DVD to VHS Macrovision removal

[micvik1]

Hi there,
I'm trying to copy some rented DVD's to VHS,from stand alone DVD player but I'm not getting nothing!!
Anyone has any info on how to bypass this protection, by entering some code in DVD player or something?

Thanks in advance

[Ted222]

I can't believe you are asking that question here. There are a number of ways a video editing professional could accomplish this, but it would equate to discrediting our profession.

ted

[Kruzin]

True, Ted.
Micvik, you are asking for instructions on how to break the law.
Not cool.

[Dr Mordrid]

This is actually a matter of some debate in the legal community, with many local and Federal apellate courts holding that individuals do indeed have the right to create a "backup copy" for archival/mobility purposes.

The precident being used is that of the 1999 RIAA vs. Diamond Multimedia case where the courts held that one can indeed use computers and external hardware (MP3 players) to "Space-Shift"; that is to copy copyrighted music to a portable MP3 player for personal use;

http://laws.lp.findlaw.com/9th/9856727.html

The problem is that the interpetations of the DMCA and other laws are inconsistant across federal apellate jurisdictions and the issue has yet to be directly addressed by the US Supreme Court.

There has also been legislation introduced by Congressperson Zoe Lofgren of the 16th district (D - San Jose, California); the "Benefit Authors without Limiting Advancement or Net Consumer Expectations (BALANCE) Act of 2003" (aka: HR 1066), the intent of which is to clarify the purchasers right to make backup copies of A/V media;

http://www.house.gov/lofgren/news/2002/secbysecbalance.htm

Those in the US might well want to call their member of Congress and support her legislation.

There is also a lawsuit by 123 (makers of DVD XCopy) seeking to extend "Fair Use" protection to individuals who wish to make backups of their very expensive DVD collections. This may well be the case that goes to the USSC for resolution of this whole issue.

I ran into how this could be a problem last summer when we had over $3,000 USD worth of DVD's stolen. Fortunately we had retained documentatioh on our purchases and had "Replacement Coverage" on our homeowners policy. Even then we lost some disks that were out of publication.

Dr. Mordrid

[fberger]

I agree with Dr. Mordrid. We need the right to make copies.

I had a large collection of French music CDs stolen here in Virginia a couple of years ago. They were in my car parked in front of my house. The empty CD jewel cases are still in our living room today. I know the guys probably ended up trashing those stupid CDs which were very valuable to me.
Since that day we don't take any originals with us anymore. I do make backup copies for my own use.
Same thing for our DVDs, we need to take them with us to Switzerland this summer. Only backup copies will travel though. I think it's my right to protect myself.

Fred

[Dr Mordrid]

Just don't be suprised if customs seizes those copied DVD's as contraband. Happens all the time....

Dr. Mordrid

[Kruzin]

There are valid arguments for making backups of legally owned media.
But that is not what this thread was about.
The poster was straight out asking how to rip off rentals that he does not own.

[bsdgeek]

Very uncool.

[Dr Mordrid]

Agreed, but I felt the legal aspects involving fair use needed to be addressed.

Dr. Mordrid

[Marshmallowman]

not bad for a first post....

[Hulk]

"not bad for a first post...."


LOL

[PaulM]

The thing is - if I understand these things - you don't actually own the material on the DVD, CD etc; you only pay for the right to use it. So it shouldn't matter which 'copy' you choose to watch/listen to.

Also, having paid to license the material, you should be able to get a replacement if you damage/lose a disc, providing you can prove that you bought one previously.

I really don't understand how the media companies think that they can have their cake and eat it too here

Paul

P.S. If I have paid a license for all of the films in my VHS collection, does that mean I can copy the rental DVDs for any of those films that I've already licensed?

[Frankie G]

I'll unlurk on this issue with an anecdote...
My brother bought my mom a DVD player about a year ago (an Apex 1500)
She subsequently bought the "Brideshead Revisited" DVD set through
her public TV station. Background: Mom is coming up on 86. She's
pretty healthy for her age, but is slowing down. Try as she did,
she just could not master those DVD menus (especially those
where you have to hit a teeny "scroll" icon to get to another
page). So she was frustrated about it. Solution? My brother had
"hacked" the Apex firmware, so one day we had a "Brideshead
Marathon" where I copied them all onto good old VHS tapes. Mom
learned to work the VCR 20 years ago, so she has little problem
with it.

There's a case for allowing archival copies. Where's the AARP
lobby on this one?

[wkulecz]

Where's the AARP on this one?

If they admitted that working a DVD player was too complex for old folks, they'd have to admit that these old folks should not be allowed drive automobiles either.

Tons of studies show than at some point beyond the 60's old folks look, but do not see, and thus are a menace on the road. The AARP has blocked all proposals for testing older drivers to get them off the road when this happens. You have to test, instead of using an arbitrary age cutoff since when this congnitive problem develops with age varies a lot, but it'll get us all eventually.

--wally.

[Fluff]

1 get a non hq vcr (i.e. a really old one) that'll work.
2 or get an external box that fixes the luninecence channel on the output.

Think macrovision changes this rapidly, and vcr's can't record the signal.

It isn't worth it! Buy the dvd's on video!!!!!!