How do I copy a copy protected VHS tape?

Posted by: Max Y on 09 November 2005

Hi
I have two VHS piano tuition tapes which are copy protected. They cost a lot and I cannot buy them again. I want to copy them as our VCR has given up and we have gone over to DVDR. I don't want to sell them at car boot sales just one copy for my own use with the new technology so I see nothing immoral about it. I believe there is a way round the protection but cannot find it. Anyone out there know.
If they do I would be pleased to know but please keep it simple as my techie skills are limited as is shown by the fact that I seem unable to work out why I cannot get into the forum using my previous forum name of max in hampshire! Come to think of it a second question - does anyone have any idea why I cannot get into the forum under my old name?

Thanks

Max
Posted on: 09 November 2005 by i am simon 2
TMP

I think the tab you are refering to is to stop you recording over the contenss of the tape, rather than copy protection.


Max

I am unfamiliar with copy protected tapes, what happens if you run a scart from your vcr to your dvdr machine, doe it not work?

Simon
Posted on: 10 November 2005 by Paul Ranson
This will be the problem, http://www.hvs.co.uk/macrovision.html the question is how to deal with it.

You can buy a box for $96 that fixes things, http://www.barrel-of-monkeys.com/graphics/prod/dvdautho.../videographerB.shtml

But maybe there's a simpler solution for one offs?

Paul
Posted on: 10 November 2005 by Edo Engel
What if you capture it on a computer?
Posted on: 10 November 2005 by Rasher
You need a device called a clarifier to knock out the copy protection signal that runs in the background. These devices are becoming cheaper as time goes on, but they are still a fair investment, and something that you don't really need to keep. Buy one new, like this and flog it on ebay after and make a profit(?).
The other solution, and the easiest one, is to ask around for someone that can do a transfer for a fee. If you ask a student, they'll know someone who will do it for you for a few quid. College kids have all these things cracked.
If you capture it on computer, you will capture the protection signal too, so you won't achieve anything. You may however be able to find a codec or freeware patch to strip it out, but this is getting very techie and not for the novice.
Posted on: 10 November 2005 by Matt F
Simple - get one of these: http://www.sonel.com/
- I have one - it works.

Matt.
Posted on: 10 November 2005 by Rasher
Matt. You are a star.
Posted on: 10 November 2005 by domfjbrown
Failing that - tape to Betamax.

This isn't a joke - the timebase correction and auto gain circuits on Beta negate Murkyvision completely. When our neighbours upgraded to VHS (yep, they got burnt!) they copied loads of Macrovision'd tapes from the video shop, and the Beta copies played fine.
Posted on: 12 November 2005 by Max Y
Thanks for the suggestions. I just might know a suitable student who may know someone who can etc. If that fails perhaps I will try Matt's gadget.

In answer to the question what happens when I try I do not get a degraded image as has been suggested merely a message saying the video is copy protected.

Thanks for the ideas.

Max
Posted on: 14 November 2005 by blythe
Have you tried recording using the aerial connection rather than a SCART or other video connection between the VCR and DVD-R?