The Plextor ConvertX -- Copyright Trouble

[CSC2100]

I just got my ConvertX, mainly for the purpose of backing up my old VHS movies and DVDs on my PC in the DivX format.

However, I got the 401 and not the 402. It is giving me trouble about how the materials that I am trying to capture are copyrighted and that it won't let me proceed with the capture. Is there any way around this? I know that Plextor seemed to think that I would have a slightly better success rate with the 402, but if I can do it cheat it somehow on the 401, that is what I would prefer to do.

Does anyone know if it is any better on the 402? Please help me anyone!

:confused: :confused: :confused: :confused:

[CSC2100]

I have noticed that nobody has responded at all to this thread. I just wanted to give an update. I did return the 401, but before I purchase the 402, I want to know that it will work for what I want to do. So if anyone could tell me anything, I would really appreciate it!

Thanks!

[avih]

you can convert dvd using any dvd drive (probably) using the tools (read the guides) on this site.

backing up vhs tapes can be done with a $20 video capture card (and a video player ;) ). and some capture app (i.e. vdub +avisynth)

all using freely available tools. i didn't quite get your question... :/

[jggimi]

The Plextor ConvertX product appears to be an outboard capture device. These types of devices can have advantages over a less expensive PCI card. While I've not ever used one, I can think of several advantages: Outboard real time processing rather than using the PC's CPU may avoid or reduce dropped frames May eliminate post-processing encoding Eliminate or reduce RFI interference from PC componentsA number of these products (such as the ADS Instant DVD) have been discussed in this forum in the past. Prior threads discussing the ConvertX are:

http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=54450
http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=63220
http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=64419
http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=64216
http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=68160

CSC2100's problem is apparently MacroVision (TM) protection. Unfortunately, searching the forum with both "MacroVision" and "ConvertX" did not locate any hits. Googling found a few, though: http://www.google.com/search?q=macrovision+convertx&sourceid=mozilla-search&start=0&start=0&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8

[timecop]

Clearly, a case of copyright violation.

Does ConvertX use that GO7007 MPEG2/4 capture chip?
It can only do CBR 6000kbps mpeg2 encodes, thats horrible even for a external USB box. I hope you aren't paying more than $100 for it, and don't expect any spectacular results.

And as far as copyright violation goes, hopefully you will notice that copying DVDs is illegal.

[jggimi]

Originally posted by timecop
...copying DVDs is illegal. This broad statement leads me to believe you continue to disagree with the concept of Fair Use. Diversity of opinion is fine, but the way you behave is not.

You were warned before about making inflammatory and ill informed comments, and other "flame baiting" activity. For one example regarding DVD backup, see your post and Doom9's reply in:

http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?s=&postid=462756#post462756

For your information, timecop, domestic content copyright laws vary from country to country. International protections (for imported and exported content) fall under individual country regulation by signatories to the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works.

That stated, let me clarify the public policies of Doom9's website and forum for you. I'd like to make sure you've had the opportunity to read these.

From http://www.doom9.org/disclaimer.htm:Piracy and Copyright

The maintainer of this site does not condone or endorse video piracy in any way. The function of this site is to simply provide information for people to backup their own purchased DVDs to VCD/SVCD/DVD±R/W/DivX/MPEG-4 (more suitable formats for archival purposes). In most countries copyright laws allow the original purchaser/owner to legally make one personal backup/copy for their own personal use. The owner would like to stress that it is illegal to backup/copy a movie that you do not own (i.e.. personally purchased). It is also illegal to backup/copy your own movie and give copies away. The legality of copying a movie for a friend (if he owns that particular movie) may also depend on your country's' legislation concerning that matter.From http://forum.doom9.org/forum-rules.htm:6) No warez, cracks, serials or illegally obtained copyrighted content! Links to content of a questionable nature, asking for, offering, or asking for help/helping to process such content in any way or form is not tolerated.From http://forum.doom9.org/announcement.php?s=&forumid=6:ATTENTION: Read this before posting! Especially on downloaded movies, or movies you do not own!

1. Due to situations that might arise in regard to the mentioning of downloaded files, whether legally or illegally obtained, and the negative attention that this might bring to the forum and the board in general, here is a set of do's and dont's for our members that have any queries or are facing problems regarding downloaded files.

2. No help will be provided in regards to downloaded files. We won't walk the extra mile to clarify the legality of your files. We believe that this is unproductive and the members shouldn't put Doom9’s Forum in this position. Yes, we know that there are plenty of perfectly legal downloadable movies available.....and there are also plenty of illegal, copyrighted ones. To keep us from having to decide which is which, we request that you not mention downloaded movies. Never. Also, don't mention any bootleg DVDs that you got from E-Bay or an Asian DVD/VCD Retailer, or anywhere else.

3. Any thread in which it may be interpreted that the writer has acquired the material in question through illegal channels will be closed immediately after an explanation is issued by a member of the Moderation Team.

4. No member may issue help on illegal files. Any individual post to an existing thread, that subsequently mentions such illegal files or offers help on illegal files, will be edited or deleted in order to maintain the integrity of the original thread.

5. We will and can help to the full extent on any other occasion.

6. In the same spirit, no help will be given on DVD movies that you do not own and are not making a legal backup of.

7. Do not ask for IFO or chapter files that, if you owned the DVD, you could easily get.

8. This board only supports conversion under "Fair Use, we do not support piracy or any insinuation of it.

9. Anyone that does not follow this rule could find themselves given a strike for violating Forum Rule 6, and keep in mind, a Rule 6 strike is worth 2 normal strikes and automatically puts you 2/3 of the way towards suspension.

[snn47]

ConvertX PX-M402U Hardware DivX Encoder (http://www.thenoisereport.com/modules.php?name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=14)

[Fugitive2]

Yes, the 402 version can capture Macrovision, without any
side-effects, you don't need to set anything,
It even captures PAL60 (i live in the Netherlands)
so i can transfer NTSC tapes this way perfectly, as much as
the 402 this allows.

For good captures you need to be strict, with some proceedures,
to get best performance though. otherwise the sync problem becomes too big.

[Fugitive2]

btw. It seems the 402 does "his job" better in NTSC, then in PAL....

[snn47]

@ Fugitive2
Tnx for the info, what is worse in PAL then in NTSC?

[Fugitive2]

Originally posted by snn47
@ Fugitive2
Tnx for the info, what is worse in PAL then in NTSC?

Video and audio sync...