VCR tape to DVD but copy protected. Any way around it?

[TimBooth4Eva]

I know what you mean james, believe me, I've searched but the messages seem to go round and round in circles, a lot relating to specific machines/devices.

Others have mentioned about searching, it's not like I hadn't tried, but didn't want to get into a bit of tittle tattle on here!

Anyway, nice idea about the playback, never thought of that way. I will give it a try over the coming days and let you know, cheers

[TimBooth4Eva]

TimBooth4Eva, You should always do a search for previous posts on your subject. But, here is how I do what you want to do.
VHS PLAYBACK -> HOME THEATHER (Large screen TV) -> TV MONITOR OUT -> DVD RECRDER OR CAPTURE CARD. Worked on over 100 commerical VHS tapes.

Tried what you do james but wouldn't work for me. I don't appear to have any 'out' sockets on the rear of my TV.

I have 5 external/AV 'ports' on my TV and 2 x scart sockets on my DVD Recorder.

On the TV, my DVD is connected in AV1, Music Streamer in AV3 and PS2 in AV5.

On the DVD Recorder I have my Satellite TV in, and TV set, out. (both scarts as mentioned above)

I connected the VHS to AV2 and got the film on the TV.

When I tried to record on the DVD Recorder, both AV1 and AV2 channels recorded (and showed) the satellite channel.

It seems to me then that all the external/AV ports on the TV are for devices to input, rather than output or both?

Would you agree.

[jameshgross]

I specifically choose the TV I have because of the monitor out ability.
That why I say if i can see it I can record it.
Sometimes that intermediate step of going to analog and back to digital produces the best results for the least effort.
I have also found that using this method minimizes aspect ratio problems.

[TimBooth4Eva]

Well thanx for the effort anyway. Looks like I'll have to push the boat out and buy a video capture for my comp, or a video stabilizer for my DVD/VHS connection.

Cheers.

[CSULB71]

here is how I do what you want to do.
VHS PLAYBACK -> HOME THEATHER (Large screen TV) -> TV MONITOR OUT -> DVD RECRDER OR CAPTURE CARD. Worked on over 100 commerical VHS tapes.

Are your video connections component or S-video? Other threads suggest that S-video (analog) ignores the copy protection better whereas component video (digital) does not. I'm still not sure what the real answer is.

[ValDeck]

I always connect VCR to Sony Digital Camera and then through firewire cabel to computer. In that way I can copy all protected tapes.

[handyguy]

I saw Sima GoDVD!
for sale at Ciruit City of all places!.....didn't have a price on it but I think that its usually $100.

[TimBooth4Eva]

Thanx for your inputs guys,

CSULB71, both my DVD Recorder and VHS have scart sockets!

ValDeck, I don't possess a camcorder.

handyguy, I e-mailed a distributor regarding that piece of equipment but they said it was NTSC only. I live in PAL World!

[TimBooth4Eva]

CSULB71, got my manual out for the TV and found that one of the external (AV) scart connections is for input OR output so tried your method.

Unfortunately, I still get the copy protection dialogue box after 5 secs of recording. The recording then stops.

When I've read further in the manual, it says that 'the signal received through scart# will DIRECTLY output through scart3'

So even though it is playing on the TV, it looks as though the macrovision or encryption goes direct through the TV to the DVD Recorder and stops it from recording
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[TimBooth4Eva]

Hey guys, just an update on my situation.

I've managed to 'crack' the copy protection

I went to ebay and purchased a 'copy protection remover' scart lead which has now enabled me to back up my VHS tapes to DVD.

Sometimes the lead works straight off, another time it didn't work. By trial and error I found that by having the tape running, unplugging then re-plugging the scart lead made the DVD record

I haven't a clue why, but it works.

The lead cost £19.99 plus p+p. The seller (in case you want to search) is called extremeimport2.

Hope I haven't broken any rules by informing you of the source and price.

Cheers.