MySky box and VCR recording.

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tims

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#190887 15-Jan-2016 11:03

Although I haven't got MySky, I've been upgraded to a HDMI out MySky box. Still don't want to pay for MySky so I hooked up my VCR to the RCA video/audio out connections of the MySky box (HDMI out going to the TV) expecting to record a reasonable picture but there are several interference lines across the screen on playback making it almost unwatchable.

I've tried another VCR and different tapes but all show the same interference which I don't understand as the picture from the MySky box thru the VCR is clear (AV input on the TV) is a bit washed out but clear.

Anyone know if Sky have deliberately done something to the video RCA signal out of the MySky RCA to stop customers using the VCR to record - I rang Sky customer service on a different matter and told them I was also going to hook up my VCR via the RCA's to record and was told that she didn't think that was possible so maybe they have?

Thanks

RunningMan

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#1471759 15-Jan-2016 11:08

Macrovision - designed to stop you recording content.

Lias

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#1471792 15-Jan-2016 11:39

A later form of Macrovision's analog copy protection, called Level II ACP, introduced multiple 180-degree phase inversions to the analog signal's colorburst. Also known as colorstriping, this technology caused numerous off-color bands to appear within the picture. Another form of analog copy protection, known as CGMS-A, is added by DVD players and digital cable/satellite boxes. While not invented by Macrovision, the company's products implemented it. CGMS-A consists of a "flag" within the vertical blanking interval (essentially data, like closed captioning) which digital recording devices search for. If present, it refused to record the signal, just as with the earlier ACP technology. Unlike digital recording equipment, however, analog VCRs do not respond to CGMS-A encoded video and would record it successfully if ACP is not also present.

From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rovi

You need something like this: http://www.macromaster.co.uk/dvd/products/macmaster2.html#gold

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tims

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#1471801 15-Jan-2016 11:43

RunningMan: Macrovision - designed to stop you recording content.

Ah... OK thanks. If I had a DVD recorder (with HDMI in?), would Macrovision also stop me recording with this as well?

Thanks

edit: thanks for the other reply. Came in while I was typing.

invisibleman18

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#1471990 15-Jan-2016 15:22

I've done it perfectly fine on my DVD recorder from MySky using component cables. Picture is not HD of course but perfectly watchable, though the volume comes through very low. Have done it on the odd occasion for things like tennis grand slam finals where I haven't had enough space on the MySky to record the whole thing. You'll just need to make sure the Sky is on the channel you want to record.

Spyware

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#1472019 15-Jan-2016 15:50

Ah... OK thanks. If I had a DVD recorder (with HDMI in?), would Macrovision also stop me recording with this as well?

Macrovision applies to analog signals. HDMI is a digital interface in which case HDCP applies. DVD recorders typically don't have HDMI in interfaces (HDMI interface is an output).

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Rikkitic

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#1472051 15-Jan-2016 16:17

The best way to do it is to get an HDMI recorder like Hauppauge HD-PVR, which does have HDMI input. However, you also need a computer of some kind with this or an Xbox. I have a small, inexpensive mini-pc which works fairly well for this. I don't know if the Sky HDMI signal is also HDCP, but that it easily bypassed with a splitter. This is much, much more satisfying than trying to record off composite, regardless of the device you use.

HOWEVER, you can also look for an old and very simple device that converts analogue output formats to fit different adapters. Dick Smith (RIP) used to sell these. I discovered by accident that they also strip out Macrovision protection so are very good for copying stuff to videotape.

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Goosey

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#1472099 15-Jan-2016 17:06

Might pay to use a different set of RCA leads and see what happens.