So here is an issue that I've seen discussed but not solved.

I just purchased a Samsung 40" 1080p HDTV (LN40A500) and have my old Sony DVD Player (DVP-S550D) connected using Component cables. The issue that arises is after 10 seconds of movie playing, I get interference that looks static-y and eventually drops out. From what I have read this is most likely analog macrovision protection.

Is there a way around this?

Thanks.

So here is an issue that I've seen discussed but not solved.

I just purchased a Samsung 40" 1080p HDTV (LN40A500) and have my old Sony DVD Player (DVP-S550D) connected using Component cables. The issue that arises is after 10 seconds of movie playing, I get interference that looks static-y and eventually drops out. From what I have read this is most likely analog macrovision protection.

Is there a way around this?

Thanks.

I would first try different combinations to see if one of the pieces of gear is faulty.


Try different component cables.

Try the player with a different display (still using component).

Try a different player with the display (still using component).


If you still suspect Macrovision, try to find a disc that is unlikely to have it, such as a home-made copy. Does they problem still occur?

-Bill

Is there a way around this?

Thanks.

There are instructions here http://www.cdrom-guide.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-17705.html on how to get to the service menu on this player, but I'm unclear whether macrovision can be disabled or not.

-Bill

Thanks everyone. I think I solved it.

I spoke to Samsung who said it probably WASN'T Macrovision, but the DVD Player's resolution wasn't high enough and I should try to boost it. Unfortunately there is no way to do that on this player...or so I thought.

I found the Video EQ Menu and chose the Cinematic setting (listed as the "Best Picture Quality"). That sounds higher resolution to me, so I selected it. Sure enough it works! I have to select it every time I put in a new DVD (I think the player remembers each disc's setting) but it seems to work pretty well; I've watched whole episodes of The Simpsons and Arrested Development plus a few scenes from The Incredibles and no dropped signal.

As this is all new to me, I won't be surprised if something changes over the next few days. So I may return with more questions.

Special Thanks to "wmcclain" for that cool tip on how to turn off Macrovision and Region Coding. I'll make use of that soon enough.