Getting usable HD input/output with D-VHS without a computer?

[KentTeffeteller]

What part of HDCP, (High Definition Content Protection) don't you understand? Which is also mandated with HDMI.

[Electronic M]

Originally Posted by KentTeffeteller

What part of HDCP, (High Definition Content Protection) don't you understand? Which is also mandated with HDMI.

I understand it just fine... Possibly better than you. And I can assure you this isn't an HDCP issue. I regularly record HDMI with an " HDML cloner box" I bought off Amazon. It won't record HDCP protected content connected directly to it...So I use a HDMI splitter (1 input, 2 output) that removes HDCP in series with it's input to enable the HDML box to record HDCP protected content.

I used that same HDMI splitter that strips HDCP to feed the grass valley box so there's no problem with HDCP.

HDCP is not mandated with HDMI. The HDMI signal standard is based off the NON-HDCP capable DVI standard and all devices that can take an HDMI input can accept a DVI input with a dumb adapter cable that maps the pins from one connector to the other...I have used such an adapter with an ancient graphics card that predated HDMI and it worked great.
Additionally HDCP is not like 80s macro vision where if it exists you can't record (without stripping it) there's 3 HDCP flags that tell recorders what they can and can't do. Those flags are: copy always, copy once (recorder will change that flag to copy never), and copy never.
HDCP was cracked ages ago and there's lots of ways around it...It's more of a joke than macrovision.

Also FireWire is it's own format and had its own HDCP which I know isn't present on the grass valley box FireWire output either....How do I know?...on the rare occasion I get to borrow my parents cable box with FireWire output I've tried to record off of it. Commercials it will let me record and play back, but actual TV programs have FireWire HDCP. FireWire HDCP when active will make the VCR blank out all video output on recording and playback and display the message " Error 102/202 HDCP protected content cannot record/playback".
The grass valley box doesn't throw that error so it doesn't have HDCP...heck it's manual even mentions that your not to hold them responsible for your copyright infringement.