In order to copy ANY videotape and get a quality copy, you need:
Any 2 VCRs (can be different type, # of heads, etc.) with Audio/Video connections.
1 Set of dual (Audio/Video) RCA Dubbing Cables (from Radio Shack, KMart, etc.). The G0LD-Plated type are recommended for best picture/audio quality (especially if you have gold-plated audio/video ports on your VCR or TV), but 'Regular' cables are OK.
If you want to correct the copy protection image flaws, you also need: 1 RXII Digital Video Stabilizer, and 2 RCA Video Cables. NOTE: On some VCRs, instead of using RCA Audio/Video dub cables, you can simply connect the 2 VCRs with a single F-type 'cable' connector, (from the cable OUT port on the 'playing' VCR to the cable IN port on the 'recording' VCR) but picture and sound quality may suffer slightly... and you won't be able to defeat Copyguards.
'IDIOT-PROOF' COPYING INSTRUCTIONS (2 VCRS):
(When Copyguard is NOT Present)
1. Decide which VCR will be the PLAYER (the one you'll put the original tape in). The other will be the RECORDER with a blank tape. If you are easily confused, mark them with a piece of masking tape.
2. Connect one end the dubbing cables to the "OUT" ports (1 Audio, 1 Video) on the PLAYER VCR.
3. Connect the other 2 ends to the "IN" ports on the RECORDER VCR. You are now ready to record!
You know the rest, right? OK, if you want the step-by-step:
1. OPTIONAL/RECOMMENDED: If you want to see what you are recording, run the CABLE connector with 2 'F' ends from the CABLE OUT port on the PLAYER VCR to the CABLE IN port on the TV. OR, if your VCR has two sets of A/V jacks, use another set of audio/video cables to connect from the PLAYER VCR to your TV (if your TV has A/V jacks). Usually, you can
instead attach the RECORDER VCRs output to the TV in the same manner if you desire.
2. Power up both VCRs, and make sure the tracking control (if not automatic) is centered or set normally on both VCRs.
3. Insert a blank tape in the RECORDER VCR. Rewind if necessary.
4. Insert rewound original tape into PLAYER VCR. If tape does not start automatically, press PLAY. Make a note of what speed the original tape is playing at, then press STOP. Most purchased or rented tapes play at '2 hour' or 'SP' speed:
SP = SLOW play = Best Image (2 hrs on a typical tape)
LP = LONG play = Better Image (4 hrs on a typical tape)
EP or SLP = EXTENDED play = Acceptable Image (6 hrs on a typical tape)
5.Now set the speed on the RECORDER VCR at the SAME or SLOWER speed for best results (i.e., SP or LP are better than EP)
6.Press PLAY on the PLAYER VCR. Then press RECORD on the RECORDER VCR. You are now copying !
When Copyguard is present, you need the RXII DIGITAL VIDEO STABILIZER:
Make sure you have a known good 9V battery in the RXII. Connect the RCA dubbing cables and extra RCA Video cable as pictured on the RXII device. (i.e., as instructed above, but place the
RXII in-line in between the VIDEO ports of the 2 VCRs so it can grab and correct the video signal). Record as above. The RXII Digital Video Stabilizer operation is totally automatic.
View the hook-up diagram here if you wish, especially if you are using an old TV without A/V jacks.
NOW CHECK YOUR WORK:
1. Once copying has begun, watch the TV image or watch the clock for about a minute. Stop both VCRs. REWIND both tapes, then EJECT both.
2.Place the tape you were recording on into the PLAYER VCR and press PLAY.
3.If image quality is acceptable on this copy, place it back in the RECORDER VCR and REWIND it. Place the original back in the PLAYER VCR and restart copying procedure.
PROBLEMS
(1) I got a good picture, but no sound (or vice versa)
Make sure the connections are tight. If the dubbing cables are known to be good, you may have a bad audio port on at least one component.
(2) It recorded what was on TV, not from the video tape!
Do any of the following: (1) Unplug the cable line from the wall/floor plate if feasible. (2) Unplug the cable from the back of the VCR. (3) If using an antenna or satellite dish, make sure they are not connected to the VCRs. (4) If you don't want to unplug your cable or antenna, play with the VCR/TV button on your PLAYING VCR to make sure it is playing an image from the right source.
(3) The picture is almost perfect, but I still get a small line or some color shifting in the picture.
Some brands of VCRs may emit a frequency which will cause the RXII to improperly operate. If color shifting or poor picture quality persist, take the following steps:
1. Open up battery compartment. Make sure you have a fresh 9 volt alkaline battery.
2. On the left side of the circuit board you'll see a small round silver wheel (usually marked ''100K''). This is the potentiomenter, which will adjust the frequency of the RXII to the frequency of your VCR.
3. Take a small flathead screwdriver and turn the potentiometer between 20-40 degrees clockwise. Replace battery cover and test to see if picture has improved.
4. If picture still not improved, turn potentiometer counterclockwise 20-40 degrees. Reseal cover and run a new test.
(4) I didn't get any picture (or got a very poor picture) on the tape I recorded on
*Refer to Answer #3*
Make sure your TV is tuned to the same channel (usually either 3 or 4) as is selected on the small switch on the PLAYING VCR.
Check all your audio/video connections again, or go through them with a friend (it's easy to reverse the audio and video by mistake).
Make sure both your blank tape is of good quality (we recommend brands like Maxell or Sony, NOT store brands). Do not attempt to copy a tape that is damaged, dirty, 'skipping' or making noises, etc. If your VCR(s) need cleaning, buy a quality wet/dry cleaner, or have them professionally cleaned... or clean them yourself.
On some VCRs, you may have to press the VCR/TV button sure it is playing (or recording) from the right source (this is usually only a problem if you still have your cable or satellite line plugged into the PLAYING VCR's CABLE IN port. Check tracking and tape speed settings! Some VCRs don't compensate well if not set at the same speeds.
Try a different set of RCA dub cables (it is likely a friend or neighbor has some), just in case you have a bad pair. The GOLD plated kind are more expensive, but sometimes give a much improved picture. You may also want to remove the RCA dub cables and try copying with a single 'F'-type cable connector to make sure you don't have bad RCA cables, or a bad audio or video port.
If the PLAYING VCR is not sending out a strong enough video signal, you may need to either: 1) switch VCRs 2) try GOLD cables, or 3) buy a 10db line amplifier (RadioShack, usually about $20) to boost the video signal.
Finally, try swapping VCRs or trying a friend's VCR (or TV) to rule out problems with your equipment.
If you still experience video (but not audio) quality problems, it is very likely the tape you are trying to copy has an embedded copy protection scheme, such as Macrovision. You'll need the RXII Digital Video Stabilizer in order to make a copy.
(5) I'm using the RXII unit, but the picture quality is only slightly improved, or not improved at all. The picture still rolls or has dark areas.
*Refer to Answer #3*
All RXII's are factory tested before being shipped, so it is very unlikely there is a problem with this solid-state digital device. If you are SURE your cables are good (we recommend GOLD plated) and are connected properly and don't get a good copy, try another 9V battery. If this does not work, try switching VCRs or borrowing a friend's VCR. (There are a few brands of VCRs and TVs that have trouble playing copies of tapes tapes even with corrective devices, for example Sony VCRs). If still no results, it is possible that you have one of the 5-10% of copy-protected tapes that uses a embedded system that is notrecognized by the RX-II. Sometimes, adjusting the horizontal or hold control on your TV may help filter out some copy-protection elements.
For Further Assistance, Please Call Our Technical Assistance, not our Sales 800# at 973-808-5111
