I had the CT-2 a little over 3 months ago. Used it to make backup copies of DVD's(store bought) and VHS(store bought) stuff I own.

For DVD's(Family Guy, Seinfeld Season 3, Remember the Titans, etc...) I connected it via S-video input/output(from a Panasonic RP-62 to a Panasonic ES30V DVD Recorder/VCR) and was really pleased with the results. I don't know what everyone is talking about poor black levels. They looked fine on my copies. Even "Remember the Titans" which I figured it would not copy because it was a Disney DVD, and these things I figured are copy-guarded up the wazoo, but the results were perfect.

Anyway, I returned the CT-2 after I was done because I felt that $129+tax was just too much for such a device.

I notice now that the CT-2 is $69.99+tax out the door at CompUSA(not including the rebate which would bring it down to $49.99+tax). This is a much more reasonable price IMHO for this unit.

I also noticed that there is a new CT-200 out for $149+tax. It seems to be the same thing as the CT-2 except it offers 6 video modes(as opposed to 4 on the CT-2) and an auto off feature.

Does the CT-200 offer anything else(better encryption removal?) that the CT-2 does not?

Or is one paying an extra $80 for 2 more modes and an auto off feature. This seems like alot for just this.

Does this unit off alot more decypting features than it's predecessor?

I am debating between the two(although the price of the CT-2, and previous personal experience with it, seems like the way to go right now for me).

I am just wondering if I am missing something BIG on the CT-200 for the extra $80?

Looks like the CT 200 is an upgrade of the CT 2

You can buy a CT200 at Compusa this week for $49.99 after MIR (Go to Compusa, the product on sale is actually a CT200). I bought one today for $49.99 after $20 MIR. Rebate also lists CT200.

The only difference between the Sima CT-2 & the CT-200 is the 2 extra Video settings & the Auto ON/OFF feature on the CT-200.

I bought my daughter the CT-2 a couple of weeks back to use on her Panny E-55 & she has not be able to see the so-called Black Level Bug either so maybe Sima fixed the problem or it only shows up on certain movies? & she has tested her copies on a bunch of different dvd players & HT setups. She is dubbing to the E-55 using a Proscan 8680Z dvd player & also a brand new Panasonic DVD-S29 player.

I missed out on the CompUSA deal & the lowest price I could find at the time on the CT-2 was $70 delivered & that was from NY to Miami from B&H Photo.

As far as prices go a few weeks back Best Buy had the CT-200 on sale for $99.99 but if I was you I would "JUMP" on the CompUSA deal & get one for only $50.

I think the reason Sima even made 2 models was so chains would not have to price match each other. Circuit City carries the CT-2 & Best Buy carries the CT-200.

If you do get one come back & let us know if you can find that Black Level Bug!

I just picked up a CT-200, it appears to be a hundred times better than the CT-2. ;)

vferrari, By any chance have you seen the Black Level Bug problem? but then again if you think the 200 is that much better than the CT-2 maybe you need a trip to the eye doctor first :D

rudytx---Did you buy it online or go to the store? The web site only lists the CT2.

rudytx---Did you buy it online or go to the store? The web site only lists the CT2.

I bought it at the store. I know that online, and the paper ad states CT2, but CT200 is what I found at the store.

The rebate says ct2/ct200 and it gives only one UPC and SKU number so I think the Ct200 has replaced the CT2.

I would say that if you can, go to the store, so you know you will get a CT200.

Thanks RudyTx . I'll be close to a Compusa store today. Will check it out.

BTW what is the advantage of using the Sima i/o of your computer and Decryper/Shrink?

I got my CT-200(was looking for the CT-2 as well, which was offered on the CompUSA website) yesterday. When all is said and done, it will have cost me $54(this is with tax included).

The guy at CompUSA said that although the CT-2 is listed on the web, the rebate and price also works for the CT-200, which is all the store had anyway.

Yesterday I backed up Simpsons Season 6 DVD's(the first 2 at least). I had them playing out of a Panasonic RP-62 through S-Video to a Panasonic ES30V DVD Recorder/VCR(with the SIMA in between, of course) and recorded the 2 DVD-R's using FR mode to fit all 7 episodes on each disc(total time was about 2hr 40 min). I used the normal mode on the SIMA while making these recordings(at times it seemed a little to "bright" if you will, but the darken mode was just too dark. The enhanced 1&2 mode were too bright, and the normal was a nice compromise between the two and worked just fine)

The results were just as good as when I used the CT-2 earlier this year. No black level bug(I still can't figure out what people are talking about. I think it their equipment. Whether it is the recorder or player).

I was really pleased with my results. The DVD-R's(Maxell's 8X MADE IN JAPAN) done in FR mode look really good(If I had done them in SP mode, it would have looked better, but I would have to spread the episodes out on more discs which I did not want).

I will finish backing up the Simpson's Season 6, and then try a movie. Maybe something with alot of action(or Dark scences and Light Scenes) and that is maybe less than 2 hrs so I can use the SP mode, although the FR mode on the Panny's work great up to 2HR 55min on one DVD.

Thanks RudyTx . I'll be close to a Compusa store today. Will check it out.

BTW what is the advantage of using the Sima i/o of your computer and Decryper/Shrink?

I got the Sima because I am traferring my old VHS tapes to DVD. Otherwise I do not need it.

A stupid question. Do you transfer direct to the DVD or put it on the HDD first. If HDD how do you edit out parts you don't want.

I could be wrong on this & if I am I hope someone will chime in on this but when they were talking about the "Black Level Bug" on the Sima's I think they were talking about it making the bright parts of a picture too bright & the dark parts of a picture too dark & that it could'nt be adjusted out & that it really showed up when the dvd was being played on another player or setup?

As I said above my daughter hasn't had any problems with the copies she made & she even tested them out on her bosses HT setup which has a projector & a 100 ft screen & is all top of the line pro gear & was pro installed.

She has also been dubbing store bought video tapes with a macrobuster from the time that she was 10 years-old & she is pretty picky about picture quality & she is more than happy with her dubs. But maybe she just hasn't found that oddball movie where the black level bug shows up?

A stupid question. Do you transfer direct to the DVD or put it on the HDD first. If HDD how do you edit out parts you don't want.

To HDD first since I want to create chapters at the points I want or erase sections I do not want.

I have a Pioneer 531. Easy.

I could be wrong on this & if I am I hope someone will chime in on this but when they were talking about the "Black Level Bug" on the Sima's I think they were talking about it making the bright parts of a picture too bright & the dark parts of a picture too dark & that it could'nt be adjusted out & that it really showed up when the dvd was being played on another player or setup?

As I said above my daughter hasn't had any problems with the copies she made & she even tested them out on her bosses HT setup which has a projector & a 100 ft screen & is all top of the line pro gear & was pro installed.

She has also been dubbing store bought video tapes with a macrobuster from the time that she was 10 years-old & she is pretty picky about picture quality & she is more than happy with her dubs. But maybe she just hasn't found that oddball movie where the black level bug shows up?

I've been using the CT-200 for dvd to dvd and vhs to dvd (of course I own everything I'm recording) and I haven't had any problems. One movie was very bright on the original dvd (The Big Bounce) I believe it was shot in Hawaii. Anyways I used the CT's "dark" setting and actually like my recorded copy better then the original dvd. I'm VERY pleased with the CT-200. I will say it looks and feels kind of cheap but the bottom line is I'm happy with its results. Oh and I use the S-Video in's and out's. I did a comparison of S-Vid. vs. rca and the S-Video won hands down.

I got one from circuit city.
I tried using it to back up some boguth vhs to dvds. Most of the vhs tapes are several yrs old also.
Both during the showing and on the dvd after capturing the top of the screen flashed green on and off throughout the movie. Not a bright green but a green color flash.
I tried couple of vhs tapes and did same thing.
Put the vhs tapes into the vcr thru my dvd xpress and caputred to the computer and no green flashes.
Sima told me to meausre the voltage at the tip and see if I was getting 12v. I was getting 11v and told me to send it in. I just returned it to circuit city.
Gonna try a vidicraft detailer II off ebay now.

For whatever reason I've heard people complain about green/black bars when using the ct-2. It must be hit or miss with the ct-2. More hit then miss however. I don't think I've heard as many complaints about the ct-200. I believe the ct-200 is a later model and besides the couple extra external features it has over the ct-2 maybe they got out the kinks some of the ct-2's had internally. The ct-200 seems to cost a-lot more than the ct-2 everywhere I look though. They both have there positives and negatives. The ct-2 may give you crappppy copies and the ct-200 will cost you a-lot more.

ct-200 will cost you a-lot more.

Not if you get it at CompUSA by today for $69 ($49 after rebate). I really can't find CT-2's around any more. Seems like all the retailers are only stocking CT-200's now.

That's where I got mine. Haven't hooked it up yet. Have'nt even tried the AVT 8710 for enhancing video transfers to my Sharp DVDR standalone. Too busy getting the house ready for sale. Also want to put in a separate a battery backup, voltage regulator and overload protector. Another $75.00 cost. That's in addition to upgrading my cables. This hobby is getting expensive. Ultimately want to transfer 55 home movies on VHS or 8MM to DVD.

For whatever reason I've heard people complain about green/black bars when using the ct-2. It must be hit or miss with the ct-2. More hit then miss however. I don't think I've heard as many complaints about the ct-200. I believe the ct-200 is a later model and besides the couple extra external features it has over the ct-2 maybe they got out the kinks some of the ct-2's had internally. The ct-200 seems to cost a-lot more than the ct-2 everywhere I look though. They both have there positives and negatives. The ct-2 may give you crappppy copies and the ct-200 will cost you a-lot more.

I had the CT-2 and returned it and now have the Ct-200. IMO, both are garbage and clones. The 200 now has auto shut off/turn on, that's the only difference. They both have the black level bug and add distortion. On the normal setting, they leave a vertical transparent bar on the left side of the screen which is about 1/15th wide of the entire width of the TV. Using dark uses some type of processing that messes with the quality and now makes blacks green.

It's there for low quality backups only. I would never use it unless I really had to. Once again, both are GARBAGE.

Have a good one.

Not if you get it at CompUSA by today for $69 ($49 after rebate). I really can't find CT-2's around any more. Seems like all the retailers are only stocking CT-200's now.
Thanks for the heads up. I already got gouged at BB for a price I'm ashamed to admit however. I had just missed the sale at Circuit City last june-july (somewhere in there) where I think it was $99 plus a $45 rebate. Then everywhere I looked it was around 120.00. However I feel like I got the only decent 200 out there. I have made 50+ copies from vhs to dvd or dvd to dvd. At best the COPIES are better then the originals. (especially the vhs dubs) However the worst copies don't have any black/green problems or any lines anywhere whatsoever. Mine cost 125.00 but it works flawlessly. If it performed like some of the above reports I'd return it w/o a doubt.

Maybe Sima got a bad batch of parts or electrical adapters or they found & fixed the problems?

My daughter never saw any problems with her Sima CT-2 & she & her friends were looking for "Any Problems" when she checked her Sima copy of Shreck II & her original copy of Shreck II on a 100 ft screen & I would think that any problems would show up on a screen that large even if you wern't looking for anything.

As for the clear line in the picture that sounds more like RF Interfearence getting into that setup or the Sima itself (Faulty Parts?) somehow.

So for anyone that might need a digital filter I would say to give EITHER Sima model a shot & buy which everone you can find at the the cheapest price but just make sure you can return it if your not happy with it.

100 ft screen

Huh?! Do you mean 100"?

Yep, A 100 Ft sounds wayyyyyy too big :D

I'll have to ask her but I do know that the HT holds well over 50 people & was designed & installed by pros & to her boss money is no object so I'm sure the screen is huge. I do know the remote control for the system did cost well over $10,000 alone so were talking about a first class system & the best that money can buy.

But the point was that nobody saw anything wrong with the Sima dvd copy? & I can't believe everybody would miss problems comparing the original & the copy on a big screen.

But I just thought of this & the next thing I think I will have her check on just to make sure is that there isn't some sort of High End Video Prosessor or something in his system that might be detecting picture flaws & then correcting them?

But in any case she also saw no problems on any other setup's that she tried the copy on. Again, I would give either Sima a shot & you decide for yourself if you can live with it or not just make sure you can take it back.

Just to note that she recorded the Sima copy of Shreck II by using a Proscan player 8680Z & a Panasonic recorder E-55 on a Maxwell DVD-R 4X using the S-Video connection.

With that big of screen I think I'd want to have an original copy of the DVD. Even the best DVD recorders are not going to give you a copy as good as the original since DVD-Rs hold only about half as much as a store bought DVD.

With all that sophisticated equipment, I wonder why playing a copy is even necessary (where's the original?). Also, I don't understand why an analog dub would be sufficient for such a crowd. Seems to me a PC based duplicate backup copy is in order if for nothing else to be able to enjoy the orignal Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack (who wants to hear DD 2.0 audio in a HT setup with a $10,000 remote and 100 ft. screen > the whole thing just seems odd and doesn't add up.)

What I was talking about was a copy of Shreck II that my daughter had made using the Sima CT-2 that she had made on her own set up & after she had played it back & din't see any problems with it she then tested the copy on her laptop & her car dvd player & later she went & tested it out on a WHOLE BUNCH OF OTHER PEOPLE'S SETS including the one at her Boss's house & he is the one that has the BIG SCREEN HOME THEATER SET UP NOT HER.

She did say there was a difference in picture sharpness between the original & the Sima Copy but that was the only real difference between the original & the copy & there was no Green Tint, Stary Lines or any other of the reported problems that the Sima is supossed to have? & that was especially what they were looking for when they tested the Sima Shreck II Copy on the Big Projector.

All I can say is her Sima CT-2 seems to work fine after testing DVDs made with it from a 7" Car TV to a Big Front Home Theater Projection TV System.

