DVD to disk?

[Keith_Haw]

I don't know if it's possible without a lot of hassle but, is there a way to load some of my DVD's I have at home onto a external hard drive or something? I'd like to be able to take some of my movies from home with us on the road

[Keith_Haw]

Ok, so "legally" I cannot make copies of my own DVD's that I bought even if it's just for my own pleasure. But as long as I record it off the satellite it's ok. Why doesn't that surprise me?

[1775]

Keith Haw wrote:
I understand the law, I think, but that brings up another question. Why then is it legal to record via DVR? Isn't that doing basically the same thing?

The networks have gone out of their way to make DVR recordings of broadcasts not worth saving beyond a time shift viewing - putting animations across the bottom of the screen, placing logos in the corners, etc. And other than cable/satellite company DVR featured channel boxes, there are few DVD DVRs available any longer.

[1492]

It's different because its considered time shifting, similar to a VCR.

[Keith_Haw]

I understand the law, I think, but that brings up another question. Why then is it legal to record via DVR? Isn't that doing basically the same thing?

[fj12ryder]

It's certainly up to you if you want to break the law, but people that aren't aware of the issues need to be made aware of them. What they do then is up to them.

[ReadyToGo]

I don't care what the law is or what DRM is. DVDs go bad and cause skips, even sometimes brand new ones. All my DVDs get copied to disk as a back up.I then watch those versions instead of the DVD. I have 4 different programs that are easily findable on the internet to do the copy. Since we cannot post the names here, just do a search for free video copy programs. In fact I am leaving after this post to watch a movie.

[1492]

Nope, but I do believe that some watch dog groups are trying to introduce legislation to clarify the issue. Cause for now, its a mess to say the least?

[mileshuff]

1492 wrote:
Please avoid posting specific DVD CSS "ripping" utilities due to DMCA provisions prohibiting circumvention of copy protection, even if the DVD has been purchased.

In the 1980's the supreme court ruled that it is legal to make copies of any media for personal backup purposes. This was in regards to a case involving software that could make copies of protected programs but applied to any form of media. More recently laws have been passed regarding music and movie copying making it illegal. But this conflicts with the supreme court ruling. Would like to know if this has ever been resolved in the courts.

[dnakaseF150EB]

Click

[1492]

The DMCA circumvention of DRM copy protection issue creates somewhat of a conundrum concerning making personal copies of DVD movies. Ironic, as key representatives of the music and movie industries, even members of Congress, have apparently indicated it legal to make backup copies of purchased CDs and DVDs. However, the sticking point is the DMCA circumvention provision considering CSS is used in most all commercial DVDs. So not legal except in a few cases related to academic uses.

If that's not enough of a quagmire, the Copyright Office in its triennial review of exceptions published not too long ago, rejected "ripping" as being fair use as it involves space shifting. By transferring a DVD to hard drive, or converting to a format playable by a mobile device.

Manufacturing or distributing software that circumvents CSS is also technically not legal, though makers of these apps typically get around this by placing their operations overseas. However, it is apparently not illegal to personally own or use such apps. Especially, since they would be necessary for use in situations where DMCA exemptions would apply.

[Campfire_Time]

1492 wrote:
Please avoid posting specific DVD CSS "ripping" utilities due to DMCA provisions prohibiting circumvention of copy protection, even if the DVD has been purchased.

Good call. DVD ripping is an odd anomaly. Legally you can make a "backup copy" as part of fair use. Everyone's been doing it for years with music. Even the RIAA stopped fighting that. But most DVD/BluRays have DRM. And DRM is NOT legal to crack, even for personal use. So the short answer is that for all practical purposes it is not legal to rip a DVD/BluRay.

[Keith_Haw]

Thanks for the fast replies. All the movies I will be coping I own the DVD, just want a simpler and more compact way to take some along.

[1492]

Please avoid posting specific DVD CSS "ripping" utilities due to DMCA provisions prohibiting circumvention of copy protection, even if the DVD has been purchased.

[1775]

DVDShrinker does a good job and will copy with or without compression and lets you leave out extras on the disk. It is fast and you will have files that can be copied to a USB hard drive to play through a USB connection on a compatible TV or box connected to the TV. As long as you are using the copies for personal use and you own the disk you are copying it is legal. The software is free and can be downloaded.