Hello. Looking for some feedback.

I am just about to get a Panasonic DMR-E85H DVD recorder/HDD. I also have older, high quality stand-alone Sony VCR and DVD players. I do have a Time Warner dual tuner DVR box, as well.

I want to transfer all my VHS on to DVD. I also want to copy DVDs, preferably with all special features and menus intact. I want to do this with the above-listed equipment rather than on my computer.

I know the VHS transfer is possible with a stabilizer to remove the copyright codes. From what I've read online, I believe DVD copying is also possible, though I do not know if I can pull all the features on to the burned DVD.

1. Can anyone tell me if I can do these types of transfers with pre-recorded DVDs?
2. Can anyone recommend the best stabilizer product/s that can handle all these functions? (I have been researching but would like experienced opinions.)
3. Does anyone have helpful hints/tips on the E85H? It wasn't my first choice, but overall it is highly rated and in my price range.

Thanks much!

You may want to look Here

DVD Shrink 3.2 (computer freeware downloaded from UK websites) will unencrypt most commercial DVDs with all features intact. (It also works for home-recorded DVDs.)

Create a separate dedicated folder for each DVD. Then initiate a BACKUP with the software. DVD Shrink will then read the DVD (it takes a minute or two). Then DVD Shrink asks if you want audio and video folders. Answer yes. Then specify the destination folder and click yes. A full DVD will take 5-7 minutes (sometimes longer) to BACKUP.

Once the BACKUP process is completed there will be one audio and one video folder within the destination folder you selected.

Use your computer's DVD burning software to copy the audio folder and video folder as folders to a blank DVD. (Do not attempt to copy those folders contents as files.)

The burned DVD will be a non-encrypted version of the original DVD. It should function the same as the original DVD.

Thanks.

Funny, I was going to post asking for feedback on this company and their products. One thing I quite like about them is they responded to an email asking a few questions, whereas other companies have not.

Obviously you are very satisfied with the Grex. Do you use it with both VHS and DVD? Why did you select the Grex over the Red Pro? I'd appreciate any feedback regarding the product and your experience.

I have a Panasonic E85H. This unit will not copy automatically copy DVD special features. I'd have to do it separately which would be quite a lot of work so I may be better off purchasing a less expensive product that handles VHS->DVD only, such as the one below.

http://checkhere22.com/stabilizer/

Thanks much!

Thank you for the info. I know the best way to copy DVDs is via computer and this software does look good. Unfortunately, I am currently unable to use my computer for this purpose.

In my earlier post I glossed over one step.

The process should read:

DVD Shrink 3.2 (computer FREEWARE downloaded from UK websites) will copy most DVDs with your computer's DVD burner with original features intact. (Some rip-off websites ask for donations for this Freeware. The author intended this to be distributed freely.)

Create a separate dedicated folder for each DVD you wish to copy. Then click OPEN DISK in the software. DVD Shrink will then read the DVD, (it takes 1-3 minutes). Then click BACKUP. DVD Shrink asks if you want audio and video folders. Answer yes. Then specify the destination folder and click yes. A full DVD will take 5-12 minutes to BACKUP.

Once the BACKUP process is completed there will be one audio and one video folder within the destination folder you selected.

Use your computer's DVD burning software to copy the audio folder and video folder as folders to a blank DVD. (Do not attempt to copy the folder contents as files, the files must remain in their folders. Do not copy the designated folder itself.)

The burned DVD should have the same functionality as the original DVD.

Again, thank you. I will definitely keep this info on file until I am able to copy DVDs via computer. However, this doesn't address my current situation.

I was unclear...apologies.

The following post was addressed to you, CCRomeo.

Thanks.

Funny, I was going to post asking for feedback on this company and their products. One thing I quite like about them is they responded to an email asking a few questions, whereas other companies have not.

Obviously you are very satisfied with the Grex. Do you use it with both VHS and DVD? Why did you select the Grex over the Red Pro? I'd appreciate any feedback regarding the product and your experience.

I have a Panasonic E85H. This unit will not copy automatically copy DVD special features. I'd have to do it separately which would be quite a lot of work so I may be better off purchasing a less expensive product that handles VHS->DVD only, such as the one below.

http://checkhere22.com/stabilizer/

Thanks much!

If you plan to buy one why not buy the best. I picked the Grex since I was concerned my Cable Company might copy flag TV broadcasts. I had a low cost VS and also a Sima CT200 the Grex was by far the best. I have no need to use it for DVD unless I want to record two DVDs to one DVD. The Grex was my insurance for the future.

Dimax does seem to be top of the line.

I just kinda figure by the time cable gets around to protecting broadcasts, there may be new copy protection technology and the Grex would be outdated. Then I'd have to upgrade. Am I crazy?

