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Here:

This one has a lot of fancy features for video processing, but no audio switching.

This one switches audio as well but it lacks support for DVI, and it doesn't convert digital analog on the audio. OTH it has 7 inputs...

Chuckle, cough, roll eyes.

As an earlier post stated, Macrovision is easily removed using one of the many video "stabilizers" out on the market.

Since there are several types of Macrovision protection (at least two types for DVD-Video, as well as other types for VHS tapes and even CD-ROM), it's important that you ensure that the stabilizer you're buying is appropriate for the device/format that you're going to be using it with.

When I bought my DVD player last year, I was incensed that I could not hook it up through my VCR (I hook up everything through my VCR, because I like the convenience of its A/V selection controls.) After doing some research on the Net, I decided to play it safe and get the most feature-rich (and expensive) box on the market. I thus chose SCC ColorCorrector Pro Series from Sima Corporation. It retails for $169.99, but I was able to get a great deal from cameraworld.com: $99, with no tax and free shipping (within the US only, I think).

I absolutely love the SCC. Not only does it perfectly strip Macrovision protection from everything I've thrown at it (both DVD-Video discs and VHS tapes), but it provides an array of controls for tweaking the video signal to your liking. This is great for improving contrast and color balance on video coming from a marginal source. It even supports S-video connectors to ensure minimal signal degradation (FWIW, I don't notice any degradation, and I'm pretty picky.).

Disclaimer: I don't work for either Sima or cameraworld.com, but I just thought I'd pass on this tip to those interested in defeating that infernal Macrovision protection once and for good.

As an earlier post stated, Macrovision is easily removed using one of the many video "stabilizers" out on the market.

Since there are several types of Macrovision protection (at least two types for DVD-Video, as well as other types for VHS tapes and even CD-ROM), it's important that you ensure that the stabilizer you're buying is appropriate for the device/format that you're going to be using it with.

When I bought my DVD player last year, I was incensed that I could not hook it up through my VCR (I hook up everything through my VCR, because I like the convenience of its A/V selection controls.) After doing some research on the Net, I decided to play it safe and get the most feature-rich (and expensive) box on the market. I thus chose SCC ColorCorrector Pro Series from Sima Corporation. It retails for $169.99, but I was able to get a great deal from cameraworld.com: $99, with no tax and free shipping (within the US only, I think).

I absolutely love the SCC. Not only does it perfectly strip Macrovision protection from everything I've thrown at it (both DVD-Video discs and VHS tapes), but it provides an array of controls for tweaking the video signal to your liking. This is great for improving contrast and color balance on video coming from a marginal source. It even supports S-video connectors to ensure minimal signal degradation (FWIW, I don't notice any degradation, and I'm pretty picky.).

Disclaimer: I don't work for either Sima or cameraworld.com, but I just thought I'd pass on this tip to those interested in defeating that infernal Macrovision protection once and for good.

It's called Macrovision and it's still in use today --- a nastier version is in use in DVDs. As for the 'descramblers' they are still around, check at SIMA.
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I can hardly wait for the MPAA to try to go after a legitimate site (sorry, I don't think 2600 counts) or company. For example, VA Linux Systems hosts DiBona.com, which posts a copy of the DeCSS code, yet oddly enough VA hasn't been a defendant yet. Who cares about VA taking over SGI? I'd rather see them sue the pants off the MPAA; maybe they'd give up Disney to settle ;-).

While they're at it, I'd like to see them sue Sima, who market this neat little gadget that defeats Macrovision I and II (save cash by getting it from these guys). It also cleans up the picture my DVD player puts out (tip: use the S-Video inputs whether or not you use S-Video for output; this stops you from using the bypass switch if you use the composite out, but that's a small sacrifice). Let's all watch the MPAA get laughed straight out of court when they go after people who have nothing to do with the WaReZ culture...

(I'd also like them to sue someone who's running for Congress and who's posted several links that apparently violate the DMCA. Bring it on, MPAA; I could use the free publicity...)

I can hardly wait for the MPAA to try to go after a legitimate site (sorry, I don't think 2600 counts) or company. For example, VA Linux Systems hosts DiBona.com, which posts a copy of the DeCSS code, yet oddly enough VA hasn't been a defendant yet. Who cares about VA taking over SGI? I'd rather see them sue the pants off the MPAA; maybe they'd give up Disney to settle ;-).

While they're at it, I'd like to see them sue Sima, who market this neat little gadget that defeats Macrovision I and II (save cash by getting it from these guys). It also cleans up the picture my DVD player puts out (tip: use the S-Video inputs whether or not you use S-Video for output; this stops you from using the bypass switch if you use the composite out, but that's a small sacrifice). Let's all watch the MPAA get laughed straight out of court when they go after people who have nothing to do with the WaReZ culture...

(I'd also like them to sue someone who's running for Congress and who's posted several links that apparently violate the DMCA. Bring it on, MPAA; I could use the free publicity...)

Macrovision copy protection is easily defeated using a "stabilizer" box. There are many of them out there, but the one I can vouch for is the Sima Color Corrector. Not only does it perfectly disable Macrovision protection on all the DVD-Video discs and VHS tapes I've ever tried it on, it also has an array of useful image adjustment controls.

The only downsides I can think of are:

1. It supports only composite video (not S-video).

2. It's expensive ($179.99 list price).

I bought mine from Cameraworld.com for $99.99, with free shipping within the US.