Sorry Bill1313, I didn't understand the whole back story. I'm glad the Shrek 2 backup disc is getting to be played at everyone's house, I'm sure Dreamworks is pleased. I like the CT-2 as well. Take care.

Dreamworks should be thrilled because it was like her showing everyone a preview of Shreck II & now if you want to see the whole movie go buy your own copy :D

same boat as your daughter Bill1313. No prob's whatsoever on 50+ recordings. (vhs to dvd dvd to dvd) I got jacked and paid for the 200 model however. I think your on to something about some individual units having faulty hardware, etc. If some work and some don't it's the unit you'd tend to think. I'm just glad mine gives me good quality recordings. (use s-video ins and outs.)

I found the CT-2 could not remove Macro flashing from some older CBS-FOX vhs tapes. It handled other Macro protected tapes ok. I would guess the logic circuit the VBI cleaning is the same in the CT-200. It just has more video enhancement modes.

I had the CT-2 a little over 3 months ago. Used it to make backup copies of DVD's(store bought) and VHS(store bought) stuff I own.

For DVD's(Family Guy, Seinfeld Season 3, Remember the Titans, etc...) I connected it via S-video input/output(from a Panasonic RP-62 to a Panasonic ES30V DVD Recorder/VCR) and was really pleased with the results. I don't know what everyone is talking about poor black levels. They looked fine on my copies. Even "Remember the Titans" which I figured it would not copy because it was a Disney DVD, and these things I figured are copy-guarded up the wazoo, but the results were perfect.

Anyway, I returned the CT-2 after I was done because I felt that $129+tax was just too much for such a device.

I notice now that the CT-2 is $69.99+tax out the door at CompUSA(not including the rebate which would bring it down to $49.99+tax). This is a much more reasonable price IMHO for this unit.

I also noticed that there is a new CT-200 out for $149+tax. It seems to be the same thing as the CT-2 except it offers 6 video modes(as opposed to 4 on the CT-2) and an auto off feature.

Does the CT-200 offer anything else(better encryption removal?) that the CT-2 does not?

Or is one paying an extra $80 for 2 more modes and an auto off feature. This seems like alot for just this.

Does this unit off alot more decypting features than it's predecessor?

I am debating between the two(although the price of the CT-2, and previous personal experience with it, seems like the way to go right now for me).

I am just wondering if I am missing something BIG on the CT-200 for the extra $80?
Hi, I have a slight problem. I have the Sima SCC-2 AND THEN the Sima CT-2
hooked up. Now so far, they PLAY DVD`s perfectly, I have NOT had a chance to
RECORD with them YET! HOWEVER, when I PLAY back a Macrovision encoded
VHS through them, I STILL get the Dark and Bright background switching.
I have NOT had a chance to RECORD FROM a Macrovision VHS to VHS YET!
I ALSO have a Sima Copy Master SED-CM Going OUT of the VCR TO the
Sima SCC-2, THEN to the CT-2. NOW, is there ANYTHING that I`M MISSING?
OR is the is this the "Black level bug" that everyone here is talking about?
Will buying a Sima CT-200 FIX this problem? OR am I just better off with just
using 1 unit? I tried using the SCC-2 and the CT-2 BY THEMSELVES, and
I had bad luck! Can ANYONE here make a recommendation of what I need
to do to fix this problem? :mad:

Hi, I have a slight problem. I have the Sima SCC-2 AND THEN the Sima CT-2
hooked up. Now so far, they PLAY DVD`s perfectly, I have NOT had a chance to
RECORD with them YET! HOWEVER, when I PLAY back a Macrovision encoded
VHS through them, I STILL get the Dark and Bright background switching.
I have NOT had a chance to RECORD FROM a Macrovision VHS to VHS YET!
I ALSO have a Sima Copy Master SED-CM Going OUT of the VCR TO the
Sima SCC-2, THEN to the CT-2. NOW, is there ANYTHING that I`M MISSING?
OR is the is this the "Black level bug" that everyone here is talking about?
Will buying a Sima CT-200 FIX this problem? OR am I just better off with just
using 1 unit? I tried using the SCC-2 and the CT-2 BY THEMSELVES, and
I had bad luck! Can ANYONE here make a recommendation of what I need
to do to fix this problem? :mad:

As far as I know, they are supposed to be used during the original recording (between the receiver and the DVD or VHS recorder). If you already recorded a program onto VHS that had Macrovision on it and you did not have the Sima between the receiver and the VHS recorder or between the two VHS decks, then there is nothing that you can do with it. In other words if you play the VHS directly to the television and you get the "Dark and Bright background switching" then the VHS recorded program is usless. You only get that kind of switching when you try to record a program that has Macrovision on it.

The "Black level bug" is not what you are talking about. It refers to the level of contrast that is in the program that is recorded using Sima. The recording is very wathable and some people don't notice it at all. It is also refered to as the "washed out effect" Its not brightess; its contrast. It is noticable if you replay the original DVD or VHS on the same monitor and compare it to the recorded one. I have also played back the recorded-Sima DVD and the original DVD on other DVD player or player recorders and different televisions and noticed the same thing. Its there and very noticable to the discernilble viewer. This is why I prefer to use the Sima Model SCC-2 that is was discussed in another thread. Use the search.

To add a little quality controle. The two DVD recorders I used with the Sima CT-2 were the Panasonic DMR-E55 and the Toshiba RD-SX32. I used two seperate DVD players with each Recorder. With the Toshiba RD-SX32 I used the Panasonic DVD A-320. With the Panasonic I used the RCA DRC-350 The Toshiba is noted for have its own "black level bug" but I think the Sima Model SCC-02 also compensates for that as well.

A special note. I have since used a computer to make all copies. Its quicker and the copies are near perfect. I also like to copy trailers and the extras.

Hi, I have a slight problem. I have the Sima SCC-2 AND THEN the Sima CT-2
hooked up. Now so far, they PLAY DVD`s perfectly, I have NOT had a chance to
RECORD with them YET! HOWEVER, when I PLAY back a Macrovision encoded
VHS through them, I STILL get the Dark and Bright background switching.
I have NOT had a chance to RECORD FROM a Macrovision VHS to VHS YET!
I ALSO have a Sima Copy Master SED-CM Going OUT of the VCR TO the
Sima SCC-2, THEN to the CT-2. NOW, is there ANYTHING that I`M MISSING?
OR is the is this the "Black level bug" that everyone here is talking about?
Will buying a Sima CT-200 FIX this problem? OR am I just better off with just
using 1 unit? I tried using the SCC-2 and the CT-2 BY THEMSELVES, and
I had bad luck! Can ANYONE here make a recommendation of what I need
to do to fix this problem? :mad:
I'll just say all I use is a CT-200 and it gives me great copies. vhs to dvd and dvd to dvd. Its never not worked. I find the S-Video in's and out's produce better quality images as opposed to the rca option. This is probably obvious to most. I've recorded the exact same movies comparing the s-vid to the rca cable and the s-vid win's by a mile. All you need is a CT-200.

I'll just say all I use is a CT-200 and it gives me great copies. vhs to dvd and dvd to dvd. Its never not worked. I find the S-Video in's and out's produce better quality images as opposed to the rca option. This is probably obvious to most. I've recorded the exact same movies comparing the s-vid to the rca cable and the s-vid win's by a mile. All you need is a CT-200.

I agree 100% with the above.

I had the CT-2 first(returned it due to it's $129+tax price tag 6 months ago), and now have the CT-200($54 total after rebate. More like it.) and all the backups I have made have been GREAT!! The Simpsons Season 6 backups DID seem to have a little too much contrast on the copies(in Normal mode on the CT-200), but not bad.(And it is a Cartoon).

I did a backup of Something about Mary and it was beautiful!! S-video from a Panasonic RP-62 to the Sima CT-200, S-Video out from the SIMA to the front inputs of the Panasonic ES30V DVD Recorder/VCR either in SP mode. GREAT JOB!!!

All of the DVD's I have backed up(some Disney/Fox Video/Sony/WB/MGM) have had ZERO problems, and they all look GREAT!!

Are the originals BETTER? Well, DUH!!

The SIMA CT-200 is a winner hands down. This is one of the reasons why they are being sued to get it off the market. If it didn't work, no one would care.

As far as I know, they are supposed to be used during the original recording (between the receiver and the DVD or VHS recorder). If you already recorded a program onto VHS that had Macrovision on it and you did not have the Sima between the receiver and the VHS recorder or between the two VHS decks, then there is nothing that you can do with it. In other words if you play the VHS directly to the television and you get the "Dark and Bright background switching" then the VHS recorded program is usless. You only get that kind of switching when you try to record a program that has Macrovision on it.

The "Black level bug" is not what you are talking about. It refers to the level of contrast that is in the program that is recorded using Sima. The recording is very wathable and some people don't notice it at all. It is also refered to as the "washed out effect" Its not brightess; its contrast. It is noticable if you replay the original DVD or VHS on the same monitor and compare it to the recorded one. I have also played back the recorded-Sima DVD and the original DVD on other DVD player or player recorders and different televisions and noticed the same thing. Its there and very noticable to the discernilble viewer. This is why I prefer to use the Sima Model SCC-2 that is was discussed in another thread. Use the search.

To add a little quality controle. The two DVD recorders I used with the Sima CT-2 were the Panasonic DMR-E55 and the Toshiba RD-SX32. I used two seperate DVD players with each Recorder. With the Toshiba RD-SX32 I used the Panasonic DVD A-320. With the Panasonic I used the RCA DRC-350 The Toshiba is noted for have its own "black level bug" but I think the Sima Model SCC-02 also compensates for that as well.

A special note. I have since used a computer to make all copies. Its quicker and the copies are near perfect. I also like to copy trailers and the extras.
Okay, but to me, when I watch a vhs COPY tape, SHOULDN`T
the Macrovision be gone? SINCE I`m going through the
Copy Master, THEN the SCC-2, THEN the CT-2. I would guess that
there would be no difference than watching a pre-recorded vhs tape.
OR, is the Macrovision AMPLIFIED because I did NOT have the SCC-2
in the line BUT I DID have the Copy Master and THEN the CT-2?
What gives?
What`s the answer?

Okay, but to me, when I watch a vhs COPY tape, SHOULDN`T
the Macrovision be gone? SINCE I`m going through the
Copy Master, THEN the SCC-2, THEN the CT-2. I would guess that
there would be no difference than watching a pre-recorded vhs tape.
OR, is the Macrovision AMPLIFIED because I did NOT have the SCC-2
in the line BUT I DID have the Copy Master and THEN the CT-2?
What gives?
What`s the answer?

Please explain how you made the VHS copy. Did you have the SCC-2 connected in between the source and the recorder when you made it? If you didn't and the original had Macrovision on it then the copy won't play no matter what you use when you play it back. Also what is the function of Copy Master. Why use all three devices when one Sima can do it?

Just use the the CCC-2 or the CT-2 when you make the original copy and you should not have any further problems.

Please explain how you made the VHS copy. Did you have the SCC-2 connected in between the source and the recorder when you made it? If you didn't and the original had Macrovision on it then the copy won't play no matter what you use when you play it back. Also what is the function of Copy Master. Why use all three devices when one Sima can do it?

Just use the the CCC-2 or the CT-2 when you make the original copy and you should not have any further problems.
Hello, I tried using 1 or the other! The CT-2 is what I was using when I made the
copy to begin with. It did NOT get rid of the Macrovision on VHS!
When I used the SCC-2 by itself it did the same thing with VHS.
BUT it worked fine with DVD. The problem is that I have ALOT of pre-recorded
VHS tapes that have Macrovision on them, that are NOT on DVD. So what do I use to record from VHS to DVD? :mad:

HELP Just hooked up the CT 200. In and outs correct. Set for NTSC, etc. Going from Denon 1815 thru Sony receivers'video1 in and out to Sharp 300 on Line 3. Get sound but black picture. Get color bars. Trying to copy a TV episode previously recorded on DVD. Any thoughts?

BTW the PAL or NTSC switch is indented. Not a raised button/switch that you toggle. Is that how your units are?

So what do I use to record from VHS to DVD? :mad:

If you want, you can try Video Magic/DVD (http://www.stardevelopment.com/videomagicdvd.htm). I've never tried the current model but I have an older model I got over 10 years ago out of a Damark (http://www.damark.com/) catalog that always lets me copy VHS tapes.

Jay you need to toggle the quality settings it will cycle through several different settings in series (Color Bars, Normal, Light, Dark, Enhanced 1, Enhanced 2, and Black & White and back to Color Bars if I remember correctly).

vferrari- I've tried that. Next I'll try going directly from the Denon to the Sima then to the DVD recorder or VHS recorder. It's quite possible the Sharp 300 refuses to accept any composite or S-video feed of a DVD other then one it made itself. I've found it to be very picky. It refused to download back to its' HDD a dvd it burned after I had put it in the computer. This was a finalized -R DVD too. It's accepted its' own burned discs before.

I'm bumping this thread to report the following:

I can record from the Denon 1815 via composite to my Sony VCR. However, my Sharp 300 DVD recorder apparently recognizes a DVD signal and if it wasn't originally burned on the Sharp it will refuse to accept it. If it works with the other models great. But not with my combination.

I had the CT-2 a little over 3 months ago. Used it to make backup copies of DVD's(store bought) and VHS(store bought) stuff I own.

For DVD's(Family Guy, Seinfeld Season 3, Remember the Titans, etc...) I connected it via S-video input/output(from a Panasonic RP-62 to a Panasonic ES30V DVD Recorder/VCR) and was really pleased with the results. I don't know what everyone is talking about poor black levels. They looked fine on my copies. Even "Remember the Titans" which I figured it would not copy because it was a Disney DVD, and these things I figured are copy-guarded up the wazoo, but the results were perfect.

Anyway, I returned the CT-2 after I was done because I felt that $129+tax was just too much for such a device.

I notice now that the CT-2 is $69.99+tax out the door at CompUSA(not including the rebate which would bring it down to $49.99+tax). This is a much more reasonable price IMHO for this unit.

