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Problems with Digital Video Stabilizer - Page 2

post #31 of 138
12/11/06 at 8:24am
I've had the RX2 for over 15 years. I've gotten rid of most of my tapes so haven't used it lately. But it worked on all tapes with the exception of Crimson Tide. If your friends' works on your system take the seller up on his offer and get your money back. I've seen these units at BB in Chicago for $30.00. I originally paid $50.00.

The Studios are constantly upgrading their anti copywrite schemes. Recently I tried to make backup copies of Miami Vice and Pirates of the Carr. DVD Decrypter couldn't or wouldn't handle Pirates. But it accepted Miami Vice. So I put the Pirates disc in my Sony Megachanger and dubbed it to the hdd of my Sony 715 DVD recorder using the Sima CT200 in between. Got very good results from a brief viewing of the copy to see if it was OK.
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post #32 of 138
12/11/06 at 1:39pm
I recently tried the R-X2 with the movie "Cars" to my Pioneer 640 and it was a no go. I think I might have to buy the Grex as it's cheaper than the well known Sima and seemingly works where other Stabilizers don't.

That was the first time my R-X2 let me down, I even did Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (with the R-X2) and it worked great for that, just no luck on Disney's "Cars" so far.
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post #33 of 138
12/12/06 at 4:41am
My Grex did Both Pirates 2 and Davinci Code with no problems (oddly Davinci Code did not show protected on the indicator lights) I do not have Cars to try.
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post #34 of 138
2/16/07 at 7:19pm
I thought I'd set up a profile on here long enough to warn you folks about doing business with Qualitek Industries.

Via their webpage, I purchased their: Digital Video Stabilizer For DVD and VCR with Video Clarifier and Corrector for $34.95 thinking I was getting a good deal.

Well, let me tell you, it ain't so good!
First of all, these guys overcharge for shipping bigtime!!!
They charged me $20.86 for UPS ground (for a tiny box).
So I paid a total of $55.81 for a product that doesn't work. At least it won't work for me. This unit is about the size of your fist. It lights up, but only removes the copyguard in the Black and White mode (not in color). So their claim that It will guarantee to get rip off all copy guard is true if you are satisfied with B/W.

I'm waiting to hear back from them to get a return authorization number and now I see they are going to charge me a 25% restocking fee! This really blows!

So I'm not only stuck with the cost of mailing it back: $5.95
The original shipping charge they billed me already: $20.86
But a bogus restocking fee of: $8.74
For a grand total of $35.55 (that is if I can even return it; I've yet to hear back from them at all)

SO BUYERS BEWARE OF Qualitek Industries! I GOT RIPPED OFF!
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post #35 of 138
2/16/07 at 8:33pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Qualitek View Post

I thought I'd set up a profile on here long enough to warn you folks about doing business with Qualitek Industries.

Via their webpage, I purchased their: Digital Video Stabilizer For DVD and VCR with Video Clarifier and Corrector for $34.95 thinking I was getting a good deal.

Well, let me tell you, it ain't so good!
First of all, these guys overcharge for shipping bigtime!!!
They charged me $20.86 for UPS ground (for a tiny box).
So I paid a total of $55.81 for a product that doesn't work. At least it won't work for me. This unit is about the size of your fist. It lights up, but only removes the copyguard in the Black and White mode (not in color). So their claim that It will guarantee to get rip off all copy guard is true if you are satisfied with B/W.

I'm waiting to hear back from them to get a return authorization number and now I see they are going to charge me a 25% restocking fee! This really blows!

So I'm not only stuck with the cost of mailing it back: $5.95
The original shipping charge they billed me already: $20.86
But a bogus restocking fee of: $8.74
For a grand total of $35.55 (that is if I can even return it; I've yet to hear back from them at all)

SO BUYERS BEWARE OF Qualitek Industries! I GOT RIPPED OFF!


Sorry to hear of your troubles. I've seen Qualitek's page but haven't ordered from them. I got what appears to be the same unit from this page:
http://www.checkhere22.com/stabilizer/
Actually, I got both models shown. Clearpix is easy to work with and both models work fine.
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post #36 of 138
2/20/07 at 10:41am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Qualitek View Post

I thought I'd set up a profile on here long enough to warn you folks about doing business with Qualitek Industries.

Via their webpage, I purchased their: Digital Video Stabilizer For DVD and VCR with Video Clarifier and Corrector for $34.95 thinking I was getting a good deal.

