Well the actual cause is due to Macrovision being enabled in the DVD player itself, not the VCR. Like the VCR the Macrovision prevents one from recording from the DVD player. Unfortunately it means you can’t connect the DVD player to an old TV via a VCR. There are a number of players out there that either already have Macrovision disabled, can be disabled via finding a “secret” factory page, accessed through a specific sequence, or lastly can be disabled by flashing a players EPROM with modified firmware that will work around the Macrovision, these will also often include region free modifications.
It’s been a while since I’ve looked for such a player so can’t tell you which would be a good one currently but I have both a Malata and a cheaper Norcent DP-300 ( the DP-300 was < $70.00 last Christmas, excellent value…). I don’t know if there are any current Norcent DP-300 that can be made region / Macrovision free. Apex is also another brand that has often been region/macro free.
Do a search for region free or code free players. Often there’s even sites that sell modified players, virtually any kind, ( that have been “chipped” ) as well. I’ve never tried these and only have experience with the two above that were “discovered” to have these abilities… You’ll actually find it’s the cheaper players that often can be made region / macro free.
Here’s some good sites……..
http://www.nerd-out.com/darrenk/
http://www.nerd-out.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=17
http://www.nerd-out.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=35
http://www.regionfreedvd.net/
Good luck, Jag