I also noticed that there is a new CT-200 out for $149+tax. It seems to be the same thing as the CT-2 except it offers 6 video modes(as opposed to 4 on the CT-2) and an auto off feature.

Does the CT-200 offer anything else(better encryption removal?) that the CT-2 does not?

Or is one paying an extra $80 for 2 more modes and an auto off feature. This seems like alot for just this.

Does this unit off alot more decypting features than it's predecessor?

I am debating between the two(although the price of the CT-2, and previous personal experience with it, seems like the way to go right now for me).

I am just wondering if I am missing something BIG on the CT-200 for the extra $80?

Why don't you just shoplift the DVDs you want? This will give the best possible PQ, and you won't have to buy any blank DVDs, or waste your time and gas abusing the store's return policy. Oh yeah, you also get a free jewel case with a colorful cardboard insert with each DVD you rip off.

Why don't you just shoplift the DVDs you want? This will give the best possible PQ, and you won't have to buy any blank DVDs, or waste your time and gas abusing the store's return policy. Oh yeah, you also get a free jewel case with a colorful cardboard insert with each DVD you rip off.

Hey, Jackass. I OWN THE MOVIES/TV SHOWS I AM COPYING! I am copying them for backups to take in the car, so the originals don't get ruined.

But thanx for the advice schmuck.

probepro- ARE YOU TALKING TO ME? If So..blow it out your ass. Your 'probe' that is for not reading Steelers first paragraph. He owns the movies.

STEELERSRULE- Same here. Have actually refused to make a copy of a movie for my sister. "But, I'm your sister". And, wouldn't bother renting to make a copy either as rented copies are pretty damaged from abusive and careless renters. I let my daughter take some' Back Ups' to college. But, with the stipulation they all come back. All but one did. Now, I'm giving her a hard time making another Back Up of Anchorman.

I think he was referring to intentionally using the device to convert the videos Steelers owned and then returning the device to the store (it wasn't directed at the issue regarding whether he owned the videos or not). This amounts to essentially "renting" the device for free (to get the job done) and then returning it when there is obviously nothing wrong with the device. Effectively, an abuse of the store's return policy regardless of whether you rationalize that the device was too expensive or you were just "testing" it. Its the kind of thing that drives consumer prices up in the long run. A gray area to be sure, but steelers intent was clear he only returned the device after "[he] was done". The point could have been made without resorting to character assassination and sarcasm. Hence the flame war and misunderstood intentions all around. Not intending to pass judgement against anyone, just pointing out a different way of looking at the same set of facts. Flame away if it makes you feel better.

Hey, Jackass. I OWN THE MOVIES/TV SHOWS I AM COPYING! I am copying them for backups to take in the car, so the originals don't get ruined.

But thanx for the advice schmuck.

OK, I guess I deserve this then. My apologies.

OK, I guess I deserve this then. My apologies.

Actually probepro, I owe you an apology for the harshness of the response.

Never should have put it that way.

It was 3:45AM when I wrote it. A little to late for a good response.

But I do own the movies/tv shows I am making copies of, and that is perfectly legal to do.

I think he was referring to intentionally using the device to convert the videos Steelers owned and then returning the device to the store (it wasn't directed at the issue regarding whether he owned the videos or not). This amounts to essentially "renting" the device for free (to get the job done) and then returning it when there is obviously nothing wrong with the device. Effectively, an abuse of the store's return policy regardless of whether you rationalize that the device was too expensive or you were just "testing" it. Its the kind of thing that drives consumer prices up in the long run. A gray area to be sure, but steelers intent was clear he only returned the device after "[he] was done". The point could have been made without resorting to character assassination and sarcasm. Hence the flame war and misunderstood intentions all around. Not intending to pass judgement against anyone, just pointing out a different way of looking at the same set of facts. Flame away if it makes you feel better.

Yeah, I can see your point. But I came to the conclusion, before the 30 day return period was up, that $137(includes tax) was just too much to spend on a device such as this(this was the CT-2 back in April/May) for what I wanted it for. So after I was done making backups, I decided too return it and wait until the price dropped. Yes I did return it after I was done, and in essence did "rent" the device. But that is part of the reason why they have a 30 day return policy(We are talking about Circuit City here). I decided, within the 30 days(I think it was 2-21/2 weeks of actually having it) that it wasn't worth the price I paid, so I returned it, and got my money back. I don't feel I did anything wrong, low, or just took advantage of it. It is there for this reason. Not completely satisfied, bring it back.

Then CompUSA had that great deal about 3 weeks ago for the newer CT-200 for $69.99+tax, plus a $20 mail-in rebate(which makes it come to $54 which includes the tax) and this price was worth it IMHO. So I went and got it, and have kept it.

Steelersrule,

Like I said it is a gray area. You do have a 30-day return period, and it is ostensibly a satisfaction guarantee (theoretically with no questions asked, other than the return desk possibly wanting to know if the device was defective so they could determine whether it could be re-sold). So you were basically within your rights. And I agree the price doesn't make sense when they are able to offer it for basically 50% PLUS a $20 rebate. Like I said, I was not passing judgement. Just offering a different point of view. Thanks for responding, and in the long run you made out by returning the device and getting the upgraded model for more than half off. I hopped on the CUSA deal as well. Take care.

probepro- My apologies as well. It was 5AM when I posted my reply. And, vfferai does have a point when people buy items, use them and then return them for no good reason.

And I agree the price doesn't make sense when they are able to offer it for basically 50% PLUS a $20 rebate.

Maybe the device is so cheap because Circuit City wants them out of their inventory. Maybe they're anticipating bad news in Macrovision's lawsuit against Sima.

Maybe the $20 rebate is so Sima has a list of purchasers to turn over to Macrovision if they lose. It's not legal for you to own an infringing device, even if you bought it in good faith.

Just because you're paranoid* it doesn't mean they're not out to get you.


* Not you personally, vferrari.

I've just ventured into the arena of recording to DVD. I started slow and easy with a cheap Cyberhome dvd player and a cheap Ilo dvd recorder. The "big" money was spent on a Sima CT-200.

I started off by trying to dub some of my macrovision encoded VHS tapes from, yes, a cheap VCR. To my pleasant surprise, they copied great. VCR to CT-200 (component input) and CT-200 to DVD recorder (S-Video input)

When I attemped to copy some of my DVD movies - no joy....... I get sound and a blue screen. Same config, component video input between the DVD player and CT-200. S-Video between the CT-200 and the recorder.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

Low rent,

I am going to assume you meant composite and not component since the CT-200 does not have component input.

Anyway, I do know the that the CT-200 can only have one connection active at a time. Either the composite in/out, or the S-Video in/out. On the CT-200 either an orange light would represent the composite connections, or a green light would represent the S-Video connections.

You have to use one or the other. They can't be interchanged(nor can you feed the CT-200 a composite in signal, and then output it through the S-Video. Neither up/down conversion is possible on this device. And if you did it with your vcr, I sure as heck don't know how it worked.

But that sounds like the problem. You have to choose one or the other. If it helps, for me i use:

1. For DVD player to DVD recorder I use the S-video in/out connection set on NORMAL. This gives the best picture IMHO. The contrast is a little bit too much on normal, but not bad. The dark is just too dark.

2. For VCR to DVD recorder. I use the composite as this is the best connection most people can get. I you have an SVHS VCR outputting to the DVD recorder, by all means use the S-video connection as this usually will give you the best quality(but not always the case)

But you have to choose one or the other.


PhantomGremlin,

You make a good point, but I don't think that is the case(I actually thought about what you said before I mailed the rebate. Same exact thing). Since these are being sold in the big B&M stores(not illeagely online or on the blackmarket. They COULD wind up there eventually) no one has done anything illeagal. Nor can they come after anyone. That would be like coming after EVERYONE who downloaded music off the internet BEFORE it became a legal issue. You can't prosecute them. If they still downloaded music after the laws went into effect, then yes, they would be eligible for punishment or a lawsuit.

Macrovision, or anyone else for that matter, would have legal ground only:

1. if they win the case
2. people buy a product like this illeagally after the fact, and then use it for nefarious reasons, and then get caught with copies of stuff they don't own, etc...

This device, as of 9/10/05 and before that, was considered legal to sell. If not it never would have been on the shelves in these big B&M stores in the first place.

Also it was CompUSA who had it for that price, not Circuit City. Unless of course they are running a special now I am not aware of. They are currently $129+tax there last time I checked.

When I attemped to copy some of my DVD movies - no joy....... I get sound and a blue screen. Same config, component video input between the DVD player and CT-200. S-Video between the CT-200 and the recorder.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

I don't believe you have the "same config".

VCRs (especially "cheap" ones) don't have component video output. So you couldn't have been using that as output of the VCR.

And even if you really were trying to go component -> ct-200 -> s-video, what makes you think the CT-200 supports such a thing? I find that unlikely.

..................
EDIT:
Sorry. Screw up. Ignore

Low rent,

I am going to assume you meant composite and not component since the CT-200 does not have component input.


You are absolutely correct. Sorry for the confusion.




Low rent,
Anyway, I do know the that the CT-200 can only have one connection active at a time. Either the composite in/out, or the S-Video in/out. On the CT-200 either an orange light would represent the composite connections, or a green light would represent the S-Video connections.

You have to use one or the other. They can't be interchanged(nor can you feed the CT-200 a composite in signal, and then output it through the S-Video. Neither up/down conversion is possible on this device. And if you did it with your vcr, I sure as heck don't know how it worked.



You're gonna like this - I only had one connection at a time input and output. As my VCR does not have S-Video outs and thinking that I'd get a better signal from the CT-200, I DID use a composite cable from the VCR to the CT-200 and I used an S-Video cable from the CT-200 to the DVD recorder and it worked.
Go figure. I only have one S-Video cable.

Do you think if I get a second S-Video cable and go S-Video all the way from DVD player to DVD recorder, that this may solve the problem?

I wasn't sure if when hooked up properly, the CT-200 would allow me to defeat the copy protection on most (if not all) DVD's or not? Since the thing worked OK dubbing my tapes, I figured that there might be newer, tougher encryption methods being used on DVDs?

If the CT-200 can defeat the protection on most DVD's, I've either got a connection problem as you're suggesting or I may have a bad unit.

It was the cabling! As soon as I went composite from the DVD to the CT-200 to the DVD recorder - I get video. Why I was able to use composite between the VCR and the CT-200, and use S-Video from the CT-200 to the DVD recorder, we may never know.....

Picked up a CT200 last night.

Nice job it does.

Also it was CompUSA who had it for that price, not Circuit City.

Oops. Yes I meant to type CompUSA.

Based on reports from this forum "a friend" bought one of these devices for cash from CompUSA. I have it on good authority that he won't be mailing in the rebate. My "friend" feels the rebates are a hassle in the best of circumstances and he doesn't usually bother with them.

My guess is that CompUSA won't be restocking this item. When the price is cut so drastically that's usually an indication that the item will be gone for good after the sale is over. Why? I don't know, but maybe Macrovision leaned on CompUSA and in response CompUSA's lawyers said to their management: "get rid of this, we're not making enough money on it for us to deal with with legal hassles".

I agree there is nothing illegal about buying the devices. IANAL, but if Macrovision wins its suit (and wins appeals) it could sue owners of this device for using their patent without a license. That's a civil procedure not a criminal one. And it doesn't matter if you bought it in good faith. If it's patented and you don't have a license then you can't use it (except for limited exceptions).

I doubt Macrovision will ever go after any people unless they are selling copies of DVDs but they will go after first companies that make them, then companies that import them & then places that sell them.

In otherwords dry up the sources for the fliters so the average consumer can't get his hands on one.

Yeah Bill1313. That makes much more sense. The regular individual has nothing to fear. Unless of course they are doing exactly what you are saying then they SHOULD go down.

PhantomGremlin,

I agree with your friend on rebates. I think I have only used 3-4 rebates(including the SIMA one being the latest) over the last couple years. Results are mixed.

I got a $30 rebate from Warner Bros for DVD purchases(ER 1-3). My Sirius $50 rebate was a yearlong FIASCO that finally got resolved about a month ago. But it took alot of e-mails/phone calls/faxing by me to finally get it. There system is completely screwed up.

Rebates as a whole should be taken out at the register immediately IMHO. Let the big companies(the B&M store and the manufacturer) fight it out and leave the customer out of it. Let them fight it out as to who owes who what, and let the customer be.

That would be a nice change. Never going to happen, unless congress gets involved.

Your totaly right when it comes to the stores handling rebates but after being in the retail business you quickly learn that there are a ton of people that will NEVER redeem the Rebates or use Coupons & the companies count on this to be able to advertise a lower price on a product knowing that they will only have to sell it at that price to a very small % of people.

Hate to say it but if everyone got their Rebates companies would either stop using them or not lower the price as much on their products.

So you can thank all the people that don't use rebates & coupons for getting you a better deal on products.

The big problem I see on rebates is that just about all companies farm out their rebates to marketing companies & some are good & some are bad like anything else but what I've never understood is how a company can let some BAD Marketing Outfit ruin their name over some silly rebate & some companies are now starting to take that into account before they use Rebates.

Does CT-200 remove "one copy only" broadcast flag?

Okay, but to me, when I watch a vhs COPY tape, SHOULDN`T
the Macrovision be gone? SINCE I`m going through the
Copy Master, THEN the SCC-2, THEN the CT-2. I would guess that
there would be no difference than watching a pre-recorded vhs tape.
OR, is the Macrovision AMPLIFIED because I did NOT have the SCC-2
in the line BUT I DID have the Copy Master and THEN the CT-2?
What gives?
What`s the answer? I JUST bought the Sima CT-200 and
I notice SOME of the color bleeding is gone, HOWEVER, There`s a
GREEN STRIPE across my screen from left to right on a couple
of my VIDEOTAPES. I took the CT-2 OUT and put IN the CT-200.
Playback of VIDEOTAPES are not good, there seems to be a WASHED OUT
effect, and the picture is too bright. Is THIS the black level bug? :confused:

Looks like the CT 200 is an upgrade of the CT 2

You can buy a CT200 at Compusa this week for $49.99 after MIR (Go to Compusa, the product on sale is actually a CT200). I bought one today for $49.99 after $20 MIR. Rebate also lists CT200.



would you still have a copy of the rebate form? I also purchased one at CompUsa but forgot to make a copy of the rebate form before mailing it in, I checked the website for my rebate and it says "no submission found", how long does it take for submission, I sent mine in on Aug. 22, 2005, thanks
mine is CT-200 model by the way

Oops. Yes I meant to type CompUSA.

