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  1. Member
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    Mar 2008
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    I'm trying to dub an old VHS movie to DVD. Is it possible to find an older VCR that predates the copy protection on the tape? I've heard the top loading tapes don't have macrovision and that the VCRs without auto tracking don't read the macrovision.
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  2. Member
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    I have VCRs dating back to '79(top loaders started ~1984??) and other than the Betamaxes they all honor Macrovision.
    I believe some professional VCRs with a TBC may be able to ignore MV but a much cheaper alternative if you only care about VHS would be something like this:
    http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/80-4280
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  3. I'm a Super Moderator johns0's Avatar
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    That model only works on some early macrovision but does nothing for updated macrovision,best to get a tbc,do a search here and you will find a lot of threads for tbc and macrovision.
    I think,therefore i am a hamster.
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  4. Macrovision is on the tape as part of the video signal. It is not added by the VCR. The only players that might not output the macrovision signal are those that have a built in full frame TBC. But you might as well get an external TBC if you're going that route. "Macrovision free" VCRs are those that ignore macrovision when recording, not during playback.
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  5. Is it possible to apply a hack to your recorder?
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  6. Banned
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    Originally Posted by rbivi11572 View Post
    Is it possible to apply a hack to your recorder?
    Can you name even one DVD recorder with a hack that ignores Macrovision on input signals? I've never heard of such.
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  7. Video Restorer lordsmurf's Avatar
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    Originally Posted by jman98 View Post
    Can you name even one DVD recorder with a hack that ignores Macrovision on input signals? I've never heard of such.
    LiteOn 5001
    LiteOn 5005
    iLo 04

    .... What do I win?

    Note: None of those were perfect, either. For anybody else reading this.
    TBC still needed for best results.
    Want my help? Ask here! (not via PM!)
    FAQs: Best Blank DiscsBest TBCsBest VCRs for captureRestore VHS
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  8. Member
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    Do those models work out of the box or do they require a firmware hack?
    Last edited by matthewjohn23; 7th Jun 2011 at 14:35.
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  9. Originally Posted by jman98
    Can you name even one DVD recorder with a hack that ignores Macrovision on input signals? I've never heard of such.

    A longer list available in North America:

    Liteon 5001
    Liteon 5005 (regular tuner)
    Liteon 5005X (not the XS model) (crossed flashed to hacked ILO R04)
    Liteon 5006 (VCR Plus)
    Liteon 5007 (TV Guide)
    Liteon 5045 (HDD model)
    Liteon 740/760 (works ok with VHS, not dvds)

    ILO R04 (single drive)
    ILO HD04 (HDD model)

    All of which required the firmware to be hacked.

    p.s. outputs signals are also macrovision free (except for the 740/760, only inputs and only VHS)
    Last edited by CrazyCanuck; 7th Jun 2011 at 16:22. Reason: added info
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