Hello, I know this question has been asked but I am asking again. All I want to do is copy VHS to DVD, simple right???? No, I bought a dvd/vhs recorder combo. Actually a Emerson EWR20V5, well if I put in a VHS, that I am wanting to transfer to DVD, the recorder says it has a copyright. Okay then what was the point of spending so much on this?? Yeah, I don't know either. So if there is someone out there/here anywhere that could help, with simple directions that would be GREAT!!!!!!! Thanks to all who might respond.

Thanks!!!!!

Hmmm, on a computer it's a no brainer to get around but on a vhs/dvd combo unit I have no clue.
Sorry.

I really only use my set-top recorder to record home movies to DVD from VHS. I cannot see why you would want to put a commercial VHS on DVD as it would still be in VHS quality.

However, I did try this on my LiteOn set-top recorder (NOT VCR combo) and by using an old VCR (must be old) and running it into the inputs it worked fine. Maybe this would work with your Emerson recorder.

The main purpose I use mine is to transfer all of those home videos. That is my purpose for using a set-top recorder. It saves me the time from transferring everything to the computer.

You could try to use an old VCR to play back the movies. It works for me through composite inputs. I've only done it once, though.

Hello, I will do anything to get my vhs to dvd whichever is the easiest I just need to know how to do it, even if using a hard drive......I just need simple answers on how to.

Thanks!!

What type of VHS? Home videos or commercial VHS?

Also, this will strip Macrovision from your disc if it's a newer, but seperate, VCR.

[Link: facetvideo.com]

Bren check this out.
This place tells you how to do it.
Either, DIY or who can do it for you.
Let us know how it turns out.

http://www.vhs.com/

Seems as if there is a lot of misunderstanding by some about coppying from VHS to DVD (or anything, for that matter)...

Commercial VHS tapes have a protection scheme called "Macrovision". Not all commercial VHS tapes have it, but many, if not most do.

Without getting too technical, Macrovision basically causes the recording device to continually adjust the gain up and down, making the recorded video unplayable.
Macrovision at Wikipedia

In order to "beat" this copy protection scheme you need to strip the codes out that macrovision puts on the tapes.
One method is to use an old VCR which does not recognize the Macrovision protection scheme.
Another method is to use a device between the VCR and DVD recorder that strips out the codes.

ThePastor is right. Your VHS to DVD machine is intended to let you make DVDs of your own personally made VHS tapes, say of your kids or family reunions or whatever. Yes, they should have made that clear on the box, but then they would never sell any.

I have a SIMA Video CopyMaster that I pass VHS video through to strip the macrovision out. I don't know if you have outputs for the VHS side of your Emerson that you can feed to inputs of the DVD side, but patching the CopyMaster in between would solve your problem. If you have another VCR, you could make a VHS copy of your VHS with the CopyMaster in between, then use the copy to make a DVd from in your Emerson.

I'll let you worry about the legallity of copying a copyrighted tape.

If you don't already own a separate VCR, I would go to an area Goodwill or thrift store and buy an older one - I see decent quality 4 head units for $5-10 dollars all the time. It should work just fine since it most likely wont recognize the copy protection features.


Bonz

I realize you have an Emerson, but you might be able to find a similar website to this one that I found for LiteOn settop burners...
It allows you to change/hack your firmware to disable macrovision...
Lite On Hacking