Backup dvd , vhs tape , clone dvd , time shifted broadcast programs ,film or documenteries from vergin media, freeview, sky plus + box  this site offers information and advise on software  and  hardware solutions . Macrovision copy protection has been used since the early 80's first on vhs media and of late dvd and broadcast programs. A flag system, CGMS is generated in the vertical blanking period of an analog transmition so controlling the hardware allowing a restricted record instruction for the copy protected media. A common problem is the accuracy of interpritation of these signals which occasionally prevents legitimate time shift recording. Disrupted or degraded picture quality can prevent  legitimate viewing of some material on monitors, plasma tv and some lcd tv  viewing as the macrovision signal confuses the video automatic gain control circuits (agc).  One hardware solution is to connect a device between the signal source and the recording device which uses the vertical blanking period for other purposes. This has been used and to some extent still is for subtitle information to assist the hard of hearing or to insert other information called caption signals . The old Teletext and Cfax broadcasts used the VBI for this before being used for Macrovision copy protection. Hardware devices that work on this principle are the VICE1000 and the ISPRO scart cable from   www.ktvision.com .