Well, let me tell you, it ain't so good!
First of all, these guys overcharge for shipping bigtime!!!
They charged me $20.86 for UPS ground (for a tiny box).
So I paid a total of $55.81 for a product that doesn't work. At least it won't work for me. This unit is about the size of your fist. It lights up, but only removes the copyguard in the Black and White mode (not in color). So their claim that It will guarantee to get rip off all copy guard is true if you are satisfied with B/W.

I'm waiting to hear back from them to get a return authorization number and now I see they are going to charge me a 25% restocking fee! This really blows!

So I'm not only stuck with the cost of mailing it back: $5.95
The original shipping charge they billed me already: $20.86
But a bogus restocking fee of: $8.74
For a grand total of $35.55 (that is if I can even return it; I've yet to hear back from them at all)

SO BUYERS BEWARE OF Qualitek Industries! I GOT RIPPED OFF!

As of today, Qualitek Industries, has not answered any of my emails nor can I even leave a voice message on the phone number listed on the web page. The email address listed on the webpage just returns error messages!

I'm afraid these guys are a total sham and I've been taken for the $55.81.

Well at least it won't be a total loss if we can get the word out on these thieves.
Thanks!
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post #37 of 138
3/22/07 at 5:02am
I have a Sony VRD-MC1 DVD recorder that will not record from some sources using either Sima CT-200 or Grex. If the Sony gets even the briefest signal it does not "like", it locks up and will not record. I recorded on VHS from the antenna a PBS broadcast and it will not transfer to the DVD on the Sony. I think it takes a fraction of a second for the "stabilizers" to recognize and react to a copy protected signal. That moment is sufficient for the Sony to lockup. Some home recorded tapes may have minor faults in the signal or the recording tape that trigger the Sony to lockup. I have had some that would record for a time,. say a half hour or so, and then stop with the copy protected signal. All this possible explanation is just conjecture on my part. Are there other explanations?
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post #38 of 138
3/22/07 at 7:39am
The solution to this false triggering is using a real CGMS controller. Neither the SIMA nor the Grex can do this. In other words, send the command to the recorder to allow copying, rather than simply blanking out the copy protection signal embedded in the video.
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post #39 of 138
4/6/07 at 4:49am
Where does one get a "real CGMS controller?
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post #40 of 138
4/6/07 at 5:54am
Quote:
Originally Posted by sgtbilko View Post

Where does one get a "real CGMS controller?

http://home.cfl.rr.com/filter
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post #41 of 138
4/7/07 at 4:14pm
Grex Users:

Even though the current copyguard eliminator device I use is working fine (R-X2), I am contemplating getting my hands on a Grex to have it as a backup or in case they become hard to find someday.

Here is what I wanted to ask people who use theirs.

I have S-Video Output and S-Video Input on the devices that I would use the Grex in between, should I use the S-Video through the Grex or is the RCA (Yellow Cable) just as good?

Has anyone tried both and noticed better results one way or another?

Also, on the site where you buy the Grex it says if you go from your source device into the Grex using S-Video, you can go out of the Grex using either S-Video, Composite or Both (into your recorder) and you get an un-protected Video Signal coming out of the Grex. I don't know why you would want it coming out of the Grex going to two other places, but I though that was pretty unique that it can do that.
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post #42 of 138
5/6/07 at 5:49am
I have a Grex. Not entirely satisfied with it. It has 5 "modes". The method of switching modes is cumbersome. But the BIG problem is that they do not at all tell you why or when to use one mode or the other nor what each mode does. That certainly reduces the value of that feature. Why not tell us? We are a bit smarter than a box of rocks. They just say to use Mode 001 unless their tech support tells us to change. Takes a day or so for tech support to answer emails. English is not the primary language of some of their tech support. Also, Grex does not claim to handle ARccOS (I hope I have that right) protection. So it will work in some situations, but not in all. Anyone know the function of the various Grex Modes or where to get that info? I really would like to know.
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post #43 of 138
5/6/07 at 6:30am
Quote:
Originally Posted by sgtbilko View Post

Also, Grex does not claim to handle ARccOS (I hope I have that right) protection. So it will work in some situations, but not in all. Anyone know the function of the various Grex Modes or where to get that info? I really would like to know.

ARccOS is a digital protection. You won't have problem with that.
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post #44 of 138
5/8/07 at 12:00pm
[quote=suplex]If you are talking about this Stabilizer:

Then, yes it does work for VHS to DVD, and I have also used it for DVD to DVD (despite doing most DVD duplicating in my PC) and it works for that as well. I believe it's the RX-2.

