Does anyone know how to get past the copyright block on VHS tapes?

Question

I'm trying to back up my movies onto disc and when the movies play it only shows the first scene, then the screen pauses. Can anyone help?

Answer 1

Hi,

There is copy guard on most pre recorded VHS tapes. You can legally back up your movies for your own use.

You will have to bypass the copy guard. To do that you need to get a device like "Sima T120 GoDVD". It removes the copy guard and enhances the picture. You plug your source into it and plug it into the input of your recorder.

Here is an example of one - http://www.heartlandamerica.com/browse/i...

Another one that will work is the Digital Video Stabilizer.  They work like a charm. Go here to read about and see an example - http://www.qualitekindustries.com/vidsta...

Norm

Answer 2

The previous answer posted may be true.

Also...In the 'Old Days' (I'm in my 50s), one way copyright-blocking was accomplished was to reduce the strength of the horizontal synch pulse on the video.

When you simply watched the video with your VCR, the pulse levels were high enough to let that happen.

When you tried to copy the video, there would be small, natural, loss in signal strength which would cause the pulse levels to lower enough to throw synching out of wack, and you'd usually get a picture that resembles the old HBO horizontal scramble look.

The way around this was to buy an in-line signal booster that was placed between the source and the recorder.

Usually this was a battery operated (9v) small device that connected by way of the RCA jacks.

I really don't know availability of these devices these days. I still own mine that I've had for decades.

Hope this helps a bit.

Tom

Answer 3

I've never heard of a copyright block on a VHS tape.  It sounds like your copying program just isn't working right.