Based on reports from this forum "a friend" bought one of these devices for cash from CompUSA. I have it on good authority that he won't be mailing in the rebate. My "friend" feels the rebates are a hassle in the best of circumstances and he doesn't usually bother with them.

My guess is that CompUSA won't be restocking this item. When the price is cut so drastically that's usually an indication that the item will be gone for good after the sale is over. Why? I don't know, but maybe Macrovision leaned on CompUSA and in response CompUSA's lawyers said to their management: "get rid of this, we're not making enough money on it for us to deal with with legal hassles".

I agree there is nothing illegal about buying the devices. IANAL, but if Macrovision wins its suit (and wins appeals) it could sue owners of this device for using their patent without a license. That's a civil procedure not a criminal one. And it doesn't matter if you bought it in good faith. If it's patented and you don't have a license then you can't use it (except for limited exceptions).

Not trying to flame you Phantom Gremlin, but I would say it is HIGHLY unlikely that Macrovision would go after consumers. First off how would they know who owns the ct-200's, ct-2's, etc.? Someone could of purchased it as a gift, it could of broken since it was purchased, paid with cash, theres far to many variables for a judge to give Macrovision a warrant (which is what they'd need) in order to make Sima furnish them with a list of consumers they MAY know owns one of there products. Even if Macro wins there lawsuit (which I think they prob. will) against Sima they aren't entitled to that info. One has nothing to do with the other. Now the Sima is capable of brightening, darkening, etc. images. That is not illegal. How does Macro know that the owners of these devices aren't simply using them to improve there picture? They don't, and can't prove it. I'm not even touching fair copy use ground, wouldn't need to. There are to many variables for Macro to go after consumers even if they beat Sima in court. Plus would you want to spend money on anything Macrovision had to do with if you knew they were going after your average joe in a court of law? I wouldn't, and think many would agree. Macro would stand to loose boatloads of money and would never win in court. (against consumers) Won't happen. I'm willing to bet dollars to doughnuts on this one.

Not trying to flame you Phantom Gremlin, but I would say it is HIGHLY unlikely that Macrovision would go after consumers.

Even if Macro wins there lawsuit (which I think they prob. will) against Sima they aren't entitled to that info. One has nothing to do with the other.

I agree with you. Macrovision won't go after consumers. But they could take other actions. For example, ask fleabay to not allow resale of the devices.

I disagree with you on whether or not Macrovision gets a customer list (e.g. who got a rebate). I think they will. It will be part of a settlement or part of a judgement against Sima. I don't know what Macrovision will do with that information since they won't be using it to harass consumers. But I think they will have it.

Time will tell.

I don't think they would even want a list unless in part of the settlement Sima had to notify customers not to use the devices anymore for copying & Macrovision wanted to check up to see if customers had been notified.

Believe me they will never go after consumers unless they are selling the copies they make & in big numbers & if they did you in turn could probably sue whoever sold the unit to you?

What they will probably look to do is get it off the market & then add another small thing to the macrovision so the Sima units & others will no longer work & if they win they now can go after any company that gets anywhere near their patent rights when they try to build another new filter to bust the new system.

Hi, I have a slight problem. I have the Sima SCC-2 AND THEN the Sima CT-2
hooked up. Now so far, they PLAY DVD`s perfectly, I have NOT had a chance to
RECORD with them YET! HOWEVER, when I PLAY back a Macrovision encoded
VHS through them, I STILL get the Dark and Bright background switching.
I have NOT had a chance to RECORD FROM a Macrovision VHS to VHS YET!
I ALSO have a Sima Copy Master SED-CM Going OUT of the VCR TO the
Sima SCC-2, THEN to the CT-2. NOW, is there ANYTHING that I`M MISSING?
OR is the is this the "Black level bug" that everyone here is talking about?
Will buying a Sima CT-200 FIX this problem? OR am I just better off with just
using 1 unit? I tried using the SCC-2 and the CT-2 BY THEMSELVES, and
I had bad luck! Can ANYONE here make a recommendation of what I need
to do to fix this problem? :mad:

I just purchased the CT-200 and am having the exact same problem.

I tried to record a copy-protected commercial VHS movie to my Panasonic DMR EH50 and got the Dark and Bright Background switching. This movie is in black-and-white and appears like a flickering of the brightness every second.

My setup is as follow: Composite cable from VCR to CT-200 Composite Input. Composite Cable (included with CT-200) from CT-200 Composite Output to EH50 composite input (IN2 on front). Audio Analog cables from VHS Audio Out to EH50 Audio In (IN2 on front).

At first I used the B/W enhancement setting. Then I tried all of them and got the same damn results.

Is my CT-200 Defective?

Bill1313
Advanced Member


Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 666 [B]

HA HA, Bill! You just reached status of "pure evil". Congrats! :)

At one time or another I had all three of the Sima units and sent them all back, I was never happy with the end result, I now use the Logic Design filter and it's perfect, the copy is exactly the same as the original, can't tell the difference, I'm useing it with the Panny E50, it's a great combo, I couldn't be happier.

I did an (a - b) comparision between the Sima 200 and Logic Design Filter, going from my DVD player through the 2 filters hooked directly to a 20 inch widescreen monitor, end result, not even close, Logic Design by a mile.

At one time or another I had all three of the Sima units and sent them all back, I was never happy with the end result, I now use the Logic Design filter and it's perfect, the copy is exactly the same as the original, can't tell the difference, I'm useing it with the Panny E50, it's a great combo, I couldn't be happier.

I did an (a - b) comparision between the Sima 200 and Logic Design Filter, going from my DVD player through the 2 filters hooked directly to a 20 inch widescreen monitor, end result, not even close, Logic Design by a mile.

Right now I am not concerned if the PQ on the end result is not exactly the same as the source.

My concern is whether I have a defective CT-200.

Did you get the flickering (dark/bright) on copy-protected VHS when you connected the Sima between your VCR and DVDR?

Right now I am not concerned if the PQ on the end result is not exactly the same as the source.

My concern is whether I have a defective CT-200.

Did you get the flickering (dark/bright) on copy-protected VHS when you connected the Sima between your VCR and DVDR?

I only copied (copy protected DVD's) No. I didn't have that problem. I did have to adjust the brightness and wasn't happy with the correction.

I only copied (copy protected DVD's) No. I didn't have that problem. I did have to adjust the brightness and wasn't happy with the correction.

I am not trying copy DVDs. I purchased the CT-200 to preserve (to DVD) some of my commercial VHS Tapes which are copy-protected.

I guess no one here has had the same experience as me.

So tomorrow I'll have to phone Sima.

Phoned Sima this morning and the very nice lady told me to try some other VHS tapes to make sure it is the Sima CT-200 causing the problem.

So I did and, amazingly, another VHS copy-protected tape played fine without any signs of macrovision. There was no flickering between dark and bright. I recorded the B/W program to my EH50 and it looked fine.

I then tried two more VHS pre-recorded tapes which would certainly be copy-protected and they were fine too. One was in B/W and the other Color.

So the bottom line is that there is nothing wrong with my CT-200.

But one of my pre-recorded VHS movies still comes through the CT-200 with some flickering as if macrovision is not completed defeated. And I wanted to preserve this movie badly because I doubt if it will ever come to DVD.

Anyone else experience problems with just one or a few VHS copy-protected movies when using the CT-2 or CT-200?

Even if the SIMA CT-200 works in most cases, the quality of resulting recordings is not as good as the Video Filter.

captnvideo, if the CT-200 looks good to you, you may be satified with the recording quality but you can't appreciate how much better if could be without trying something else.

At one time or another I had all three of the Sima units and sent them all back, I was never happy with the end result, I now use the Logic Design filter and it's perfect, the copy is exactly the same as the original, can't tell the difference, I'm useing it with the Panny E50, it's a great combo, I couldn't be happier.

I did an (a - b) comparision between the Sima 200 and Logic Design Filter, going from my DVD player through the 2 filters hooked directly to a 20 inch widescreen monitor, end result, not even close, Logic Design by a mile.
Where does one find the Logic Design filter, and what does it cost?

Even if the SIMA CT-200 works in most cases, the quality of resulting recordings is not as good as the Video Filter.

captnvideo, if the CT-200 looks good to you, you may be satified with the recording quality but you can't appreciate how much better if could be without trying something else.

I am sure the Video Filter is a quality product but it costs about 2.5 times as much as the CT-200 ($50 after rebate). I cannot see paying that much more money just to try something else. It is just not worth it for me. My main use of the CT-200 will be to record copy-protected VHS material that is not available on DVD, mostly older movies.

Where does one find the Logic Design filter, and what does it cost?
Write me a private message and I'll tell you where to look.

Even if the SIMA CT-200 works in most cases, the quality of resulting recordings is not as good as the Video Filter.

captnvideo, if the CT-200 looks good to you, you may be satified with the recording quality but you can't appreciate how much better if could be without trying something else.

I am sorry to say that the Sima CT-200 is not working that well at all.

I connected an S-Video cable from my DVD player (Panasonic A320) to the Sima's video input and another S-Video Cable from the Sima's video output to my DMR EH50.

The resulting PQ is way too bright even when I set the Sima to "darker". The black bars on letterbox look gray and the whites are too bright.

On some VHS copy-protected material it works, and on others I get dark/bright flickering.

This is very upsetting to me because I read many user reviews of this product before purchasing it. Most of these reviews were positive.

Any advice here?

I am sorry to say that the Sima CT-200 is not working that well at all.

I connected an S-Video cable from my DVD player (Panasonic A320) to the Sima's video input and another S-Video Cable from the Sima's video output to my DMR EH50.

The resulting PQ is way too bright even when I set the Sima to "darker". The black bars on letterbox look gray and the whites are too bright.

On some VHS copy-protected material it works, and on others I get dark/bright flickering.

This is very upsetting to me because I read many user reviews of this product before purchasing it. Most of these reviews were positive.

Any advice here?

Yes, return the Sima and get a Video Filter

Yes, return the Sima and get a Video Filter
I was thinking about the Sima, but now, not so sure. Could you elaborate on the Video Filter you are talking about? Thankx

Yes, return the Sima and get a Video Filter

Unfortunately, it is too late to return the CT-200.

I am starting to think that CompUSA pulled a fast one. I ordered the CT-2 on their website but they shipped the CT-200.

The positive reviews I read were for the CT-2. Could the CT-200 actually be inferior to the CT-2?

I have no doubt that the Video Filter is a superior product and would reproduce DVDs so much better than the Sima.

But I wish there was a way I could try the Video Filter risk free. I am concerned that I will still get that dark/bright flickering on those two copy-protected VHS movies.

-Edited Out-

Unfortunately, it is too late to return the CT-200.

I am starting to think that CompUSA pulled a fast one. I ordered the CT-2 on their website but they shipped the CT-200.

The positive reviews I read were for the CT-2. Could the CT-200 actually be inferior to the CT-2?

I have no doubt that the Video Filter is a superior product and would reproduce DVDs so much better than the Sima.

But I wish there was a way I could try the Video Filter risk free. I am concerned that I will still get that dark/bright flickering on those two copy-protected VHS movies.

I emailed Sima and was advised to return the CT-200 to them as it appeared to be defective. I did so last week.

Yesterday, a new CT-200 arrived without any explanation. I emailed Sima and they replied that my original unit was defective.

I'll give Sima every benefit of the doubt and try the new CT-200 this weekend and report the results.

Actually I am a bit surprised that Logic Design is even allowed to push his own product here on the Forum. I am surprised the mods have not come down on him yet. Maybe they should be made aware of this.

You people do realize he is the maker of the Video Filter, right? And of course he would tell you to get it because you are giving him your money.

This is not to put down the product. Some people have it and seem satisfied.

I am just confused that the Mods on AVSForum would allow him to promote his own product in the threads.

Captnvideo
I got your pm on you were still having trouble with the new ct-200 you received. Thought I would restart this tread. The ct-200 I just purchase I am totally happy with so far. The only thing in question is that it seens to run a little warmer than I think it should.
The quality of the end recording if not same is pretty close to the orignal. Just curious what batch number does yours have on back. My is batch number 9109
I am using a 65" rptv tv at 420p so small details do show up.

Captnvideo
I got your pm on you were still having trouble with the new ct-200 you received. Thought I would restart this tread. The ct-200 I just purchase I am totally happy with so far. The only thing in question is that it seens to run a little warmer than I think it should.
The quality of the end recording if not same is pretty close to the orignal. Just curious what batch number does yours have on back. My is batch number 9109
I am using a 65" rptv tv at 420p so small details do show up.

I own an excellent 32" direct view 480i TV.

I received a reply from Sima today and they said that it is normal for the black bars on the top and bottom of letterbox 4:3 material to be reproduced gray via the CT-200 and that I should adjust the brightness on my TV! Do you find this true?

They cannot come up with a reason why macrovision is not entirely defeated on a few of my copy-protected VHS movies where I get dark/bright flickering and a bit of video instability. They suggested I test this with a 2nd VCR, which I do not own or have access to.

I will look up the batch number when I get home this evening.

For now, it just appears that I am stuck with a product which does not come close to satisfying me.

