VHS to DVD

[DVDTD]

I am trying to back up my VHS movie collection to DVD via my computer TV card. I have read on another forum that if I record from the right pre 1986 VCR (something about the electronics and the fact that VCR manufacturers back then did not need macrovision detection by law) and feed the signal to my HD the macrovision will not be detected. Some one is giving me a good quality 1984 Akai 4 head. WhenI get it, I will simply try it but somehow this doesn't seem correct. If it works at all, I would think that the movie would have to be recorded onto the pre 1986 VCR then played again into the HD. Also need advice on "Copy This" Model SED-CM2 and/or the Clarifier by FacetVideo. Any recomendations, preferences or comments would be appreciated. Thanks for the help.

[ormonde]

I suggest you refer to this thread that was started earlier in the day:

http://forum.digital-digest.com/showthread.php?threadid=32629&goto=newpost

[Crash Override]

I don't think the pre-1986 VCR will help you. What you COULD do with that VCR, though, is dub DVD to tape, since the VCR won't look for macrovision on the DVD signal and screw up the copy. (Although why anybody would record DVD to VHS and lose 75% of the resolution and all the surround sound is beyond me).

In any case, there are many ways of getting around videotape macrovision, and any of the 'copy enhancers' or 'video clarifiers' available at Best Buy would probably do the trick.

[ormonde]

"(Although why anybody would record DVD to VHS and lose 75% of the resolution and all the surround sound is beyond me)."

The Poster wants to convert "VHS to DVD" not record "DVD to VHS".

[Crash Override]

I realize that, but I was commenting on my own suggestion that he could use the pre-1986 VCR to dub DVDs to VHS...

[ormonde]

"but I was commenting on my own suggestion that he could use the pre-1986 VCR to dub DVDs to VHS"

But that suggestion is not helpful, considering that the Poster wants to "Specifically" digitize their VHS collection to DVD. Quote from initial post:

"I am trying to back up my VHS movie collection to DVD via my computer TV card."

[Crash Override]

It was conversational, dude. If you re-read my post you'll see at the bottom I "specifically" mention items that will help him.

And in any case, it WAS helpful if the poster has any interest in knowing why specifically someone may have erroneously suggested that he use a pre-1986 VCR to get around Macrovision.

[ormonde]

"I would think that the movie would have to be recorded onto the pre 1986 VCR then played again into the HD"

I would not suggest that you do that. Even some cheap capture devices would yield better quality, and some of them will remove macrovision protection.

[DVDTD]

Thanks to both ormonde and Crash Override. What I learned from this is that I should probably eliminate the pre 1986 VCR and look for a good video stabilizer since quality will be compromised if I don't. I will find a good stabilizer and use it. I'll post how it works out later. All of my other gear is already in place. With your suggestions I should be all right.
Thanks again to bothof you.
DVDTD

[ormonde]

"Thanks to both ormonde and Crash Override."

Glad (We) could be of help