Getting Around Macrovision at DVinfo.net

Paul Nuttall · October 6th, 2004, 11:21 PM

Is there a way?

My project is to update an educational series video with newer content. The organization that owns the copyright to the video has given me permission but they do not have a master/original and do not know who originally produced the video (this organization is under new management, and they are a not for profit group, not very organized to say the least).

So, I am stuck with copying the video from VHS to my PC. I was simply playing the tape from my VCR through my GL2 to convert to digital and capturing in Premiere. Problem is my GL2 shuts down with the message "Copyright Protected Dubbing Restricted". The case for the video says "Macrovision". So I assume this is the reason. I tried dubbing the tape from one VCR to another (I know, the quality was sucking) and tried it from the copied tape, same thing.
Is there any way around Macrovision?

TIA.

Paul

Jeff Donald · October 6th, 2004, 11:25 PM

How old is the original production?

Paul Nuttall · October 6th, 2004, 11:44 PM

The original was produced in 2000.

Additionally, I was searching the net and came across a cheapo device made by Sima, the device is "Copy This". Are they worth a shot?

Paul

Jeff Donald · October 6th, 2004, 11:56 PM

I can't speak specifically about that product, having never used it. But in my experience, similar products have failed to remove the anomalies caused by Macrovision. The only equipment I have specific experience with that removed all traces of Macrovision are limited window time base correctors (TBC's) and compatible video tape recorders (VTRs that accept external sync). Full frame TBC's will not remove Macrovision.

Paul Nuttall · October 7th, 2004, 12:04 AM

Thanks Jeff. I'm clueless about "limited window time base correctors". I thought there would be an easier way.

Paul

Jeff Donald · October 7th, 2004, 12:28 AM

This is an example of a limited window TBC. Something like the Panasonic AG 7500 would work as the the player.

Rob Lohman · October 7th, 2004, 04:05 AM

I've also had some (analog) capture devices in the past that
ignored it. So you might want to try some other equipment
first. Otherwise you might be able to rent some of the equipment
Jeff is mentioning?

Boyd Ostroff · October 7th, 2004, 08:01 AM

Hi Paul,

Several years ago I got one of the cheapo Sima "Video Copymasters" and played around with it. Sounds like what you're describing.... I think I found it at WalMart or Best Buy. It worked up to a point. I only used it once... for purely recreational personal purposes of course! It was very finnicky as to how you set the controls.

I don't think you will get very good quality from these gadgets, but then again VHS isn't so great to start with. It wasn't expensive though, so it might be worth a try before investing in anything more expensive.

Rob has a good idea also... if you can't rent then maybe you can find a video company with high quality equipment like Jeff describes. If you can demonstrate that you own the copyright then perhaps they could do the conversion for you?

October 6th, 2004, 11:21 PM	#1
Paul Nuttall New Boot Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Atlanta, Ga. Posts: 22	Getting Around Macrovision Is there a way? My project is to update an educational series video with newer content. The organization that owns the copyright to the video has given me permission but they do not have a master/original and do not know who originally produced the video (this organization is under new management, and they are a not for profit group, not very organized to say the least). So, I am stuck with copying the video from VHS to my PC. I was simply playing the tape from my VCR through my GL2 to convert to digital and capturing in Premiere. Problem is my GL2 shuts down with the message "Copyright Protected Dubbing Restricted". The case for the video says "Macrovision". So I assume this is the reason. I tried dubbing the tape from one VCR to another (I know, the quality was sucking) and tried it from the copied tape, same thing. Is there any way around Macrovision? TIA. Paul

October 6th, 2004, 11:25 PM	#2
Jeff Donald Warden Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 8,287	How old is the original production? __________________ Jeff Donald Carpe Diem Search DVinfo.net for quick answers \| Where to Buy? From the best in the business: DVinfo.net sponsors

October 6th, 2004, 11:56 PM	#4
Jeff Donald Warden Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 8,287	I can't speak specifically about that product, having never used it. But in my experience, similar products have failed to remove the anomalies caused by Macrovision. The only equipment I have specific experience with that removed all traces of Macrovision are limited window time base correctors (TBC's) and compatible video tape recorders (VTRs that accept external sync). Full frame TBC's will not remove Macrovision. __________________ Jeff Donald Carpe Diem Search DVinfo.net for quick answers \| Where to Buy? From the best in the business: DVinfo.net sponsors

October 7th, 2004, 12:28 AM	#6
Jeff Donald Warden Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 8,287	This is an example of a limited window TBC. Something like the Panasonic AG 7500 would work as the the player. __________________ Jeff Donald Carpe Diem Search DVinfo.net for quick answers \| Where to Buy? From the best in the business: DVinfo.net sponsors

October 7th, 2004, 04:05 AM	#7
Rob Lohman RED Code Chef Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Holland Posts: 12,514	I've also had some (analog) capture devices in the past that ignored it. So you might want to try some other equipment first. Otherwise you might be able to rent some of the equipment Jeff is mentioning? __________________ Rob Lohman, visuar@iname.com DV Info Wrangler & RED Code Chef Join the DV Challenge \| Lady X Search DVinfo.net for quick answers \| Buy from the best: DVinfo.net sponsors

October 6th, 2004, 11:44 PM	#3
Paul Nuttall New Boot Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Atlanta, Ga. Posts: 22	The original was produced in 2000. Additionally, I was searching the net and came across a cheapo device made by Sima, the device is "Copy This". Are they worth a shot? Paul

October 7th, 2004, 12:04 AM	#5
Paul Nuttall New Boot Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Atlanta, Ga. Posts: 22	Thanks Jeff. I'm clueless about "limited window time base correctors". I thought there would be an easier way. Paul

October 7th, 2004, 08:01 AM	#8
Boyd Ostroff Wrangler Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Mays Landing, NJ Posts: 11,787	Hi Paul, Several years ago I got one of the cheapo Sima "Video Copymasters" and played around with it. Sounds like what you're describing.... I think I found it at WalMart or Best Buy. It worked up to a point. I only used it once... for purely recreational personal purposes of course! It was very finnicky as to how you set the controls. I don't think you will get very good quality from these gadgets, but then again VHS isn't so great to start with. It wasn't expensive though, so it might be worth a try before investing in anything more expensive. Rob has a good idea also... if you can't rent then maybe you can find a video company with high quality equipment like Jeff describes. If you can demonstrate that you own the copyright then perhaps they could do the conversion for you?