General Interest Topics

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Some Frequently Asked Questions:

Why can't I copy my old movies on VHS tapes to DVD's?

If you're asking that question, it may be because you've tried it. If you have any equipment in the process that is newer than about 7 years old, it will refuse, giving you nasty messages about the evils of trying to copy Protected content. Welcome to the new Digital Millennia. In this epoch, thanks largely to the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) you are pretty much guilty until proven innocent, and since there is no way to prove your innocence; face it: you're guilty. Various increasingly elaborate mechanisms have been put in place during this decade to prevent evil pirates from stealing copyrighted video and music content. There are many who believe that those efforts have gone way too far and have become far too intrusive upon the rights of those who legitimately buy media containing the content. For example, in some extreme cases, you can buy a movie and download it on your computer, but you are prohibited from burning it on a DVD to play on the big set in your family room. In some cases, you may be prevented from sending it over your home computer network to that other device. In both cases, you are assumed to be conducting illegal piracy activities, when in fact you just want to see the flick you paid to see on a bigger screen.

Getting back to the question, you can't copy old VHS movies because they have an old (but effective) copy protection called "Macrovision" embedded in the analog video signal. In short, Macrovision can be removed, but we will not be revealing THAT secret here, because we don't feel like making the RIAA mad.

So... if I learn how to use my computer to edit the tapes I shoot on my camcorder, I'll end up with great videos, right?

Maybe. In order to "end up with great videos", you have to start with good photography and sound. There is no way to get around the fact that you have to learn how to hold the camera steady and how to point it in the right direction. You are taking digital photographs, and photographs are made of light. Regardless of whether your camera claims to be able to shoot in near total darkness, your shots are going to be better if there is enough light. Shot composition has to be learned and practiced. There is no magic electronic chip that can create composition and lighting and choose your shots for you. The newest camcorders include clever computer technology to try to steady your shaky shots and automatically bring out detail when you point the computer at something you shouldn't. Real videographers turn that stuff off and learn how to use the camera correctly.