Digital Video Stabilizer

Started copying my VHS collection to DVD and ran into a few that gave me trouble. I'd begin playing the tape in the VCR, hit Record on the Sony DVD Recorder, and it would begin recording, but it'd stop after a few seconds with a message regarding copyright. So I looked around online for a bit, found some forums touting expensive units ($100-$200) and then found this one for quite a bit less. After reading the rather lengthy and technical review someone else posted, I decided to buy it. And I'm glad I did. Seems to be working fine - I had no issues with loose batteries, etc, just plugged it in and began recording. Piece of cake.It did come with a FAQ sheet that I don't remember reading online anywhere that states the unit will Not work for TV channels such as SAT/Cable Receivers, STB. PVR, DVR, or TiVo, and will Not work to record from DVD to DVD. The device works with analog signals only (such as VHS).So, it's great for Copyguard protected VHS to DVD

The product works as described. I did note have a few concerns, as follows.The product arrived with a 9v battery installed; however, this battery proved to be dead. After replacing the battery with a new one, it worked fine. Note, I needed to fetch a properly-sized "Pozidriv" bit in order to loosen the four cover mounting screws; they were so tight that a normal Phillips bit just slipped.The instruction sheet claims a 2000-hour battery life. There is no on/off switch so it's quite possible that this means 2000 hours of wall-clock time per installed battery. Perhaps the stabilizer circuit has a "stand-by" mode though that would be somewhat surprising to me. I will disconnect the battery when storing the unit.The unit has a 9v DC input jack, however the polarity is the reverse of the usual. That is, this DC input calls for negative on the center conductor (like the way-old Sony convention before they switched to the positive-center convention used by most other manufacturers). Perhaps this reflects the aged design pedigree of this unit. In any case, please take note.

I was completely impressed was able to take vhs tapes that when I tried to copy said "can not copy" as soon as I plug this up had no problems. It also worked with dvds. One note you may want to get a spare 9 volt battery after a full day of use needed to replace but it was quick and easy. product is built very well and is a lot better then the more expensive plastic ones. would recommend

I've only had this one day. I will update if anything changes in my review.I was able to backup an old VHS movie that my DVD recorder refused to backup before. There was a noticeable reduction in picture quality with blurring, brightness, and contrast issues.Based on other reviews, I popped it open and checked the battery and any internal component issues. The battery was fine (even though it is not an alkaline battery). Everything seemed fine inside.I only gave it four stars because it came with a non-alkaline battery, you have to take it apart to replace the battery, it doesn't include a power supply (even though there is a jack to connect one), and picture quality reduction.

I've used this stabilizer to make a number of VHS-to-DVD-R copies from a range of copy-protected video cassettes. All of them have transferred without fuss or muss, and while I can't say that the video quality is noticeably better, it certainly isn't any softer and the copies were complete successes.I opened the case before plugging it in, checking that none of the electronics had been damaged and testing the battery -- as another reviewer recommended. Everything was fine! The device seems solidly-built and has worked without a problem for weeks.

Product included a small diagram to show hookup, but no written instructions which would have make hookup easier. I was using this product to backup my old VHS tapes on DVDs. I used it for hours for several days straight and was happy with the results for the most part. The main problem I found was that there is no way to know when the battery is dead. There were a couple of times that I thought I was transfering a tape when my battery was too weak to preform. Although the product sold at a good price, I would rather have paid a little more to have an electrical unit.

I purchased this video stabilizer to transfer my VHS tapes to DVD. This device does not come with a power cord. I thought the battery was dead so I opened it up. Inside is a 9 volt battery stuck to the inside of the metal case with double sided sticky tape. Needless to say the battery is not easily removed. Also the new battery has to be taped to the inside of the case because there is no other way to secure it. I tried to transfer my tapes and the device doesn't work. My tapes are from the 80's. I purchase a different Video Stabilizer for $135.00 and it works great. Do not waste your time or money with this piece of junk.

this has been 'almost' great to transfer my vhs tapes to dvd. Even with using a vcr/dvd combo, it has been really good. BUT!!! and i dont know if this is because of the stabilizer, but TWO of my older vcrs stopped working correctly. Non playable now. Hmmmm. Anyway, it finally could not get passed the copyright protection on ONE of my latest VHS tapes (3 blank/bad discs dvd's are now in the trash. your dvd's WILL get jammed if you try to record a copyrighted vhs. i have to unplug my whole recorder, then restart). So it's not perfect, but waaaay cheaper than a time based corrector (i will be giving my music video buddy a call. he has one :) ). I retried one of my older vcr's and it seems to be working normal! but now, my other vcr/dvd combo won't play any videos with stereo sound/audio. hmmmm..but i will check into the audio setting on the player first before i start saying anything else bad about this video stabilizer. too many weird things happening so far. it used to bypass all the copyright protection but now all it does is show the video but shows 'the video you are trying to record is copyrighted'..darn.