Sima Question

[Rautha]

Hi there everyone.

My apologies if this has all been covered before, but I've done a lot of research on here and other sites, and I don't think so...

I've been archiving a bunch of old commercial videotapes to my computer hard drive. I've got an ATI AIW 9000, brand new computer, Hi-Fi VHS VCR.

When I encountered the macrovision problem I bought a SIMA GoDVD! CT-2. It works, sort of.

On some tapes, it successfully removes all macro interference. On others, it seems to handle some macrovision trouble, but not all. I can still capture video - my old problem of a frozen picture is gone - but the picture luminance still flares. With my limited knowledge of the problem, I'm guessing this is because there are actually two levels of macrovision?

If I understand all this correctly, the patches available for AIW cards are really only to disable the macrovision signal when sending video OUT to something, a television or VCR or what have you. My problem, though, is macrovision interference on a signal IN to the capture card, so the trouble must originate in the VCR?

So, I guess there are only a few other options, and maybe you can help me:

1) To somehow open my VCR and adjust the AGC circuits? I've seen stuff on the net about this, but I wouldn't really know where to start since I'm not really that good with electronics, at least their guts.

2) To get yet another, probably more expensive, piece of equipment. And if you can make a recommendation that'd be great. I don't have lots of money, but I'd be willing to pay for something that really does work on EVERY tape.

3) Some other possibility?

Has anybody else encountered this problem with SIMA? Got any suggestions? I'd appreciate hearing anything...

Thanks,
Rautha

[FOO]

Try this

https://www.videohelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=226463&highlight=

[fmctm1sw]

Here ya go: http://www.repairfaq.org/filipg/LINK/macrov.gif

[FOO]

Sorry no good.
1. Burst ends after the first extra MV Hsync starts. Still get bad Hsync out.
2. Black level sample/hold is hooked to the output ! Should be input.
3. Inhibit pulse does not go all the way to the next Hsync. Type 2 MV will get
through.
4. You have to tune it up with a scope and it can't handle tape jitter because
it has fixed timing
5. I don't like the output driver.
6. Sync separator needs a 300ns filter in front of it.

Nothing personal. Go ahead and make one

[Rautha]

Hmmm.

Okay, let me see if I've got this right.

There are actually several different patterns that macrovision signals can come in?

So my Sima GoDVD! CT-2 might be able to defeat some of the simpler patterns, but not the more complex ones?

Foo, I see where you mention that you "finally got your video stabilizer to work" - is there something I can do to mine so that it can handle all my tapes?

I've been wondering about that, since I've tried repeatedly feeding the same tapes through the Sima. I could be losing my mind, but it seems like the CT-2 actually does at little better with each pass. Unfortunately the macrovision does finally bleed through and the luminance goes crazy, but each time the Sima works for a little bit longer.

Don't laugh, but does the stabilizer have to sort of... "learn" the pattern of the macrovision signal its trying to bypass?

Thanks,
Rautha

[FOO]

I doubt it learns. I know nothing about the internals od the Sima things.

[Rautha]

So, Foo, you've managed to make your own Macro disabler?

Is there anything I can do with the CT-2 to upgrade it?

Failing that, can anyone recommend another product that would have a better success rate?

How about this one:

http://www.facetvideo.com/xcart/customer/home.php

-Rautha

[FOO]

I have heard that's a good one. Don't know from
personal experience. It better be for $100

What's wrong with the CT-2 ? How does the capture screw up ?
You know of course they won't handle a bad tape

I also found yet another MV type . Pics later

[vcdforme]

Sima Color Corrector works, both types. ($100)
At least it works for me, into my Panasonic DVR.
Won't defeat digital copygaurd(DVD) tho', but that's not a
problem since you're only concerned about VHS.

Foo, I enjoyed reading your tech info.
You appear to be one Supertech.
Is there any more info like schematic
and rom code? I'm sure others would have
alot of fun doing Macrovision tests
strictly for 'educational puroses'.
Anyway, it was VERY interesting reading.
Thanks!

[Rautha]

Still need help with this. Why does the CT-2 work on some of my tapes, but not others?

1) Is there a way I can hack into my VCR to reset the AGC and render it harmless?

2) I've read that some very cheap VCRs aren't affected by macrovision? Any truth to this? And, if so, what are they?

3) Has anyone tried the Sima Color Corrector 2? (http://www.simacorp.com/products/item.ep.html?session=6af9d5aa940f62d60cbd51d14d051b16&id=478

Thanks.

[FOO]

What's digital copyguard ? I've run a bunch of DVDs through
and don't see anything unusual

[chas0039]

This isn't the best link but I think they are referring to the CSS system. I think the Sima SCC2 will get around it for people who want to use stand alone recorders.

http://www.disctronics.co.uk/technology/dvdvideo/dvdvid_copyprot.htm

[Osm3um]

I broke the bank and got an avt8710 and have not had a single problem with Copy protection...

Bob

[mazinz]

of course you could always get a time base corrector and not only will that remove all forms of macrovision, but it can correct almost any tape problem as well

[FOO]

If it's analog and plays on a TV , I can copy it.

[webeye]

Sima CT-2 $89.94, Jul 23
Amazon has the Sima CT-2 Video Signal Processor for $89.94 shipped free. This single unit will copy DVD to VHS, VHS to DVD, and DVD to DVD.

FYI

[rxtian]

vcbforme : you said

Sima Color Corrector works, both types. ($100)
At least it works for me, into my Panasonic DVR.

By both 'types', do you mean both types of macrovision?
What Panny Recorder do you have?

I have the E55. I have read that some of the Panasonic Recorders will work with a stabilizer, and some won't. I'm hoping to get someone with the E55, to share experience with what works for them in copying commercial vhs tapes - Thanks