There are other units though like these:

Clarifier Classic:

DVD Red Pro:

Grex:

Video Magic/DVD:

Or this page which seems to be selling something for either DVD, VHS or DVD & VHS (even though they all look the same)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

How would I connect one of these stabilizer to an Xbox 360 and the Polaroid DRA01601A to record the movie I downloaded that is on the Xbox 360 hard drive to the DRA0160A hard drive then to a DVD? The movies on Microsoft Video Live Marketplace are copy protected, will a stabilizer allow me to record the movie to the Polaroid hard drive/DVD ?

Thanks.
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post #45 of 138
5/8/07 at 3:44pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by JonP07 View Post

How would I connect one of these stabilizer to an Xbox 360 and the Polaroid DRA01601A to record the movie I downloaded that is on the Xbox 360 hard drive to the DRA0160A hard drive then to a DVD? The movies on Microsoft Video Live Marketplace are copy protected, will a stabilizer allow me to record the movie to the Polaroid hard drive/DVD?

Thanks.

Hey JonP07:

Although I would seem like the kind of guy who would like it, I am actually not into games that much so I don't know a whole lot about the XBOX 360.

I will assume that the XBOX 360 has an RCA Output (Yellow, Red, & White Connections) if it does, then you would hook up your unit like this.

The Red and White connections are your Audio and they would connect directly from the XBOX 360's Outputs to the Inputs of your Polaroid DVD/HDD Recorder. Then the Yellow connection (Video) goes Out of the XBOX, into the Stabilizer, then out of the Stabilizer to the Yellow IN of the Polaroid.

Now you will be able to play the movie that is on your XBOX, get it to your Polaroid by setting the Polaroid to whatever Line Input you connected everything to (ie: Line 1, Line 2, etc...) and once you have it on the Polaroids HDD, you can make your DVD from there.

This hookup really should work for you. If you buy the Grex Stabilizer it has both the RCA (Yellow) connection as well as S-Video, so in the event that your XBOX has an S-Video Out, and I will assume your Polaroid must have an S-Video IN you can connect it all using S-Video the same way I described above.

I hope this helps you out, feel free to private me if you need any further assistance.

suplex.

PS: How do you like your Polaroid DRA-01601A? I am waiting for Wal*Mart to carry them as I haven't found one online to purchase yet. That model is one of two (Philips is supposed to be making one) that has a HDD and a Digital Tuner.
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post #46 of 138
5/8/07 at 5:27pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by suplex View Post

Hey JonP07:

Although I would seem like the kind of guy who would like it, I am actually not into games that much so I don't know a whole lot about the XBOX 360.

I will assume that the XBOX 360 has an RCA Output (Yellow, Red, & White Connections) if it does, then you would hook up your unit like this.

The Red and White connections are your Audio and they would connect directly from the XBOX 360's Outputs to the Inputs of your Polaroid DVD/HDD Recorder. Then the Yellow connection (Video) goes Out of the XBOX, into the Stabilizer, then out of the Stabilizer to the Yellow IN of the Polaroid.

Now you will be able to play the movie that is on your XBOX, get it to your Polaroid by setting the Polaroid to whatever Line Input you connected everything to (ie: Line 1, Line 2, etc...) and once you have it on the Polaroids HDD, you can make your DVD from there.

This hookup really should work for you. If you buy the Grex Stabilizer it has both the RCA (Yellow) connection as well as S-Video, so in the event that your XBOX has an S-Video Out, and I will assume your Polaroid must have an S-Video IN you can connect it all using S-Video the same way I described above.

I hope this helps you out, feel free to private me if you need any further assistance.

suplex.

PS: How do you like your Polaroid DRA-01601A? I am waiting for Wal*Mart to carry them as I haven't found one online to purchase yet. That model is one of two (Philips is supposed to be making one) that has a HDD and a Digital Tuner.


Thanks for the reply. I really only use the Xbox 360 for a few games but Microsoft Xbox Live MarketPlace has some movies and TV shows that are downloadable but do have copy protection in them. I just want to be able to save the movies for later viewing since once purchased, the movies will expire 24HRS after viewed or 14 days when not viewed. After that, I will have to buy them again if I want to watch it again. The movies average about 3-4 bucks each in Microsoft points so it's easier to just download a movie than go to the store and rent one.

