Can "pirates" easily digitize video outputs?

Video Asylum

TVs, VCRs, DVD players, Home Theater systems and more.

I'm trying to figure out just how much value the studios and h/w manufacturers place on keeping the decoded digital datastream inside the box, and having the usual S-video, component, or composite video output interfaces on the outside.
With audio, anyone with a high-quality ADC could take output from the SACD or DVD-A players and still get a good rendering. However, I don't know that this is possible with video outputs. Would someone trying to digitize the video outputs be able to re-construct a [digital] file that is worth anyone's time watching? Or would such a practice relegate the pirated copy to low-quality status (still probably more than good enough for people who apparently enjoy watching bootlegged video made from clandestine hand-held cameras inside theaters...) I asked Dan Wright (who does mods for DVD players, and I'm very happy with mine, btw) and he said he thinks it would be very difficult to 'ADC' the standard video outputs, but that he also didn't know for sure.
Anyone who knows the technical ins and outs want to comment?
Thanks --
Mike

This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:

Atma-Sphere Music Systems, Inc.

Topic - Can "pirates" easily digitize video outputs? - High-end Dreamer 10:52:19 06/15/02 (4)

Re: Can "pirates" easily digitize video outputs? - Adriel 00:58:42 06/20/02 (0)

Re: Can "pirates" easily digitize video outputs? - House de Kris 08:13:56 06/17/02 (2)

Re: Can "pirates" easily digitize video outputs? - Homer 19:38:22 07/30/02 (0)

thanks - - High-end Dreamer 17:32:34 06/17/02 (0)

You can not post to an archived thread.