My cheap video stabilizer used during capture

[briandugas]

I just purchased the JVC HRS9800 to replace my 4 Head Panasonic (model PV-V4022, I think....very common for about $50-$70). Anyway, I use a cheap $26 video stabilizer I found online at http://www.squeakersneakers.com/vs.htm . This has worked for me in removing Macrovison on a VHS I bought used from Blockbuster. It does the job. I was wondering if some more knowledgable could look at that link, and tell me if I should invest in a better unit. That would only be if my current unit is harming my video somehow. It's not S-Video, so I won't be able to utilize S-video on my new HRS9800 when I need to defeat macrovision. Is this unit doing anything more than removing macrovision? Thanks.

[Bob W]

I have one of those which I bought for $10 like six or more years ago. If you're looking for a device with s-video try this one it worked for me and my JVC VCR. http://www.facetvideo.com/

[BrainStorm69]

For that price you could also get a SIMA color corrector from Amazon.com. The color corrector has more features, but will not remove the digital (vs. analog) copy protection. So it won't work if you are trying to capture a copy protected DVD (although I don't know why anyone would capture a DVD since it's much better just to rip it).

I have a color corrector on order and should have it by next weekend. If you can wait that long I'll let you know how it works out.

[briandugas]

For that price you could also get a SIMA color corrector from Amazon.com. The color corrector has more features, but will not remove the digital (vs. analog) copy protection. So it won't work if you are trying to capture a copy protected DVD (although I don't know why anyone would capture a DVD since it's much better just to rip it).

I have a color corrector on order and should have it by next weekend. If you can wait that long I'll let you know how it works out.

Yes, I'll be patient, and wait for you. What does SIMA stand for? Does this color corrector you speek of also remove Macrovision? Does it have S-video in/out-puts? I would like an alternative to the one I have, I would like one that uses S-video. I don't need digital copy protection removed, only from analog sources. Thanks.

[BrainStorm69]

Sima Corporation is the manufacturer. Product link here:

http://www.simacorp.com/products/item.ep.html?session=ef45a71b3a1dfe99262f89bff53ca713&id=385

It is supposed to remove both Level-1 and Level-2 Macrovision. It has s-video and composite inputs and outputs.

Also, as a further to my previous post, it won't work if you are trying to capture a DVD on a stand-alone DVD Recorder. It will allow the copying of a DVD to VHS.

[briandugas]

Thanks for the reply with the link. Wow, $159.00. I guess you get what you pay for. That sure seems like a nice unit. I like the S-video option. I don't plan on needing macrovision removal from DVD sources. I'm pretty set in my DVD backup methods. I'm more interested in my personal creations from a VHS source. This SIMA product is exactly what I was looking for. Guess I'll have to sell my old one on ebay or something.

[BrainStorm69]

Thanks for the reply with the link. Wow, $159.00. I guess you get what you pay for. That sure seems like a nice unit. I like the S-video option. I don't plan on needing macrovision removal from DVD sources. I'm pretty set in my DVD backup methods. I'm more interested in my personal creations from a VHS source. This SIMA product is exactly what I was looking for. Guess I'll have to sell my old one on ebay or something.

You can get a Color Corrector at Amazon.com for $89 (with free shipping if you're willing to wait awhile to get it). Much better than $159. You can also find them for sale on ebay all the time. They usually go for between $65-70 plus shipping there.

Also, FYI, Sima is coming out with a digital version called the SCC2 that has two sets of outputs (i.e., 2 s-video out and 2 composite out). But it's not out yet, and there's only a couple of places taking pre-orders. It also will be more expensive - list is $199. The only places taking pre-orders are taking them at that price, so I don't know what it will sell for once there are plenty out in the market. But I would suspect it won't be less than about $150.

[FulciLives]

The SIMA units should remove MACROVISION but will not remove CGMS/A which is common with DVD discs.

However I have heard that some VHS videos also have CGMS/A or at least some "higher" form of MACROVISION that the SIMA units cannot break.

So in short the SIMA may not work with ALL VHS videos that are copy protected.

- John "FulciLives" Coleman

[BrainStorm69]

However I have heard that some VHS videos also have CGMS/A or at least some "higher" form of MACROVISION that the SIMA units cannot break.

So in short the SIMA may not work with ALL VHS videos that are copy protected.

- John "FulciLives" Coleman

I'll find out for sure once I get mine this week. The first video I'm going to try it on is my Star Wars tape (which seems to have some pretty wicked copy protection on it).