how do you eliminate copyguard on VHS

[rockinjohnnyg]

I have an ATI AIW 128 and want to archive some of my VHS movies to VCD. When capturing, the copyguard kicks in causing the picture to freeze while the sound keeps going. Is there a hacked way around this with my particular video card? Do I have to by some sort of copyguard eliminating line filter or something, and if so where is a reliable source and how much money.

[ebaldino]

Hi.

I too have an AIW 128 and the same problem. After many hours of looking for solutions online, and even trying a couple of software "patches" that were supposed to do the trick, I finally gave up and purchased a SIMA Copymaster.

It´s still in the box, I haven´t tested it. But it´s supposed to solve the problem. And it only cost fifty bucks.

rgds
EBaldino

[mikewg]

How funny... I've been having the same problem, even went to Radio Shack and got the RF Modulator. Didn't work, so I took it back and bought the Sima CopyMaster, which is also still sitting in the box by the computer. I just got caught up in Emulation that I haven't had the time for archiving my VHS right now. I should test it soon though, so I can return it if it doesn't work either. I hope it works though, it's my last option.

[rockinjohnnyg]

So I'm assuming this SIMA Copymaster is an in-line filter, and is it available at Radio Shack?

[PhArAoH]

I have a Sony Digital Camcorder (TRV320, DV-in enabled) and Firewire card installed on my PC. I use them to make copies of ex-rental videotapes which i have bought for my son.

I connect VCR to Camcorder with video/audio cable supplied with my camcorder and then connect Camcorder to PC vith Firewire cable. The signal is transferred from VCR to the Camcorder and then to PC via Firewire (all in one go). I use PowerVCR II from Cyberlink to capture the Video in MPEG format real-time.

Becuase I don't have a TV tunner or any other video capture card installed (apart from Firewire) this is the only way I could convert copyprotected VHS tapes to VCD.

[TheInformer]

The SIMA CopyMaster is exactly what you're looking for. They can be bought for around $35-$40.

What the unit does is take an input signal and enhance it. A byproduct of this signal enhancement is the removal of the protection. A Time Base Correcter (TBC) will also do this. For example, you could have a setup like this:

VHSsource --> SIMA --> VHSdestination

The SIMA takes the input signal from the source VHS (the one with the protected tape, "hypothetically&quot, enhances it, and then writes out the enhanced signal to the destination VHS.

Piece-o-cake.

The destination doesn't have to be another VHS; it could be a TV tuner card, etc.

[rockinjohnnyg]

Great information TheInformer. But the question still remains, where can I get a SIMA CopyMaster? Preferably for a good price and a reliable source. You say it costs $35-$40, but others say $50.

[TheInformer]

I bought my SIMA CopyMaster at Circuit City. The units were in the same area as the camcorders.

The price I paid (excluding tax) at my local store was $39.95.

The Circuit City website has it listed for $49.95:
http://www.circuitcity.com/ewebIMa/detail.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@1571920577.1007057848@@...rk_6&oid=35569

There's even a picture of the box on the site so you'll know what it looks like.

[mikewg]

I just bought my Sima CopyMaster at Circuit City about a week ago for $49.95 without tax. This was in Orlando, FL so I don't know how the prices will be where you live. Also, I'm not sure where to find it other than Circuit City, I know Radio Shack does not have it.

And while I"m at it, here's my Circuit City horror story. I go in there and ask someone where to find it, and they're like "We don't sell that, but let me ask my manager to be sure". Asks the manager, he says they don't have it either. Says they haven't carried it in two years because Circuit City stopped selling it. I told him I saw it on the website, and he told me that they don't update the website enough because the website doesn't sell it either. Interesting. So I was waiting for my fiancee to finish her stuff... walked around the video department, and sure enough found it sitting on the shelf.

Moral of the story is... people are idiots, don't depend on other people for anything. Except answers at vcdhelp.com