Does anyone know why on a LG 787t when using RAM it records to ALL cable channels but with RW+/- it continually wont record because the program is "copy protected"?

Whats in the RAM disc that allows this?

Also and more importantly, is there a fix for the dumb ass error message I get when using the RW-/+?

Tried some codes for the other LGs on here but didnt work.

Programs that are copy protected as "copy once" can only be recorded on RAM discs or -RW discs in VR mode. I have no idea why.

Does anyone know why on a LG 787t when using RAM it records to ALL cable channels but with RW+/- it continually wont record because the program is "copy protected"?

Whats in the RAM disc that allows this?

Also and more importantly, is there a fix for the dumb ass error message I get when using the RW-/+?

Tried some codes for the other LGs on here but didnt work.

If you google the WWW or search this forum for CPRM, BCA, CGMS-A, CGMS-D, flag, "copy once," "copy never," and "copy always" you'll learn more about Content Protection for Recordable Media than you ever wanted. There is hardware to strip/block/alter the flag data(comes in on line 20, 21 of NTSC feed...the field blanking interval). For that you'll want to research names like Sima, Grex, Video Filter, DP-5000, etc etc. You should find one that will work with your recorder. You should also hope their mailing lists is never subpoenaed. :-)

If you google the WWW or search this forum for CPRM, BCA, CGMS-A, CGMS-D, flag, "copy once," "copy never," and "copy always" you'll learn more about Content Protection for Recordable Media than you ever wanted. There is hardware to strip/block/alter the flag data(comes in on line 20, 21 of NTSC feed...the field blanking interval). For that you'll want to research names like Sima, Grex, Video Filter, DP-5000, etc etc. You should find one that will work with your recorder. You should also hope their mailing lists is never subpoenaed. :-)

ok thank you for the ideas!
I dont worry about that subpoena stuff. People have been taping (with VCRS) and Tivos for many many years.
On my cable company-- its totally ridiculous---->ALL the channels are copy protected-- even tried to record Home Shopping Network for the hell of it.
NO GO. "Cannot record copy protected" duh.

This is just more BS by cable companies to get me to pay to buy their product----their DVR -- which I wont.

Programs that are copy protected as "copy once" can only be recorded on RAM discs or -RW discs in VR mode. I have no idea why.


I tried the VR mode-- No go as well.
As I wrote above, I cant even record simple stuff like HSN, Seinfeld, the local news even comes across as copy protected!

Im keeping the LG cause in a DVD recorder the imp. things for me now are:

1. ATSC tuner that works-- LG is ok for that and the NTSC part is yuk

2. Chasing playback ability- which this does with RAM


I have it connected to the Polo 2001 cause I wanted some QAM to record to that unit. But still would be nice to use the LG with RWs and not RAM to record the "copy protected" shows like the Food Network. lol.

I thought FCC rules prohibit copy protecting local channels.

I thought FCC rules prohibit copy protecting local channels.

Prolly true but dont tell me that NO ONE here
hasnt used a DVR, DVD recorder or even a VCR once in their life
to record a local channel.

But still would be nice to use the LG with RWs and not RAM to record the "copy protected" shows like the Food Network. lol.Only DVD-RAM and DVD-RW are CPRM compliant for use in recording "copy-once" programming. In addition the recording device must support CPRM on the various media. RAMs are always recorded in VR mode and all the recorders that support RAM support CPRM on RAM media. DVD-RW can be recorded in either VR mode or DVD-video mode. Only VR mode is CPRM compliant. Most recorders I've seen that support both RAM and -RW record VR mode on the RAM and only DVD-video mode on the -RW. If that is your case, you will never be able to record "copy-once" on -RW. Additionally, the recording device must support CPRM on the chosen media. If your recorder can record VR mode on DVD-RW, but does not support CPRM on -RW, you will again not be able to record a "copy-once" program on -RW.

Assuming you can set your recorder to record to -RW in VR mode; suppose you try to record a given program on -RW and receive a copy violation error. Then put in a RAM disk and are able to now successfully record the same progam. If that is the case, your recorder is not CPRM compliant with -RW media and will never record a "copy-once" broadcast to -RW.

If you use the tuner of the recorder to make your recordings then nothing can be done. If you use the line inputs of the recorder from a cable or sat STB then you can purchase a "go-between" box that will strip the "copy-flag". These boxes are not cheap and may be getting harder to find. There are lots of threads here about them. For the cost of one of these you could buy yourself a pile of RAM disks.

heya thank you much for explaining. Appreciate it!
brought the LG back (overheating as well) and got tunerless Toshiba DR400.
No errors whatsoever in ALL my cable channels!:)

It plays RAMs and chases playback with VR mode RWs.

thnx again man!:)