier. Is it possible there is too much signal? Again with the VCR try the coax into the VCR daisy chained to the DVR. Set the VCR tuner to a channel you are having trouble with and make sure the output to the DVR (2/3/4) whichever you use in your area. If my suggestions don't work I would suspect a problem with DVR.

I hope these suggestions help!

Good Luck,
Captain Diode