Is there a way?

My project is to update an educational series video with newer content. The organization that owns the copyright to the video has given me permission but they do not have a master/original and do not know who originally produced the video (this organization is under new management, and they are a not for profit group, not very organized to say the least).

So, I am stuck with copying the video from VHS to my PC. I was simply playing the tape from my VCR through my GL2 to convert to digital and capturing in Premiere. Problem is my GL2 shuts down with the message "Copyright Protected Dubbing Restricted". The case for the video says "Macrovision". So I assume this is the reason. I tried dubbing the tape from one VCR to another (I know, the quality was sucking) and tried it from the copied tape, same thing.
Is there any way around Macrovision?

TIA.

Paul

How old is the original production?

The original was produced in 2000.

Additionally, I was searching the net and came across a cheapo device made by Sima, the device is "Copy This". Are they worth a shot?


Paul

I can't speak specifically about that product, having never used it. But in my experience, similar products have failed to remove the anomalies caused by Macrovision. The only equipment I have specific experience with that removed all traces of Macrovision are limited window time base correctors (TBC's) and compatible video tape recorders (VTRs that accept external sync). Full frame TBC's will not remove Macrovision.

Thanks Jeff. I'm clueless about "limited window time base correctors". I thought there would be an easier way.

Paul

This is an example (http://www.broadcaststore.com/store/model_detail.cfm?id=9609) of a limited window TBC. Something like the Panasonic AG 7500 (http://www.broadcaststore.com/store/model_detail.cfm?id=5691) would work as the the player.

I've also had some (analog) capture devices in the past that
ignored it. So you might want to try some other equipment
first. Otherwise you might be able to rent some of the equipment
Jeff is mentioning?

Hi Paul,

Several years ago I got one of the cheapo Sima "Video Copymasters" and played around with it. Sounds like what you're describing.... I think I found it at WalMart or Best Buy. It worked up to a point. I only used it once... for purely recreational personal purposes of course! It was very finnicky as to how you set the controls.

I don't think you will get very good quality from these gadgets, but then again VHS isn't so great to start with. It wasn't expensive though, so it might be worth a try before investing in anything more expensive.

Rob has a good idea also... if you can't rent then maybe you can find a video company with high quality equipment like Jeff describes. If you can demonstrate that you own the copyright then perhaps they could do the conversion for you?