I just don't know. I have just use the ct=200 to copy dvd to dvd so far don't know about vcr tapes. I would think that vcr tapes would be more critical. I have use a video stabilize that I order out of a magazine about 10 or more years ago to copy vcr tapes to vcr tapes. The one I have is just like the one in this link except it just has battery not an ac adapter. I am not reccomending it just showing you what I
have.
http://www.checkhere22.com/stabilizer.html

I just don't know. I have just use the ct=200 to copy dvd to dvd so far don't know about vcr tapes. I would think that vcr tapes would be more critical. I have use a video stabilize that I order out of a magazine about 10 or more years ago to copy vcr tapes to vcr tapes. The one I have is just like the one in this link except it just has battery not an ac adapter. I am not reccomending it just showing you what I
have.
http://www.checkhere22.com/stabilizer.html

The gray instead of black letterbox problem on the CT-200 I am talking about has to do with DVDs, not Video Tapes. Sima claims that it is normal and I should adjust my brightness. I just do not buy that.

No. That is not not right.

I have backup'd, at least, 10 WIDESCREEN DVD movies, and NONE of them show the black bars on the top and bottom as GREY. They are BLACK. And this is on a 27" Zenith C27V36 HDTV, a 32" Toshiba analog, and a 27" Panasonic analog tv.

No such thing has shown up with my backup's of WIDESCREEN material(DVD or VHS). Whether it is a movie, or a TV show.

I am a little stumped as too why you are seeing grey bars. The unit may be defective. No doubt.

Have you ever calibrated your tv to make sure your tv is showing correct black levels? What type of DVD recorder are we talking about? I thought I read somewhere once that one type of DVD recorders/players(not sure of brand) SHOW GREY BARS/Record in GREY BARS(or you can switch from black to grey in the menu somewhere) instead of black. Not sure about that though.

Steelersrule:

My TV is adjusted correctly. All my video sources look ideal at my settings. Believe me, the black level of my TV is set perfectly.

I own the Panasonic DMR EH50 and have recorded several movies from my Digital Cable in letterbox and the bars on the top and bottom are perfectly black.

When I connect the video cable directly from my Panasonic A320 DVD Player to the IN1 input of the Panasonic DRM EH50 DVD Recorder the PQ is excellent just as I expected it to be.

It is only when the Sima CT-200 is the go-between that the PQ is not as clear and the bars on the bottom and top of letterbox material are not really black but dark gray. This is true even using the "darker" enhancement setting on the CT-200. This seems to be the price I am paying to disable copy-protection.

I have already tried two CT-200s, the one originally purchased from CompUSA (shipped back to Sima) and the replacement that Sima sent me. Sima claimed that the original one was defective. Would it be too coincidental that the replacement is defective too?

Sima told me to adjust my brightness but that does not make sense, especially in light of what I have seen posted here.

I am just completely stumped.

I have seen stranger things happen. Not likely but possible you could have a second defective one.

I have seen stranger things happen. Not likely but possible you could have a second defective one.

Doubting that the second CT-200 was defective too, I decided to try the Digital Video Stabilizer because the offer was risk-free.

It is a simple device: just a composite video in and a composite video out. No buttons or switches. It turns on automatically when a video signal is sensed (comes with a 9V battery installed).

So I connected the Video Stabilizer between my VCR and DVD Recorder and inserted the same copy-protected VHS tape which flickered and was unstable using the CT-200.

What I saw was a clean stable flicker-free picture! The I pressed the record button on the EH50 and it recorded!!!

Thanks to a device which cost less than half of the CT-200 I am finally able to salvage this VHS movie onto DVD.

Tomorrow I'll record the other movie by the same VHS manufacturer.

I did not have a chance to check out how it works on DVDs. I'll try that also tomorrow and report it here.

I tried the Digital Video Stabilizer today with three DVDs: "Air Force One", "Scream", and "Die Another Day".

Both "Air Force One" and "Die Another Day" recorded to my EH50 with excellent PQ and black level.

But the Video Stabilizer could not eliminate the copy-protection on "Scream".

So I connected the CT-200 and it did disable copy-protection on "Scream" and enabled it to be recorded to the EH50 BUT again the black bars on the top and bottom were gray and the PQ appeared a bit washed out EVEN USING THE "DARKER" ENHANCEMENT SETTING.

So I am puzzled by two things:

1. Why does the Sima CT-200 consistently send a lighter DVD video signal to my DVD recorder even when I set its enhancement mode to "darker"?

2. Why did the Digital Video Stabilizer not work for "Scream" but did work for the other two DVDs?

Any ideas?

As stated in the advertisement the video stabilizer is mainly use to defeat the
macrovision on vcr tapes. The video stabilizer has been around before they even thought about dvds. I am sure that when dvds came out on some they inserted more smarter macrovision than are on vcr tapes.

As stated in the advertisement the video stabilizer is mainly use to defeat the
macrovision on vcr tapes. The video stabilizer has been around before they even thought about dvds. I am sure that when dvds came out on some they inserted more smarter macrovision than are on vcr tapes.

The information sheet which was included with my Digital Video Stabilizer mentioned that it works for copying DVDs and the website even states which two DVD recorders are not compatible.

The bottom line is that the Digital Video Stabilizer worked for my copy-protected VHS tapes where the CT-200 didn't.

The Digital Video Stabilizer worked perfectly for two out of the three DVDs which I tested today. The CT-200 handled the third one ("Scream") but with blacks that were "gray" even at the "darker" enhancement mode.

I found that I can get around this CT-200 bug by temporarily changing the black level output on my DVD player to "darker" for any recording made using the CT-200. Trying my "Scream" test at this setting yielded the same excellent PQ which I get from all my other commercial and dubbed DVDs at the "lighter" output setting.

Sound good. I guess you are good to go. This end results is what counts.

STEELERSRULE... I've warned Logic Design in another thread to clearly inform people that he makes the devices he touts. That would satisfy me. Funny thing is I may need to try one of his units. The Sima 200 won't work with my Sharp 300. A couple of weeks ago I purchased the Sony 715. With the holidays and all haven't even taken out of the box yet.

I have decided to keep the Sima CT-200 just in case I want to make a "fair copy" of a DVD for my own personal use and the Digital Video Stabilizer cannot handle it (like "Scream").

One solution I found with recordings made from the CT-200 was to change the output black level of my DVD player from "lighter" to "darker". Another is simply to lower the black level on my TV (from 32 to 27).

No such adjustment will be necessary if the Digital Video Stabilizer is able to defeat the copy-protection successfully.

The CT-200 is on sale again at CompUSA with $30 instant savings and $20 mail-in rebate.

Do you have to use special cables with this device and or must you use the S Video inputs/outputs? I only have S Video on one of my machines.


Thanks,

E

cie3, No you do not have to use "Special" cables it accepts regular Composite (Yellow Plug) or S-Video cables.

Thanks. One last question. Are the S Video connections vs. the component ones meant to be superior in terms of providing better picture quality? Can you point me in the direction of a good place to buy a reasonably priced S Video cable? What is a reasonable price (range) to pay for this?

I ended up taking advantage of the CompUSA sale before it ended last night and I am pleased with the CT 200. I had already purchased DVDs of many of the movies I had previously bought on VHS but there are a few movies that have yet to make it to DVD that I own. Now I won't have to repurchase them on DVD if I don't want to down the road. I do like buying the DVDs for the extras etc.

Thanks for your advice/help.

cie3
Walmart, circuitcity,compusa,BB, They all have reasonable price s-video cables.
$10 dollars or less. Depends on how long you need it. Don't worry about getting
monster cables, they are good but way over priced.

Perfect. Will look for some in that price range. Had thought they were $60 or so and that is not in my budget at present. Sounds like spending that amount anyway is not necessary.

I've made over 50 dvd to dvd "fair use" copies with the ct-200 and have not had one problem. I use monster S-vids and the dvd recorder is a pioneer 531. The player is a relatively new panasonic I forget the model#. I also have the el-cheapo cyberhome dvd recorder and the sima worked with that as well. However the pioneer makes much sharper copies then the cyberhome. (no big suprise) The ct-200 looks and feels kind of cheap but its been a work horse for me. Also converted dozens of vhs to dvds. I'd recommend the ct-200 without hesitation.

I've made over 50 dvd to dvd "fair use" copies with the ct-200 and have not had one problem. I use monster S-vids and the dvd recorder is a pioneer 531. The player is a relatively new panasonic I forget the model#. I also have the el-cheapo cyberhome dvd recorder and the sima worked with that as well. However the pioneer makes much sharper copies then the cyberhome. (no big suprise) The ct-200 looks and feels kind of cheap but its been a work horse for me. Also converted dozens of vhs to dvds. I'd recommend the ct-200 without hesitation.

I am really glad that everyone but me is satisfied with the CT-200.

The "black level" on the DVD copy using the CT-200 is a somewhat washed-out compared to the original. And this is true of the replacment unit Sima sent me as well as the original unit. I have to compensate by lowering the Brightness on my TV five units.

But with the Digitial Video Stabilizer, the copy is perfect.

But with the Digitial Video Stabilizer, the copy is perfect.
Can you provide a link to this product?

The term "digital video stabilizer" is quite generic as far as Google is concerned. Many hits, both hardware and software.

Can you provide a link to this product?

The term "digital video stabilizer" is quite generic as far as Google is concerned. Many hits, both hardware and software.

I have had one for 10+ years now and it has never failed me as far as copying vcr tapes to dvd(or vcr tape to vcr tape). It will not alway bypass copy protect when you copy dvd to dvd.
http://www.checkhere22.com/stabilizer.html

I have had one for 10+ years now and it has never failed me as far as copying vcr tapes to dvd(or vcr tape to vcr tape). It will not alway bypass copy protect when you copy dvd to dvd.
http://www.checkhere22.com/stabilizer.html

I have not used the Digital Video Stabilizer that frequently yet. But of the 4 commercial DVDs I tried in on, three of them recorded successfully from my Panasonic A320 to my Panasonic EH50, including Air Force One and Die Another Day.

The Sima CT-200 will only be used if all else fails. But then I will have to remember to lower the brightness on my TV.

Can you provide a link to this product?

The term "digital video stabilizer" is quite generic as far as Google is concerned. Many hits, both hardware and software.
Try Googling "time base corrector"

Here's one link to For-A's TBCs/video "stabilizers."

http://www.for-a.com/sub_html/p_cat_frame_syn.html

wabjxo...The link you cited lists equipment to handle camera/camcorder shake. DVD recorders already have time base correctors built in. So does S-VHS. The stabilizers as shown in the link to 'checkhere22' defeat the macrovision copy protection signal. I've had one for over 15 years. Current DVD copy protection is much more sophisticated. I'm surprised it worked for captnvideo.

wabjxo...The link you cited lists equipment to handle camera/camcorder shake.
I'm not sure what you read...the camera shake correctors are at the very bottom of the list.

Here's just the text from one of the TBCs:

Frame Synchronizer & Time Base Corrector
FA-370/P
The FA-370/P provides high quality time base correction / frame synchronization performance. It corrects by up to one full frame the timebase error / phase shift problems.

???

wabjxo...The link you cited lists equipment to handle camera/camcorder shake. DVD recorders already have time base correctors built in. So does S-VHS. The stabilizers as shown in the link to 'checkhere22' defeat the macrovision copy protection signal. I've had one for over 15 years. Current DVD copy protection is much more sophisticated. I'm surprised it worked for captnvideo.

Possibly some changes have been made to the Digital Video Stabilizer in the past few years because the documentation states that it will allow copying DVDs and even mentions which DVD recorders are not compatible.

True it would not bypass copy-protection on one of the four DVDs I tried. But after copying "Die Another Day" to my EH50 at SP, I viewed it entirely and was hardly able to tell that I was watching a "copy". That is how good it looked.

wabjxo..... Sorry if I sounded critical of your posts. It wasn't meant to be.

I went back to the web site. I didn't read anywhere that it cleans up copyprotected signals. It's not even implied. Even if they can these units sell for $300.00 to over $2600.00. It would be cheaper to buy the Didital Video Stabilizer, a Sima or similar device.

captnvideo.... I believe you that you copied DVD to DVD. But the web site does not refer to copying DVD to DVD only VHS to VHS and to vertain DVD units. On the outside the model looks exactly like the one I bought 15 years ago. What the heck, I'll give it a try. But, it's only a composite signal.

Jay Davis
Ditto. I have had the video stabilizer for 10+ years(probably nearer 15). I have had great luck with it as far as copying vcr to vcr and vcr to dvd which is what I mostly copy. I was surprised when I seen it still for sale. The only different is that it has a tranformer where my doesn't. I haven't had must luck with copying dvd to dvd,I have had to switch over to the CT-200 when copying dvd to dvd. As you stated maybe they have upgraded it. If you order a new one let us know if it is any better than the 15 yr. old one. For 29 dollars I guess you can,t go too wrong.

Is anyone familiar with or using this new coying device. If so any comments on its performance.

http://www.qualitekindustries.com/quaindinc/digvidstabfo.html

wabjxo..... Sorry if I sounded critical of your posts. It wasn't meant to be.

I went back to the web site. I didn't read anywhere that it cleans up copyprotected signals. It's not even implied. Even if they can these units sell for $300.00 to over $2600.00. It would be cheaper to buy the Didital Video Stabilizer, a Sima or similar device.

captnvideo.... I believe you that you copied DVD to DVD. But the web site does not refer to copying DVD to DVD only VHS to VHS and to vertain DVD units. On the outside the model looks exactly like the one I bought 15 years ago. What the heck, I'll give it a try. But, it's only a composite signal.

Jay:

I found out yesterday that the Digital Video Stabilizer did not work on another DVD where the Sima CT-200 did.

So the Digital Video Stabilizer is not consistent. It will work on some DVDs and not work on others. When it does work, the PQ with composite is excellent.

Although the Sima CT-200 appears to work on all DVDs (but not all VHS), it does not pass through as good a video signal as the Stabilizer. It is less sharp and a bit washed-out.

