How to remove macrovision to backup your VHS tapes?

[Bad Dude]

Hello,
I got some older VHS tapes with macrovision on them and I want to back them up on CDs. How can I do this? I got the Hauppauge Wintv model 401 stereo with Super video or coaxial input. I am using Radeon 9700 PRO for video. Which software is best to do this?
Thanks.

 

[kawboy68]

I'm not sure of a software solution, but I have two hardware "image stabilizers" that have RCA in and out that I use for copying from VCR to VCR and for running my DVD player through the VCR. You'll only need one for what you want to do, though. Software might be cheaper if you can find something that either ignores Macrovision or strips it out somehow.

 

[bolomite]

as far as hardware, you can find filter boxes to defeat macrovision

 

[Bad Dude]

Anyone else got any ideas?

 

[kawboy68]

What behaviour do you get from your tv card when you input Macrovisioned video? If it blanks it out completely you're probably out of luck, but if it just muddles it a bit I suppose it's possible that your might be able to run the digitized stuff through something like SmartRipper (which deMacrovisions DVDs when ripping them) after the fact. That's a long shot though. It would probably permanently damage the digital content if it fades it in and out and smears the reds like my VCRs do when viewing Macrovisioned stuff through their inputs when they're turned on.

 

[fishingeek]

I dont know what the quality of your captures are but if you can afford the investment, the Canopus ADVC-100 offers porbably the best capture device and has the ability to "filter out macrovision." I used to use a Hauppauge capture card and found this to be a great upgrade. I now capture at 720X480 with 0 dropped frames. You can read about it here. It is a bit pricey, but my DVDs look exactly like the VHS tapes and I now have menus and chapter selction.