DVD/HDD recorder problem

[RogerS]

I purchased an Ellion DVR-960E about two months ago and I have not yet managed to make a recording.
It sounds irrational, but it has worked a few times when testing but not when I actually want to record something!
If I press AV IN on the remote and select an input, the message in the top left says AV SCART PROTECT. If I try to record from this input, the message says MACROVISION PROTECT Can’t set archive point.
Needless to say it does not record anything live or when the timer is set.

In addition, when the timer is set, I am unable to view any programmes until the timer starts.

Can anyone suggest a reason for these messages?

[Mickha]

What are you attempting to record from?
It sounds like you're trying to record copyrighted material, or the recorder is making a mistake.

[RogerS]

I am trying to record programmes from a satelite receiver.

[Mickha]

Sorry but we need to know the make/model of the satellite receiver and the channels you're trying to record, are they FTA or subscription channels?

[RogerS]

It is a Sky digibox with subscription channels. All channels which I used to record on the old VHS recorder, will not now record on the new HDD recorder.
It is connected very simply with a Scart from Digibox to HDD Recorder and a Scart from there to the TV.

[Mickha]

I've never had Sky so I can't tell you if the problem is with Sky stopping you recording externally or with your DVD recorder.
Try recording a FTA, Free to Air channel, like BBC 1, if that records then you know that the problem lies with copyright protection.
Check if there are any firmware upgrades, for your DVD recorder, on the manufacturers website, and check the FAQ section as this problem has probably been discussed before.
There is a scart available that decrypts some macrovision protection, this was used for copying old VHS tapes, but I don't know if this will resolve this problem.

[RogerS]

Thanks Mickha, I will try your suggestions and let you know the result.
I have sent an email to Ellion support, but according to Forums, they are not the best at replying. Also, I do have the Scart you refer to, for copying protected tapes on my old recorder, so will give that a try.

[RogerS]

I had delayed replying because I wanted to be sure that the equipment was working properly. The HDD recorder is currently behaving itself and I have successfully recorded several programmes. The 'Copy Protect' message is no longer visible.
The problem is, I do not know what I have done to cure the problem! I hadn't got round to trying the above suggestions, so I think I have changed a setting within the recorder itself. Hopefully, all is now OK.

[RayB]

Were you trying to copy "box office" events? These carry MacroVision protection but normal subscription channels (including movies and sport) don't.

[RogerS]

My subscription does not cover movies and with no telephone connection I am unable to order box office films. These programmes are all on channels that I used to record on a VHS recorder, such as ITV, Ch4, Ch5 etc.
The 'Copy Protect' banner has now disappeared, so hopefully it was just a glitch in the HDD recorder.