I must apologize for my anti Sima CT-200 posts.

Bill1313 and Jay Davis are absolutely correct about the Digital Video Stabilizer. I borrowed two commercial DVDs from a friend the other day and the Digital Video Stabilizer was unable to remove the copy-protection from both of them.

So today, instead of bringing down my pre-2000 Panasonic A320, I decided to do things the hard way and disconnect the A/V cables from the back of my receiver (very tough to do) and use my much newer Panasonic S29 as the source DVD player. Not only did the SIMA CT-200 remove the copy-protection on both of these borrowed DVDs but the resulting recording on the EH50 was perfect (using SP). I could not tell any difference from the actual DVD.

So it must have had something to do with my older A320. Maybe there was some incompatibility between the A320 and the CT-200.

I must admit that I never checked those DVDs which I was able to record using the Digital Video Stabilizer to see if they were actually copy-protected. I naturally assumed that Air Force One and Die Another Day would be copy-protected. But I found quite a few commerical VHS which were not copy-protected where I expected them to be.

Anyway, I am very pleased with the performance of the Sima CT-200 today using the S29 as the source and the EH50 as the destination.

Just out of curiosity, did you try copying from S29 to EH50 without the CT-200 in between? if so, was there any difference?

Just out of curiosity, did you try copying from S29 to EH50 without the CT-200 in between? if so, was there any difference?

I tried but couldn't. The DVDs were copy-protected.

I have a Panasonic combo unit that plays DVD-RAM and a Sony VCR. I'd like to use my CT-200 to copy both DVD's and tapes from my personal collection. Does anyone know if I can have both the composite and S-video inputs and outputs hooked up at the same time? I would run a RCA cord from the VCR to my ES-10 (thru the Sima) to one set of inputs, and a S-Video cord from my Panny combo (thru the Sima) to my ES-10 via another set of inputs. If I could do this I could save a whole lot of cord swapping. Can it be done?

Yes I'm pretty sure both outputs are active. The unit has no way of knowing if you've connected something to the output, so it can't use that to decide whether to activate the output, like it usually does when deciding which to input from. You still have to get the audio to both destinations though, Y-Splitters?

Oops. actually rereading your question, it seems that there are two separate devices that are sending the signal, so even less of a problem. As long as the inputs they go to are different (L1, L2, ...) then you have no problem. What you can't do is send a signal to both the Composite Video AND the S-Video of the same input.

I have a Panasonic combo unit that plays DVD-RAM and a Sony VCR. I'd like to use my CT-200 to copy both DVD's and tapes from my personal collection. Does anyone know if I can have both the composite and S-video inputs and outputs hooked up at the same time? I would run a RCA cord from the VCR to my ES-10 (thru the Sima) to one set of inputs, and a S-Video cord from my Panny combo (thru the Sima) to my ES-10 via another set of inputs. If I could do this I could save a whole lot of cord swapping. Can it be done?
Bobkart is probable right but on the CT200 there is a switch that you can go from
s-video or composite so don't see why it wouldn't work. You would just have to switch it from whatever input you wanted. The s-video input follows the s-video output and composite input follows the compoisite output, you just have to use the switch for whatever you want to use. I haven't tried it so not 100% that it will work.

Ah yes I don't have a SIMA so I didn't realize it had both kinds of input and outputs. Both outputs, no problem assuming they are both active. Both inputs, if there is a switch that selects which to use then that would seem to work okay too. What I know won't work is trying to connect both Composite video and S-Video to the same DVD Recorder Line Input. But now I see that's not what's being asked, sorry.

Thank you both. Yes, bobkart, I discovered the other problem while trying to copy from both the VCR and DVD sides of the combo unit. Much swearing & tearing of hair until I realized I couldn't use both jacks of the same input. No problem, though - the Sony actually gets a better PQ than the VCR side of the Panny combo, and I'm thinking of picking up a Panny s29 for DVD playback (much due to glowing reviews on this forum). So I can semi-permantently install the Sima as long as I can access the S-Video/composite. switch. I'll post the results in case others have a similar situation.

bobkart
Sorry I misspoke when I said you were probably right, I should have said you was right but the Ct200 has etc,etc and so forth.

No worries.

I was told I might get an answer here.

I have a Panasonic DMR-ES20. I have hooked it up through my already running surround. I bought a Sima CT-200 and hooked it up.
I thought everything was hooked up right until I went to watch the test run disk. The picture was perfect but there was no sound.
I went back through everything and finally found that the DMR will not put out sound if the other dvd (Sony) is powered "on".
I put the disk in the Sony-Perfect, I turn the VCR on-Perfect. I try the DMR with Sony on, No Sound what so ever. Picture but no sound.

Any ideas? Is it a hook up problem?
I bought the Sima to save all my old vhs and dvds to disk. I have great picture but 0 sound.


Thanks In Advance!!
Bill

mryoung33,

Are you running Red and White RCA cables from the Outputs of the Sony, to the Red and White inputs of the DMR-20?

This sounds like your problem. YOU MUST connect the R&W cables from the output of the Sony to the inputs(the same input where you are running the video) DMR-20 DIRECTLY.

Take you surround system out of the equation. You can only record in DD 2.0(stereo) anyway, at the most.

Thanks for the info. I am new to dvd dubbing. Please bare with me.

I don't know how to take the Surround out of the equasion and still be able to see what I am recording.
If I hook the Sony(playing) to the DMR(recording), what goes to the TV?

Sorry if this is complicated!!
Bill





mryoung33,

Are you running Red and White RCA cables from the Outputs of the Sony, to the Red and White inputs of the DMR-20?

This sounds like your problem. YOU MUST connect the R&W cables from the output of the Sony to the inputs(the same input where you are running the video) DMR-20 DIRECTLY.

Take you surround system out of the equation. You can only record in DD 2.0(stereo) anyway, at the most.

Sounds like you have your Sony unit(is this your VCR or DVD player?) connected through your surround sound receiver, along with your other equipment.

Now someone with a little more knowhow might figure out how you can copy stuff using your set-up, but I don't.

I have a Surround sound receiver(DD/DTS) and NEVER send the video signal through the unit, ever. The only connections I make are for the AUDIO ONLY ouputs from the equipment to the Audio inputsof the receiver(whether it is Red and white RCA/Coaxil or whatever for DD or DTS Surround sound from a DVD player/recorder).

Here is the easiest/best way to set this up:

1.Connect the Red&White RCA outputs from the playback device(whether it is a DVD Player, or VCR, or whatever) to the FRONT INPUTS(if this is possible. Most DVD Recorders have front inputs for easy connection) of the DVD Recorder(Your Panny definitely has it). These are for SOUND ONLY, and will record in Stereo or DD 2.0(from a DVD). There is NO WAY to record DD/DTS 5.1 sound from a DVD/or any other source, to a DVD -R/+R/-RW/+RW/RAM/Whatever.

Next connect EITHER(not both) the Yellow composite output(this would be from a VCR mainly, unless it is a SVHS VCR. Regular VCR's have a composite output ONLY)) or the S-video ouput(this is a better connection from a DVD player IMHO, but some feel the composite is better. I disagree) from the playback device to the composite/or S-video INPUT of the Sima CT-200(there is a button of there that switches between either the composite or S-video connection). Then connect the composite/or S-Video output from the SIMA CT-200, to the FRONT composite/or S-video input on the Panny DMR-E20. Remember, the SIMA ONLY HANDLES THE VIDEO, not the audio, from the playback device.

3. I would directly connect your DVD Recorder to your TV directly, either though the component input( red/green/blue cord if applicable. This is the BEST way.) of your TV, or next best would be the S-Video input on your TV, bypassing the video feed from your Receiver altogether.

Your TV should have different input selections(input 1/input2/input3/etc...) so you can see what you are recording(this would be through the DVD recorder).

Since you have the front inputs connected on your Panny DMR-E20, then, using the remote, select the correct input on the panny to display(I think that Input 2 is the Front input on the panny units. I have a ES30V, which is the same as your ES-20 except mine has a VCR. Don't quote me on that, but I think that is right. It might be input 3 though).

By doing this, and if you are on the right input of your tv, you should be able to watch whatever it is you want to record.

Sounds like you have your Sony unit(is this your VCR or DVD player?) connected through your surround sound receiver, along with your other equipment.

Now someone with a little more knowhow might figure out how you can copy stuff using your set-up, but I don't.

I have a Surround sound receiver(DD/DTS) and NEVER send the video signal through the unit, ever. The only connections I make are for the AUDIO ONLY ouputs from the equipment to the Audio inputsof the receiver(whether it is Red and white RCA/Coaxil or whatever for DD or DTS Surround sound from a DVD player/recorder).

Here is the easiest/best way to set this up:

1.Connect the Red&White RCA outputs from the playback device(whether it is a DVD Player, or VCR, or whatever) to the FRONT INPUTS(if this is possible. Most DVD Recorders have front inputs for easy connection) of the DVD Recorder(Your Panny definitely has it). These are for SOUND ONLY, and will record in Stereo or DD 2.0(from a DVD). There is NO WAY to record DD/DTS 5.1 sound from a DVD/or any other source, to a DVD -R/+R/-RW/+RW/RAM/Whatever.

Next connect EITHER(not both) the Yellow composite output(this would be from a VCR mainly, unless it is a SVHS VCR. Regular VCR's have a composite output ONLY)) or the S-video ouput(this is a better connection from a DVD player IMHO, but some feel the composite is better. I disagree) from the playback device to the composite/or S-video INPUT of the Sima CT-200(there is a button of there that switches between either the composite or S-video connection). Then connect the composite/or S-Video output from the SIMA CT-200, to the FRONT composite/or S-video input on the Panny DMR-E20. Remember, the SIMA ONLY HANDLES THE VIDEO, not the audio, from the playback device.

3. I would directly connect your DVD Recorder to your TV directly, either though the component input( red/green/blue cord if applicable. This is the BEST way.) of your TV, or next best would be the S-Video input on your TV, bypassing the video feed from your Receiver altogether.

Your TV should have different input selections(input 1/input2/input3/etc...) so you can see what you are recording(this would be through the DVD recorder).

Since you have the front inputs connected on your Panny DMR-E20, then, using the remote, select the correct input on the panny to display(I think that Input 2 is the Front input on the panny units. I have a ES30V, which is the same as your ES-20 except mine has a VCR. Don't quote me on that, but I think that is right. It might be input 3 though).

By doing this, and if you are on the right input of your tv, you should be able to watch whatever it is you want to record.
I hooked it up exactly to your specs and the picture is perfect.
The ONLY sound I get is through my TV. When I turn my surround speakers on, there is nothing. No matter what it records in, shouldn't there be sound coming out of my speakers??
What am I doing wrong?? This is driving me crazy!!

Thanks again!
Bill

I hooked it up exactly to your specs and the picture is perfect.
The ONLY sound I get is through my TV. When I turn my surround speakers on, there is nothing. No matter what it records in, shouldn't there be sound coming out of my speakers??
What am I doing wrong?? This is driving me crazy!!

Thanks again!
Bill

Then you did it right Bill. You are TOTALLY BYPASSING ANYTHING to do with your Receiver(I am going to assume you have a Dolby Digital Receiver, and that your peakers are connected to it.), that is why you are not getting anything through your receiver.

With the above set-up, the sound eminating from the DVD Recorder are the Red&White RCA outputs from that unit ONLY.

Now, read carefully.

Keeping the current connections the way they are, you CAN STILL(HOPEFULLY) connect your DVD Recorder to your Receiver to get Surround sound(Dolby Digital/DTS/Etc...), if your Receiver has the folllowing connection(Your Panny ES-20 DEFINITELY HAS AN OPTICAL OUTPUT).:

1. Your Receiver has a Optical Input. These are usually connected to the pre-connections for a DVD player/CD Recorder/MD Tape/TV-Sat input on your receiver(unless your receiver is an off model, or is older than 5-6 years, when they were not as common.

If yours has one, all you have to do is get an optical cord(6ft length should be enough) and connect the Optical output from the Panny ES-20 to an optical input(not which one on the back/they are labled) on the back of the receiver. They are relatively cheap now, and can be found at Best Buy/Circuit City/Sears/Radio Shack/Staples/there all over the place.

Once you connect your DVD Recorder to your Receiver using your optical cord(it is already connected to the back of your TV for sound that way. Stereo sound only, as this all your tv can produce), then you will be able to listen to a DVD through your Receiver. Your Panasonic ES-20 DVD Recorder is going to become BOTH your DVD Recorder, and your DVD PLAYER for DVD's you rent/buy/borrow/steal/etc...

Bill,

List the devices involved here(that you are using). I already know about the Panny ES-20, but I would like to know:

The Maker/Model of your receiver(it should be printed in small print on the front of the receiver. It is usually the maker of the model: Sony/Yamaha/Denon/Whoever followed by a letter/number combo.)

The maker/model of the DVD player(or is it a VCR) that you are inputting into the Front inputs of your DVD Recorder. Again it is usually on the front.

Then you did it right Bill. You are TOTALLY BYPASSING ANYTHING to do with your Receiver(I am going to assume you have a Dolby Digital Receiver, and that your peakers are connected to it.), that is why you are not getting anything through your receiver.

With the above set-up, the sound eminating from the DVD Recorder are the Red&White RCA outputs from that unit ONLY.

Now, read carefully.

Keeping the current connections the way they are, you CAN STILL(HOPEFULLY) connect your DVD Recorder to your Receiver to get Surround sound(Dolby Digital/DTS/Etc...), if your Receiver has the folllowing connection(Your Panny ES-20 DEFINITELY HAS AN OPTICAL OUTPUT).:

1. Your Receiver has a Optical Input. These are usually connected to the pre-connections for a DVD player/CD Recorder/MD Tape/TV-Sat input on your receiver(unless your receiver is an off model, or is older than 5-6 years, when they were not as common.

