Can I use software like Directors Cut to copy movies from VHS tape to DVD?
It is OK to use software like Directors Cut to remove the copyright protection from a VHS tape. However, you must also make sure that you are allowed to format shift the film from VHS to DVD. Director’s Cut software captures videos from a VHS tape which is an analogue source, and converts it into digital format. There is no contravention of an access control technology in this instance as most VHS tapes are protected by Macrovision, which is not an access control technology. See the warning above in relation to format shifting commercially available films. For more information on format shifting, see information sheet “Format Shifting and the Copyright Amendment Act 2006 – What Am I Allowed to Do?”. • I’ve heard that I’m allowed to format shift in certain cases. What if the tape or disc is protected by a copyright protection technology? You are never allowed to circumvent an access control technology to make a format shift copy of a film or CD. You are allowed to circumvent a copy cont