My cable company, who cannot necessarily be trusted, states they have no upcoming plans to allow broadcast protection. Though there has been some chatter on web about protection, I've yet to find actual proof of it happening. The research I've done thus far actually indicates this idea created such a negative backlash that the reality of it happening seems to be fading into the mists. Do you have different info or are you just a bit of a boy scout?

I didn't quite follow this comment, "I have no need to use it for DVD unless I want to record two DVDs to one DVD." To be fair, I have been up all night. Do you do most of your DVD copying on computer?

Cheers!

Sorry...something else occurred to me. Do either the Grex or the $20 unit improve the quality of VHS when transferring to DVD?

Thanks.

The computer is the best way to Backup a DVD. There is little you can do to impove the quality of VHS to DVD (Sima CT200 does have some settings) if the VHS is good quality the backup will be also.
The sensitivity to copy guard flags depends on the recorder LG highly sensitive, Panasonic less so, Liteon can be hacked.
The Grex had the fewest negatives on picture quality so is my top pick - set up will differ - I can only comment on what works for me.

The advantages of DVD Shrink for copying a DVD are that it's free and quickly accomplished entirely by a computer fitted with a DVD burner.

That is my understanding. Unfortunately, my burner is dead and I'm not planning on getting a new computer for 3-4 months.

Nonetheless, I do appreciate the detailed info on DVD Shrink. I am always on the lookout for good, free software even if I have to wait a while to use it.

I'm starting to think I should just go with an inexpensive unit to handle my VHS and save the money I'd spend on a more expensive device to put toward my new computer.

DVDShrink is a windows program. There is a similar one for Macintosh, but I forget the name . . . CopyMac?

I've been following this post and now its time for me to add my two cents. I have the $20 VS and it works very well as long as the VHS tape is good. What I do is copy to a DVD+RW then use my computer to make the final copy on a DVD+R setting it so it will be a DVD-ROM. I know that this is a little more work but my DVD's will play in almost any standalone player made. The one thing you want to remember is to change the 9v battery in the VS when it gets weak, and use a good battery. I've been using my VS for about 15-20 years now and it is fine. I bought it to use on VHS to VHS before DVD's even came out. Good luck and I hope this helped you out alittle.

How often do you change your battery? And what are the signs of a weakening battery?

By the way, I find it important to frequently clean the heads of my VCR in order to obtain a clear video image.

A fresh alkaline battery will last ~6 months, a weak battery will result in poor copies, dead ones no video. Fast forward then rewind all VHS tapes before making any backup. Yes clean the VCR heads but dry cleaning tapes are cr@P open it up and clean by hand with alcohol and a Q-Tip.

I don't know about 60? I change it every year when I do the smoke dectors in the house and that works fine for me. If CC Romeo says he is getting 60 I beleave him. He wouldn't give you bad info. I just have my way and it works for me. Its never failed me yet!

Sorry my typo 60 should be 6 months

Had a feeling.

It's MacTheRipper(free). Then you use Roxio Popcorn(not free) to do the burning. I have not been able to test either program as my burner is dead.

Thanks very much. I think that's the way for me to go. May as well save the money I'd spend on a much pricier unit and put it toward my new computer. Then do all my DVDs at that point.

Any info on cables? What's the diff btwn RCA-RCA patch, video composite, video patch? They all look the same in the online photos. They are definitely cheaper on the website selling the $20 unit than at Radio Shack.

mcminone.com

Cheers.

How about the the tapes that use alcohol on the cleaning brushes? Decent?

How difficult and risky is it to take apart a VCR and clean the heads manually?

It is not difficult to clean the heads manually, as well as the tape path, if you are fairly gentle in your approach, especially with the heads.

I would recommend avoiding Q-Tips because they can snag and leave cotton debris, which is very bad for heads; instead, use chamois swabs with alcohol, and make sure to clean the heads in a gentle horizontal movement, NOT up and down. By the way, one of the best things about learning to do this is to actually see for yourself all the things that go on in one of these decks when it loads and plays a tape. After you've done the cleaning, and before you put the top back on, plug the unit back in and load a tape. Watch how the mechanism works inside. Frankly, it is a miracle that a videotape works at all. And once you see this, you'll never just jam a tape inside a machine again.)

Avoid, if at all possible, using any cleaning tapes. The best thing to try and clean tape heads without getting into the machine is to take a brand new videotape and play it in the machine for about 30 minutes, and then record for about 30 minutes to see if you can dislodge any debris. Try fast forwarding in play mode with a new tape to see if that helps as well.

If you must use a cleaning tape, the dry ones are preferred, NOT any of the wet ones. But use them very infrequently, if at all.

To avoid fouling heads, I recommend that all tapes be throughly inspected before putting into a tape deck...mold is a common problem in many climates and if it is present on your tape, you'll foul your tape heads right away. If you are careful about what you put in your deck, your heads should not have to be cleaned very often. I have many tape decks (including several high end Betamaxes!) and rarely find a need to clean them unless I make a mistake and put a bad tape in.

Take care of your deck and it will take care of you.