If yours has one, all you have to do is get an optical cord(6ft length should be enough) and connect the Optical output from the Panny ES-20 to an optical input(not which one on the back/they are labled) on the back of the receiver. They are relatively cheap now, and can be found at Best Buy/Circuit City/Sears/Radio Shack/Staples/there all over the place.

Once you connect your DVD Recorder to your Receiver using your optical cord(it is already connected to the back of your TV for sound that way. Stereo sound only, as this all your tv can produce), then you will be able to listen to a DVD through your Receiver. Your Panasonic ES-20 DVD Recorder is going to become BOTH your DVD Recorder, and your DVD PLAYER for DVD's you rent/buy/borrow/steal/etc...

Bill,

List the devices involved here(that you are using). I already know about the Panny ES-20, but I would like to know:

The Maker/Model of your receiver(it should be printed in small print on the front of the receiver. It is usually the maker of the model: Sony/Yamaha/Denon/Whoever followed by a letter/number combo.)

The maker/model of the DVD player(or is it a VCR) that you are inputting into the Front inputs of your DVD Recorder. Again it is usually on the front.
Hey, I found out the problem By Accident! On my receiver there are some tiny buttons that say DVD, TV, Video, CD, Tuner, Aux, etc.
I was fooling around with it and said what the hell, so I pushed the TV (after remembering you say everything goes to the TV).
Bingo, that was it. I had it set to DVD, that's why I was only hearing sound from my Dvd Player and not the recorder because the recorder is straight to the TV now.
I know this sounds all too confusing but I want to thank you for all the help you gave me!!

Even though I am a Die Hard OAKLAND RAIDERS fan, I will give you all the credit for this one!!!
Take Care my brother!!
Bill

Hey, I found out the problem By Accident! On my receiver there are some tiny buttons that say DVD, TV, Video, CD, Tuner, Aux, etc.

myroung33...

I'm sorry to have to say this but the least you could do is read the manuals of you A/V equipment before asking questions on this forum. If you don't even know what the source selection buttons are on the front of your receiver, you have a lot of reading to do.

myroung33...

I'm sorry to have to say this but the least you could do is read the manuals of you A/V equipment before asking questions on this forum. If you don't even know what the source selection buttons are on the front of your receiver, you have a lot of reading to do.
Thanks A$$H0LE! I'll remember that next time. I guess I'm the only one who makes mistakes! This forum needs more like you!

mryoung33 I wouldn't sweat it. This forum is for asking questions and sharing info. What is simple to one may be complicated to another. About the ct-200 I've been using it for over a year now (always the s-vid ins and outs) with several different recorders. Its always worked flawlessly for me. Over a 100 copies through it. I did a test on the sima comparing the an s-video recording to a recording using the composites. Same movie, same dvd-r's, and the s-video copy was much better. This shouldn't be a suprise just thought I'd share. I believe I've read that some don't notice a diff. between the two but I noticed a significant increase in clarity. (S-vids are made by monster, overpriced, but I use all there cables from s-vids to speaker cables, noted improvement in quality IMO)

mryoung33 I wouldn't sweat it. This forum is for asking questions and sharing info. What is simple to one may be complicated to another. About the ct-200 I've been using it for over a year now (always the s-vid ins and outs) with several different recorders. Its always worked flawlessly for me. Over a 100 copies through it. I did a test on the sima comparing the an s-video recording to a recording using the composites. Same movie, same dvd-r's, and the s-video copy was much better. This shouldn't be a suprise just thought I'd share. I believe I've read that some don't notice a diff. between the two but I noticed a significant increase in clarity. (S-vids are made by monster, overpriced, but I use all there cables from s-vids to speaker cables, noted improvement in quality IMO)
Thanks Brother! That's more like it.
I have never used S cables but I will have to give them a try. I have wondered about the Red,Green,Blue cables STEELERSRULE was talking about also.
I am just a straight up what ever is in the box is what I hook up person!!

Thanks again Auto!!
Bill

hwd3....maybe after a couple hundred posts under your belt you'll be a little more foregiving. As for manuals....Manuals....Manuals...We don't need no stinkin manuals. Especially when they're poorly written and designed more to frustrate and confuse. I start with the quick setup/start guide and then go from there. Sometimes it's easier to have someone here give you a one paragrapgh summary of steps rather then read 5 pages.

autoMP5...are you referring to The Monster Cable Company being the only manufacturer of S-Video cables? That's not true. Dozens of companies make them. And, for a lot less money. Or, are you saying that in your opinion Monster cables give you a better signal output? Because when I win the lottery and have $100,000.00 to spend I'll think about buying them.

mryoung33....Did you read my post reponding to your original questions which by know I forget what it was?

Oops. Posted the same message twice.

Jay...

I see your point and I will try to be more tolerant, but when he said... "Hey, I found out the problem By Accident! On my receiver there are some tiny buttons that say DVD, TV, Video, CD, Tuner, Aux, etc. I was fooling around with it and said what the hell, so I pushed the TV...", it just blew me away. Of course his response was totally uncalled for and just substantiated my intial opinion and reaction. Hey, I'm not sure anyone could expect more from a Raiders fan anyway!

I wonder if the SIMA units wilkl be able to handle the newly proposed CGMS-A + VEIL
copy protection scheme?

http://www.veilinteractive.com/VCP/

I wonder if the SIMA units wilkl be able to handle the newly proposed CGMS-A + VEIL
copy protection scheme?

[]

Guess we will have to wait and see

I think the answer is no...The Sima units are not CGMS controllers. They strip the CGMS from the video stream. The absense of CGMS would automatically inhibit copying if the video has been encoded with the VEIL scheme.

On the other hand, if you can control and modify the CGMS code in the VBI, then you can set the command to "Copy Always" and the recorder would honor the command.

Jay Davis after reading my post I can see how it could be interpreted that I think Monster is the only company that makes s-video cables. I'm aware there plenty other manufactures in the same racket, with better prices to boot. Some may call me foolish for paying for the monster brand. BUT me and my buddies did a test in college using various brands of speaker cables (all same gauge) from the same receiver to some JBL's and there was a noticeable difference in the clarity of the monster cables. Ever since then I've stuck with them. Like I said some may think this is foolish I just am set in my ways so to speak. What I know more people would think is foolish would be to spend what I do on my machineguns. (they're NOT illegal Federally and my state allows them) My crown jewel is a select fire MP5 (hence my handle) its got semi auto,3 round burst, and full auto. However they cost an arm and a leg if you can find one. Plus they go up in value, actually a good investment. I'm in the firearms industry so once I get going.... I'll shut up now. Back to your regularly scheduled program.

That MP5 is an H&K right? Great fun, closest I got was an AR15A2 and an Uzi 9mm. Semi Auto only, this was in California. And I figured out your user name before you explained it here.

I too tend towards the Monster Cables, unless it's for something that really doesn't matter, like the DVD Player hooked up to a 20" TV via Composite Video in our exercise room, for watching the exercise video to see that we're doing it right. But when it matters I don't mind paying a few extra dollars to be pretty sure I've got the best quality that's commercially available.

Jay Davis after reading my post I can see how it could be interpreted that I think Monster is the only company that makes s-video cables. I'm aware there plenty other manufactures in the same racket, with better prices to boot. Some may call me foolish for paying for the monster brand. BUT me and my buddies did a test in college using various brands of speaker cables (all same gauge) from the same receiver to some JBL's and there was a noticeable difference in the clarity of the monster cables. Ever since then I've stuck with them. Like I said some may think this is foolish I just am set in my ways so to speak. What I know more people would think is foolish would be to spend what I do on my machineguns. (they're NOT illegal Federally and my state allows them) My crown jewel is a select fire MP5 (hence my handle) its got semi auto,3 round burst, and full auto. However they cost an arm and a leg if you can find one. Plus they go up in value, actually a good investment. I'm in the firearms industry so once I get going.... I'll shut up now. Back to your regularly scheduled program.

Makes a lot more sense to invest in quality firearms than in (IMO) overpriced cables. Your test was probably not a double-blind test, in which you didn't know what cable set up was producing the sound when you made your judgment of quality. You EXPECTED the Monsters to sound better, and they did.

Every double blind test I have ever read about showed no detectable difference. There is NO reason known to electronics or psychoacoustics as to why, in any rational home audio configuration, that heavy guage cables of any specific metal would make a difference in transmitting the audio spectrum.

I'm dating myself, but my favorite weapon in my army days was the M3 carbine. I qualified with it, the M14 and M1. Worst weapon? BAR, but mainly because I carried it's 22.5 lbs all over Ft. Riley KS during a very hot Summer!

The discussion about cables reminds me of the beer commercial....tastes great....less filling.

10 or more years ago the forerunner to Sound and Vision magazine posted an article more or less stating Monster cables were no better then good quality gold plated cables which had extra insulation/shielding. Lately I've been upgrading my cables and noticed that the prices of Monster cables are coming down. Or, maybe it's that the other cables are going up in price. Anyway you better consider the size of the Monster cable plug. They seem a little wider. And, can cause problems squeeezing them into inputs that are close together.

BTW...I'm partial to Sony products. Go figure.

bobkart

yeah its made by Heckler&Koch and its technically an mp5sd. (It has an integral suppresor and it works real well with subsonic ammo, you don't hear much.) Why the mp5 is one of the best sub machineguns is it fires from a closed bolt, making it extremely accurate, even on full auto. Any UZI fires from an "open" bolt and its harder to control on full auto, the bolt is moving rapidly, causing the gun and your aim to move easier, but a fine gun in its own right. Guns and CA. don't mix, they are all but illegal out there. My state is almost as bad.

samham

Your the man! How many years ago were you in the service? Judging by the weapons you were using it sounds like it was awhile ago. If I had to lug a BAR (I'm guessing the model 1918 the one that fires the 30-06, not the.50 BMG MA-Deuce!) around all day I probably wouldn't be such a fan! My partner has a HUGE machinegun collection. He has a BAR 1918A3, the one w/ the bipod and two modes of fire. Its my favorite American gun of all time and one day I'll buy it from him. (he's also got a German MG-42 which is my favorite foreign weapon, it can fire up to 1500 rounds a minute!! The Germans made that bad boy in 1942!) Talk about ahead of there time in the weapons department. The M-60 is influenced (maybe even "a little copied") by the MG-42, but not even the modern M-60 has the rate of fire as the MG-42. But we do have those lovely G&E miniguns. samham thanks for serving our country, we all owe our freedom to veterans like you.

Jay Davis

I agree with you about the price of the Monsters. They're really not that much more then some of the competion. I've found this to be true with s-video's esp. At least at the Worst Buy up the street. All the s-vids are pretty expensive. I like my cables to be a "snug" fit. There less likely to become detatched if I'm moving stuff around etc. However I wouldn't want them NOT fitting, but thats never happened to me as of yet. Theres the jinx....

Actually the Uzi I had, which had been redesigned to only fire semi-auto (of course), fired from a closed bolt. If I understand the definition of the term. At the point just prior to depressing of the trigger, the round is fully chambered and the bolt is closed, only the firing pin is retracted, and then upon trigger actuation it (the firing pin, not the bolt), slams forward and fires the round. As opposed to the fully-auto Uzi's in which the firing pin is but a protrusion of the bolt, which is retracted at the time of pressing the trigger, and chambers the round and fires it at nearly the same time. Releasing the trigger returns the weapon to the open bolt configuration, with a round ready to be stripped from the magazine and chambered and fired, when the trigger is again depressed and the bolt slams forward. I can see how that large mass of the bolt closing when you pull the trigger could throw your aim off, especially in semi-auto mode.

Sorry, it's all Off Topic I know.

Just one more OT post: I was in the Army from the late 50s until 1965, on active duty from early '63 until late '65. The BAR was the 1918 model.

I don't deserve too many kudos -- except for defending North Carolina against the Soviet threat! I served because I thought it was the right thing to do. In that era, if you went to college, you were pretty much draft proof, but I felt I owed something to the U.S.. My grandparents were immigrants, my parents born here, but because of the depression, neither got thru high school. Thanks to loans/scholorships, I was able to go to college. I'm not a flag waver, but there aren't too many places in the world where someone born in my circumstances can enjoy the kind of opportunities I had.

I need help. I'm trying to back up dvd's that I own so I can the originals won't be scratched when I loan them to family members. I had a ILO dvdr05 recorder but it has a lot of problems that I'm trying to clear up but it was making good recordings of dvds from an Apex dvd player using a no name video clarifier I bought off of eBay until the problems starting, dvd issues not loading up, etc. I bought a Panny DMR-ES20 last weekend but using the same video clarifier between the Apex dvd player and the Panny, the Panny will not record the dvd stating what I'm recording is copyrighted. Will the Sima CT-2 or CT-200 clear things up. Please any advise would be helpful. Thanks.

I've been having great success with this device:
http://www.facetvideo.com/xcart/customer/product.php?productid=83

I need help. I'm trying to back up dvd's that I own so I can the originals won't be scratched when I loan them to family members. I had a ILO dvdr05 recorder but it has a lot of problems that I'm trying to clear up but it was making good recordings of dvds from an Apex dvd player using a no name video clarifier I bought off of eBay until the problems starting, dvd issues not loading up, etc. I bought a Panny DMR-ES20 last weekend but using the same video clarifier between the Apex dvd player and the Panny, the Panny will not record the dvd stating what I'm recording is copyrighted. Will the Sima CT-2 or CT-200 clear things up. Please any advise would be helpful. Thanks.

dannydkd
Yes the Sima will let you record "copy protected" material. Its your right to make backup copies of the media you buy. Sometimes refered to as "fair use" copies. I have been using a CT-200 and its never failed me in over 100 recordings. Look around Sima frequently does rebate deals with Circuit City or Worst Buy etc. I saved 50 bucks on mine.

Is there a Dvd to Dvd recorder "all in one" for slae out there with the filters in place?

I bought a SIMA CT-200 yesterday. It was on clearance at CompUSA for $39.98, no rebates or ring up discounts.