The DRA-0160A seems to be a fair unit. I haven't really played with it enough to say much good about it. I do know the unit has copy protection in it that prevented me from copying a movie from my Xbox 360 to the Polaroid hard drive. I actually have it boxed up ready to return it to WalMart but haven't yet. I was just trying to find ways to get around the copy protection even if I have to buy a unit twice the DRA-0160A's price. I think I will get the Grex Stabilizer or this video filter to see how that works before I decide to return this Polaroid. I was hoping there was a firmware hack such as the one for the LiteOn DVD recorders but I have not found one yet. But so far the Polaroid DRA-01601A is good for the price, works great but the copy protection built in it.
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post #47 of 138
5/8/07 at 7:09pm
The Video Filter is the only that will allow you to record using components inputs
for the best recording quality.
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post #48 of 138
5/9/07 at 3:54am
Quote:
Originally Posted by JonP07 View Post

I was hoping there was a firmware hack such as the one for the LiteOn DVD recorders but I have not found one yet.

Well I doubt there would be a Firmware update to correct Copy Protection, because that would mean that Polaroid would come out and say: "OK, here is an update so our unit isn't copy protected anymore" which I don't think would ever happen.

However you might find a hack online somewhere, maybe even something to the effect of a code to enter using the remote or something like that, which Polaroid would have to include in their unit, but not go public telling people about.
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post #49 of 138
5/10/07 at 7:35am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Logic Design View Post

The Video Filter is the only that will allow you to record using components inputs
for the best recording quality.


This appears to be an inaccurate or misleading statement. My Grex allows component connections.
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post #50 of 138
5/10/07 at 7:38am
That may be the case but. has anyone tried it? If anyone has, I'd like to know if they were suscessfull and how good the recording really is?
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post #51 of 138
5/10/07 at 8:15am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Logic Design View Post

That may be the case but. has anyone tried it? If anyone has, I'd like to know if they were suscessfull and how good the recording really is?


This statement indicates that you haven't tried it either, yet you make a blanket comdemnation of other products. You should at least end each of your posts with "Oh, by the way, I am affiliated with Video Filter and my opinions may be a little skewed."
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post #52 of 138
5/10/07 at 9:31am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Logic Design View Post

The Video Filter is the only that will allow you to record using components inputs
for the best recording quality.

This defies logic. The process of stripping and restriping the code on the component input is exactly the same as in composite. If a unit can strip the copy protection via composite, the same unit can do the same on component.
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post #53 of 138
5/10/07 at 4:50pm
So, has anyone actually used the Grex to remove copy protection using component connections? How well did/does it work?
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post #54 of 138
5/17/07 at 10:53am
I just recd the Grex yesterday & I still can't record VOD - it's still protected . We are using some very old cables for connecting - do you think better cables would assist?
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post #55 of 138
5/17/07 at 10:58am
does the Grex require battery?
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post #56 of 138
5/17/07 at 11:01am
No - plugs into an outlet.
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post #57 of 138
5/17/07 at 11:05am
You may want to try checking with a voltmeter whether the power adaptor actually works and it's actually producing the required voltage and current needed for the Grex. Also check whether the manufacturer actually shipped you the NA adapter instead Euro power adapter (I have in my posession, 220-240V adapter with North American prong although I bought the power adapter in Australia. I still keep it since it's such an oddity)
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post #58 of 138
5/17/07 at 11:11am
Well, all the units TV/DVD/Cable/Grex is all going into a very expensive surge protector strip which is plugged into the outlet. I know the GREX is "working" since the red light on top is reacting as it should. And Yes I know we have the proper adapter.

My question about the cables still stands though - we are using cheap cables that are probably about 15 years old. We are considering ordering some monster cables but only if someone thinks this will help, since they are quite expensive.

Thanks for your guidance thus far

I should add the DVD recorder is a Sony RDRGX 330 aand cable is Comcast Cable. Both of which are on their tested list.
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post #59 of 138
5/17/07 at 11:27am
Quote:
Originally Posted by dlk30092 View Post

My question about the cables still stands though - we are using cheap cables that are probably about 15 years old. We are considering ordering some monster cables but only if someone thinks this will help, since they are quite expensive.

Since your cables are so old, I suggest you try some new cables, but buy them from Monoprice or Blue Jeans Cable...both are AVS Forum Alliance Members (Sponsors). They have excellent cables, and buying from them will also help keep this site up and running.

Click their button at the top of this page.
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post #60 of 138
5/17/07 at 11:31am
Thank you for assistance - I will try some new cables & get back in touch once we have rec'd them & tried it out. I figured it has to something relatively simple since others are having success with this unit. I sure hope this works.

If anyone else has ideas please do share

Thanks for the links
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