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View Full Version : Is this Macrovision?...any help appreciated!

tpr007
03-01-2002, 15:48
I connected my DVD player up to my video, and my video to my TV - both through scart leads.

(MR tosh 110E to Tosh vhs to Philips tv)

I can watch DVD's this way no problems - which is good cos I only have one scart socket on the tv.

However, I tried out copying 2 DVD's to my VHS today and when I played it back, the first was Black and White, but a good picture.
The second was colour, but went from light to dark every few seconds.

Any ideas?
How can I get round it.

I hear the Macmaster is good, but for £30 it should be - anyone used one??
Digital
03-01-2002, 16:44
I take it that all this is in PAL format? and not NTSC??

Because you can't record NTSC DVD's to a PAL VCR.
tpr007
03-01-2002, 21:43
Originally posted by Digital
I take it that all this is in PAL format? and not NTSC??

Because you can't record NTSC DVD's to a PAL VCR.

The first was an R0 NTSC - but it has been copied before. My vhs instructions also say I can record NTSC. I may have to select the mode, and that may account for the Black&White.

The second was R2 PAL - and this had fluctuated between lighter and darker every few seconds!

Will the Macmaster overcome this? or is there a simpler/cheaper way?
Simes
03-01-2002, 22:19
Yep, the fluctuations are caused by macrovision.
The mac-master is just about the cheapest way of eliminating it.Chipping your player is the other option, though i don't know if anyone is making a chip for the Tosh.


I assume your R0 is an illegal silver DVD. That would explain the lack of macrovision on it.

P.S you must have a decent VCR if it records NTSC. Most will play NTSC videos but not record them.
tpr007
03-01-2002, 22:34
The R0's are Chinese/HK films - legitimate versions. I thought Macrovision came from the player and not the discs?
Dack
04-01-2002, 07:26
It does come from the player - but only when the correct bit is set on the DVD. If the bit isn't set then you don't get macrovision.

The R0s you've got probably do not have it enabled.
tpr007
04-01-2002, 08:51
Ive tried 3 discs now
R2 Pal = fluctuating brightness
R1 NTSC = B&W scrambled
R0 NTSC = clear but B&W

its strange that they're in B&W as the vcr is playing them back as NTPB or NT4.43 ?

any ideas??
tpr007
04-01-2002, 11:17
Connected my PC to the video. connected the Red/white/Yellow cable to PC - and scart end into the Video.

It records fine - colour picture from the same NTSC R0 disc!

My DVD player is a Tosh SD110E - whats going on!???
Simes
04-01-2002, 22:01
Is there an option in the DVD player's menus to set the TV output. E.G PAL / NTSC/ AUTO ?

The player could be outputting PAL60 for the NTSC discs instead of NTSC !! THis could be causing the black and white picture.Though it should only do it if it is set at the PAL position.

I am not sure how the Tosh works with NTSC. I know it does not output NTSC as PAL50 which would be compatible with all UK VCRs (if macrovision was off).
tpr007
06-01-2002, 23:59
It doesn't output PAL50 from NTSC :(
Guess I can't record NTSC from it then. Oh well, it'll have to go from my PC DVD