I bought it because I have a few irreplaceable store bought movies on VHS with copy protection I wanted to preserve on recordable DVD.

I have an old Panasonic PV-7450 VCR, with composite outputs only, connected to a Panasonic DMR-ES20 through the SIMA CT-200 per instructions, with the normal output setting selected.

At first I was really disappointed, since although the copy protection was removed the video recorded had severe jitters.

I then disabled the Video Noise Reduction (Display->Video->Line-in NR) and the jitters went away.

Anyone know if this is still available at compusa anywhere ? BB has this for 99 even these days. too much considering it was 30 something a year ago !
anything else that is comparable to this product these days ?

I suggest you check eBay. I bought my Sima CT-2 on ebay a few months ago and it works great.

Can anyone explain the difference between the enhancement modes on the CT-200? The manual doesn't give me any clues, except that maybe I ought to to use B+W when recording black &white VHS tape.

Anybody try the CT-200 with component connections? Where you put the CT-200 in the Y' (green?) circuit in addition to the Pb and Pr connections between the devices?

Anybody try the CT-200 with component connections? Where you put the CT-200 in the Y' (green?) circuit in addition to the Pb and Pr connections between the devices?

I don't believe you can use the any Sima product with Components Connections.

I don't believe you can use the any Sima product with Components Connections.

It would be good to hear from someone who has tried it. I heard that it was doable as MinxMeister describes.

I don't believe you can use the any Sima product with Components Connections.

Believe? I would think that you would know, seeing that you build a device that provides a similar function. :)

Doesn't the Y' component provide a similar sync signal as the Y connection in a composite cable?

You know, I have always wondered this too. Especially considering Logic Design's set-up on his unit for using component cords. Just connecting the 'Y' line would eliminate all the scrambling being carried on the lines.

I have a Sony HX900 with the component inputs, but i never tried it this way.

For copying, I always just used the S-Video for the cord between my SIMA CT-200 and the playing DVD Player.

My Sony HX-900 is kinda in a position where moving it around and trying to find out would be a bit of a pain, but maybe I will get adventursome and try it. Burning to DVD -RW and the HDD, just to see if it will work for both.

Also, is it the 'Y' line that get's connected? I think that is the GREEN WIRE(usually), and the PB PR are the Red and Blue ones which would godiectly from the playing DVD player to the DVD Recorder(Sony HX-900)?

I am pretty sure it is the 'Y' line that carries all the information for the scrambling/macrovison, but I am not sure about that.

Logic Design would know, or maybe it is mentioned in this thread somewhere, or in another thread by doing a search.

Also, is it the 'Y' line that get's connected? I think that is the GREEN WIRE(usually), and the PB PR are the Red and Blue ones which would godiectly from the playing DVD player to the DVD Recorder(Sony HX-900)?

I am pretty sure it is the 'Y' line that carries all the information for the scrambling/macrovison, but I am not sure about that.

Yes, I believe the Y' (Green) is the one that needs to be filtered. If you look at the instructions on how to hook up Logic Design's unit with components, he tells you to hook up his device with the Y' (Green) going thru his device.

I am apologizing in advance for my lack of knowledge,
I've read this thread thru and i thank you all for the discussion, however, it leaves me confused as to what to do. thanks to you i now know that "fair use" means it's going to be ok to do the following:
i run a drug rehab, we have about 190 educational type (read boring, but oh well) VHS tapes that i want to preserve to DVD due to their frequent use. They are copy protected of course, and would someone be able to suggest the simplest and least expensive hardware, of all the choices, to purchase?
If I'm not pushing it, since we are a non-profit community agency with little funds, can someone also suggest the best specific DVD recorder and VHS player to buy to use with the copy protection device that would be the least costly yet dependable and sturdy?
Thanks.

I just ordered a ct 200 from a company and got an ATX 500 instead. I was unaware that sima quite making these products. Does anyone know anything about this ATX 500? Is it alright or did I get screwed? Please help!

It's the same thing, just a newer model, probably with newer firmware.

I believe it's made by the same company.

I just ordered a ct 200 from a company and got an ATX 500 instead. I was unaware that sima quite making these products. Does anyone know anything about this ATX 500? Is it alright or did I get screwed? Please help!
please report back here on whether or not atx takes away some of the black level. i ask cuz i have two ct2s one of which 'subtracts' a little too much of the blacks. if i use it w/ pan es15 its okay cuz u can add black to signal w/ recorder.

I think from the specs that the ATX 500 is the same as the ct200, as it has a black level adjustment (I think three different levels).

It's the same thing, just a newer model, probably with newer firmware.

I believe it's made by the same company.

I am surprised they(SIMA) even made a new one.

Didn't they lose their court case against Macrovision, and other copyright companies, and were forced to stop selling these units?

Now, I don't know the in's and out's of the case.

Maybe Sima was just forced to pull their units(CT-2 and CT-200 at the time) off the shelves of the major Brick and Mortor stores, but they could still sell their product online.

Or they could sell their product under the guise of a company not affililiated with the USA.

I don't know.

Just guessing.

But I was under the impression that they had to STOP COMPLETELY in making these units because they lost the court case. Even the "fair use" part of it was something they could not hide behind because people with any commen sense knows what this device, and others like it, are being used for.

And it isn't fair use.

We are not that stupid.

And I have one.

STEELERSRULE, I don't think the ATX500 is a Sima product? but it's probably from the same company who was making them for Sima & all they did was just change the name & the box itself a little & they'll probably just keep on changing the products name & company name no matter how many suits Macrovision can bring against them.

China just doesn't seem to care what our courts do anyway they'll just go through the motions of doing something about it & then just wink at the company as they build more & more of them under different names.

Look at Philips they still haven't collected their money for the +R DVD Recorders built by China & even after a bunch got confiscated in the USA under one name China just dumped more into the US under a bunch of other different names.

Serves Philips right though for getting into bed with them in the first place & you din't see Japan make that mistake & let them use any of their formats because they know how China operates.

I am surprised they(SIMA) even made a new one.

Didn't they lose their court case against Macrovision, and other copyright companies, and were forced to stop selling these units?

Now, I don't know the in's and out's of the case.

Maybe Sima was just forced to pull their units(CT-2 and CT-200 at the time) off the shelves of the major Brick and Mortor stores, but they could still sell their product online.

Or they could sell their product under the guise of a company not affililiated with the USA.

I don't know.

Just guessing.

But I was under the impression that they had to STOP COMPLETELY in making these units because they lost the court case. Even the "fair use" part of it was something they could not hide behind because people with any commen sense knows what this device, and others like it, are being used for.

And it isn't fair use.

We are not that stupid.

And I have one.

im only going by what the spokesman at SIMA told me, that they were no longer marketing the ct2, ct200, scc2 devices cuz of the lawsuit. i should have said that he didnt offer any details other than that. so who really knows whats happening.

I think from the specs that the ATX 500 is the same as the ct200, as it has a black level adjustment (I think three different levels).

on my ct2s, there is a 'dark' position on the side, w/ the lighter, b/w, and just plain enhance, which doesn seem to do much. the 'dark' position only darkens the image, not make blacks blacker. i dont use it, just 'enhance'. ive never used a ct200. i hope to hear something about it.

STEELERSRULE, I don't think the ATX500 is a Sima product? but it's probably from the same company who was making them for Sima & all they did was just change the name & the box itself a little & they'll probably just keep on changing the products name & company name no matter how many suits Macrovision can bring against them.

China just doesn't seem to care what our courts do anyway they'll just go through the motions of doing something about it & then just wink at the company as they build more & more of them under different names.

Look at Philips they still haven't collected their money for the +R DVD Recorders built by China & even after a bunch got confiscated in the USA under one name China just dumped more into the US under a bunch of other different names.

Serves Philips right though for getting into bed with them in the first place & you din't see Japan make that mistake & let them use any of their formats because they know how China operates.

that sounds like a plan.

STEELERSRULE, I don't think the ATX500 is a Sima product? but it's probably from the same company who was making them for Sima & all they did was just change the name & the box itself a little & they'll probably just keep on changing the products name & company name no matter how many suits Macrovision can bring against them.
I think this is right...another company or the original mfgr...since Sima was enjoined from selling the CT-2, etc. "and any other products" in the original prelim. injunction.

I don't think the Macrovision vs SIMA case is settled yet.

Here's some of the history.

Here's an Aug 06 article that lays out the progression from prelim. injunction to an Amicus brief by several orgs, which is apparently still in Fed. Appeals Court for review? (http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20060816-7517.html)

Here's the Apr 06 initial ruling of Prelim. Injunction by the NY District Court. (http://www.copybites.com/2006/04/sima_products_e.html)
Here's what was prohibited (notice "any other products"):
Holding: “Sima is hereby preliminarily enjoined from selling the CT-1, CT-Q1, CT-100, CT-2, CT-200, SCC, and SCC-2 products, and any other products that circumvent Macrovision's copyright protection technologies in violation of the DMCA, conditioned upon Macrovision posting a bond in the amount of $100,000[.]”


Here's a May 06 denial of Sima appeal to the same court. (http://www.copybites.com/2006/06/sima_products_r.html)

Here is the Amicus Brief filed with the Fed. Appeals Court mentioned in the first link (Aug 06 article). (http://209.85.165.104/search?q=cache:7kvu3JAd5Z4J:www.eff.org/legal/cases/Macrovision_v_Sima/sima_brief.pdf+SIMA+appeal+Federal+Court&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=us) The Brief is sort of long, but here's a short summary of it by/from the American Library Association (ALA), one of the orgs filing the Brief:

"The libraries and other creators and users of digital products have joined an amici curiae (friends of the court) brief in support of Sima Products Corporation, the defendant in the court below and appellant in the Federal Circuit court of appeals.

The brief, filed in August 2006, argues that the lower court's interpretation of the DMCA would outlaw something as simple as a technology that digitizes analog content. This interpretation, if it stands on appeal, would threaten a wide range of legitimate technologies, and by extension, a wide range of legitimate uses. It could even mean that it violates the DMCA to use the new sophisticated copiers with page-turning capability that make it possible to produce high-quality digital copies of bound books."
.

I saw a site online that was definitely selling the ATX500 (and they said they were in stock), and they had pictures of the old Sima models along with the ATX, and it said that the ATX was a "replacement model". Also, it mentioned something about updated, or the "latest" firmware.

I'll look again to see if I can find it.

(edit: OK, I just Googled "ATX 500 video enhancer", and they're priced at around $120. The first site I just checked specifically called it the "Sima ATX 500 video enhancer".)

on my ct2s, there is a 'dark' position on the side, w/ the lighter, b/w, and just plain enhance, which doesn seem to do much. the 'dark' position only darkens the image, not make blacks blacker. i dont use it, just 'enhance'. ive never used a ct200. i hope to hear something about it.I wasn't sure just what those adjustments were for. I just got a ct200, but I still have it sitting in the bag and haven't had a chance to try it yet. I better get to it soon to make sure it works.

I'm almost tempted to just return it and get the ATX500 instead, if it really has updated firmware. In fact, I just may do that.

I'm almost tempted to just return it and get the ATX500 instead, if it really has updated firmware. In fact, I just may do that.

You'd be better off to keep the Sima and buy the ATX500. The ATX is an unknown quantity; the Sima could bring some bucks on ebay. I have the CT200. It is a very good unit for copying old VHS tapes. I've heard it does other things well also.

..the Sima could bring some bucks on ebay.Yeah, that's what I was thinking - maybe use it awhile and then see what it'll fetch.

Either that or I'll just give it to a good friend of mine who copies and collects old movies and serials, (like the two-reelers they showed in the theaters many moons ago). It could probably improve the looks of some of that old stuff, with the faded prints and the spotty lighting.

The stuff he has is all on VHS (it was copied with an old, Go-Video dual deck), and I bug him occasionally about getting a DVD recorder. Maybe if I give him the Sima he'll be more motivated to finally get one.

Hello,
Does anyone know if you can use the sima 200 to copy from 2 separate dvd/vcr combos. I have one combo unit with just a dvd player and another combo unit with a dvd recorder combo. Does anyone know if I can use the sima 200 to copy from dvd combo unit 1 (player) to dvd combo unit 2(recorder) without the copyright problem popping up? Thanks!

Hello,
Does anyone know if you can use the sima 200 to copy from 2 separate dvd/vcr combos. I have one combo unit with just a dvd player and another combo unit with a dvd recorder combo. Does anyone know if I can use the sima 200 to copy from dvd combo unit 1 (player) to dvd combo unit 2(recorder) without the copyright problem popping up? Thanks!
ABSOLUTELY!

That is what it is meant for.

Just connect the S-video out of the player(this is for DVD's mainly, but some players support output of the VCR side of dual decks. Some do not, and you would be forced to use the composite[yellow cord] out from the player) to the S-Video in on the SIMA.

Then connect the S-Video out of the SIMA to one of the S-Video in's on the recorder.

The Red and white audio cords are connected directly from the player(Audio out) to the recorder(Audio in), then go ahead and dub.

Thank you, I thought I could. I was reading some of the other posts on here and I thought I read somewhere that the sima always didnt work getting through the copy guard on combo units. Maybe they meant if you were using the same combo machine to copy and record on which I am well aware that you can't do that. I can't wait to get my sima in the mail to try out copying dvds on my 2 combo units now. Thanks for the help!

Panny DVDR's w/vhs will allow you to play from one side, route the signal through the Sima, and then back into the other device. Not sure how many other DVDR combo's do that though. Plus if you want to go DVD to DVD you will need another DVD to do the playing on since I've never seen a double DVD unit like they used to have in the day of double VHS units.

The Pio 53x/63x/640 can record from one drive to the other thru its external line input/outputs. Haven't heard of anyone placing a Sima or other device in that loop, but it'd be an interesting test.

I'd guess it would work. Seems Panny and Pio seem to share similar features. I've done it a few times with my ES-30 but really don't use the VHS much in the loop anymore.