Recording a DVD from a regular player onto a DVD Recorder

[ChesterTom]

I have a Toshiba VCR/DVD Recorder combo that works well. I can take old tapes and take tgv shows from my DVR and record them onto DVDs. I hooked up a DVD player and ran the output into the DVD Recorder input, and I can view the dvd fine. When I press "Record" the message says copy protected.
What do I need to get to get around this please? I think there is some kind of stabilizer or soemthing?? I just want to back up a few DVDs that I already own. I'm not good with computers, and I don't want to copy DVDs that way when my DVD Recorder works so well. Thanks so much to anyone who can help.

[usually_quiet]

You'll need to look for a video stabilizer/clarifier or TBC to remove both Macrovision and CGMS/A protection.

Just so you know, there are some drawbacks to this method of copying DVDs. All you will get is the movie, no extras. The copy will be a little less sharp than the original. Closed captioning will almost certainly be removed along with the copy protection. If you use subtitles for a particular movie, they would have to be turned on (and become a permanent part of the picture) to be available.

There are many guides here at this website that spell out how to use various pieces of software to back up DVDs. Most people go that route to avoid loosing quality and desireable features from the original DVD. Except for new moves, it doesn't seem to pose much difficulty.

[filmboss80]

Just to add to the point made by unusually_quite, what you are doing with your DVD-to-DVD Recorder set-up is making a digital-to-analog-to-digital conversion, which degrades the quality of the original. If you can get over your fear of technology, you will find that there is plenty of easy (and free) computer software to make perfect copies. To continue with your current method requires that you find and purchase a copyguard stabilizier, as unusually_quiet mentioned.

[yoda313]

Also don't forget this will be strictly stereo, no surround sound will be copied. Although its probable that any pro logic signal present may be transferred over the rca cables if thats what your using.

[SingSing]

Like everyone who have a computer, use DVD shrink to make a backup duplicate.

[handyguy]

I use a Macro free dvd player, an Apex 1500 as a source. It's gathering dust now though.

[jjeff]

WorldImport.com sells a filter for a little North of $100. Just install it between your player and recorder. To copy "extras" you'll just need to play them realtime(the same way you copy the main movie) and record to a different title or thumbnail on your DVD. If you use SP the picture should look pretty decent but as noted will lack subtitles and any audio other than the stereo tracks(or whatever you have selected when you record your playing DVD).
Call me ancient but it's what I do for simple DVD back-ups.

[MOVIEGEEK]

OP:use your PC to make a backup with free programs,the quality will be much better and you don't have to buy a stabilizer.If you don't have a DVD writer you can get an internal for $30USD or an external for $60.

[ChesterTom]

Thanks to everyone who has been replying. I went ahead and researched dvd burning software, and I did one on my computer. I used dvdfab, it was so much easier than I thought. I'm glad you all talked me into it!