How do I record a VHS that has been restricted?

Question

I know how to copy VHS to DVD but a lot of my VHS wont let me record it - it says "this picture can not be recorded" - how do I overcome this? A lot of them are disney or ex-rentals - help!!

Answer 1

get a new blank tape..

Answer 2

Those VHS to DVD recorders can't bypass the copyright. It just can't be done yet.

Answer 3

The short answer is you don't.  I met with the same problem some time ago.  Disney are very good at protecting their copyright.

Answer 4

Hi Viki,

Actually it is pretty easy and legal since you own the original.

When I embarked on a project to transfer my VHS tapes to DVD and I had some problems. First I found, as you did, most of my VHS tapes had copy protection and could not be copied. I went to Best Buy and bought a "Simo T120 GoDVD" which you put in-line between your VHS player and your DVD recorder. It removes the copy-guard and "enhances" the video. It was, I think, $59.95.

Remember to start with your VHS quality is passable but certainly far below a DVD. Now the copy process degrades it further. Don't get me wrong - my copies are certainly watchable.

The other thing that wore me down was you have to copy in real time. A two hour movie takes two hours to copy. I learned to set it up before I went out and just let the tape and DVD run out. If a movie is over two hours you have to use the four hour mode on the DVD recorder. That reduces the quality slightly.

That is my experience. I still have some tapes I haven't copied but my stack is greatly reduced.

Back to the Simo - I can't testify how much the video enhancer feature actually did because I didn't compare two copies of the same thing. The quality I got was acceptable so I just tolerated it.

It was all worth it. My VHS collection is now preserved on DVD's.

Norm

Answer 5

You can also buy a Smart Scart cable which incorporates software/firmware to get over the problem - cost me about £40. Simply use it as a normal Scart cable between VCR and DVD recorder. I have now transferred all of my videos to DVD without any bother whatsoever. And as far as I can tell quality has not been affected. The videos are meanwhile gathering dust in the loft.

Answer 6

Call 603-626-6309 about their Video Digital Stabilizer #200 (under $45); generally with free shipping.   You'll need a separate vcr, your new dvd-recorder, & the Digital Stabilizer.  Vcr Video Out goes to new dvd-rec's Video In; Then, the old vcr's video In will go to the OUT on the Stabilizer; the In on the stabilizer goes to the Video OUT on the old VCR; & the new dvd-rec's cables going to the t.v., as usual.    You switch the dvd-rec over to the dvd-mode; put in a blank dvd & wait until it loads 100%;  Then, go to your Input on your t.v. & use your new dvd-rec's Remote & presson the Source button until it says l1, E1, or L2, E2.  The best way to know this is to pop the vhs tape into the OLD VCR & hit PLAY; if you hear the Audio, but don't see a pic, then that's the one.  Remember that you have to have both the old & the new units powered, "ON", to get the picture.  It took me a while to figure this out.  L1/E1 would be if your connections are to the back of the Units; L2,#2 would be if they were to the front of the units, on the 2 old/new units.  After you do this, & the pic/sound shows up, then just rewind the tape; then press PLAY on the OLD VCR, while pressing Record on the dvd-rec (you don't use the dubbing button for this).     There are 2 of the Stabilizer's they sell, but go with the more expensive one, the 200.  I am transferring my old vhs tapes onto dvd's, so I can get rid of the clutter.  It took me a while to get this far, but am doing o.k.  E-Mail me, if you have any problems.  Oh, by the way, you'll get a one-year free replacement on these boxes, if you need it.