DVD Recorder for a techno-phobe

[HardnThick]

Before I waste money buying the wrong thing, I’d appreciate advice from any tech-smart guys.

 

I’d like to get a machine that will not only play DVDs but also burn a DVD from VHS tapes and maybe even from other DVDs. Are there any EASY-to-use ones?

 

What about copy protection when copying VHS to DVD? Same question about DVDs? I’ve heard there are machines that duplicate despite the copy protection.

[guyinsf]

I don't know of any stand alone decks (ie, ones that you would hook up to your TV and other a/v equipment) that will record copy protected material. That doesn't mean that there aren't any, but generally speaking manufacturers of this equipment include the necessary hardware to make it more difficult to duplicate copy protected material. Those vcr/dvd recorder combos you see will, however, make copies from VHS tapes without copy protection (such as your home movies or things you have recorded off cable/satellite or over the airwaves) to dvd's.

[raife]

Dude,

 

You can't copy any Macrovisioned VHS tape or DVD with with any of the "consumer" DVD recorders on the market (in the US). Your only hope is a [a href=http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00006HWX4/ref=pd_sxp_f/104-2449087-2108706?v=glance&s=electronics] Hauppauge[/a] tuner card (or similar, for the VHS tapes) and a DVD-R burner for the PC (less than $50 these days). With these puppies [a href=http://www.cdfreaks.com/software]and the proper software[/a] you can backup all tapes & DVDs to your heart's content. Don't let the technophobia stop you from your goal. Just hang out in the [a href=http://club.cdfreaks.com/] right places[/a] (newbie forum first...) and don't be afraid to ask questions.

 

Have fun!

[BobbyB]

Like GUYINSF, I don't know of any commercial unit that will permit over-riding copy protection. However, there is some software out there that will walk you through bypassing the easily over-ridden copy protection should you want to approach that via your computer. (Also, remember that not all DVDs are copy protected.)

 

But back to your original question. As far as the commercially available units out there, I can personally attest to the ease and quality of Go Video's line of products. Absolutely stupid simple and the end result is quite good.

 

I hope that helps.

 

- BobbyB

[Rick Munroe]

> Absolutely stupid simple

 

That makes my favorite acronym, ASS

 

Maybe I should tell people to call me Absolutely Stupid Simple (it wouldn't be the first time). :+

[FrancoDiSantisxxx]

Newbies For Dummies

 

Generally, I do think learning the end-runs can sometimes be a good thing. But frankly, not all of us want to work that hard - at most things. Otherwise, we would all be lean and worked out, or rich and famous.

 

As someone pointed out above, there are some end runs around the copy protection, in addition to the ones suggested, but even then, some things will simply not work.

 

To simply copy home videos (or home made videos) onto DVD is not that hard and there are several DUAL DECK models that do this with "one touch." The one I would avoid is the RCA brand. The JVC model is also supposed to be crap. I have used the Sony model but, frankly, it is overpriced. There is a Samsung, a Panasonic and a Phillips that do many of the same things at about $200 less.

 

I would suggest you go to an electronics store with a good return policy - at least 30 days, and try out the remotes, check out C-NET on line for reviews, decide whether you will want to play these DVDs on your computer (this is key, as in my own case, I need DVD+R or DVD+RW for all my various computers) and whether or not you will be burning for family members (actual family home movie type stuff) or friends.

 

I found the RCA copied fine but the disc played on only one fourth of the machines. So I have a number of very shiny coasters. The Sony disc play on nearly everything I have tried so far, but I hate the remote. The title menu on the Phillips model and some other features about the remote suck (and not in the good way) but it sounds great on my Phillips stereo flat TV. I did not personally like the Samsung remote and its copies did not play on my friends $109 portable that played almost everything else, including some of the RCA disc.

 

I spent about a month trying a few models before I went back and settled on the Phillips. But you really need to spend the time and energy finding what works for you. If that is learning about software, then go for it!

 

 

 

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