[Legally] Ripping HD DVDs?

Is it possible to rip HD DVDs and store them on a hard drive? I think the only real option would be the XBOX 360 HD DVD add-on, which can be used on a PC.


I'm going build an HTPC as soon as my projector is finished and I would like to be able to store my movies on it.

[Post edited by Fumbled_Revolution on May 18, 2008]

Hey FR... well, have you bought all of the HD DVDs you intend to 'rip' - ? Event then, is it legal where you live? Have you received AUTHORIZATION to make a 'copy'?

Remember, every DVD, HD-DVD, Blu-ray has a forced-view FBI warning before the program starts. We've discussed this issue a few times here over the past few years, like on THIS THREAD - scroll down and see the links I gave to the Digital Millenium Copyright Act etc.



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-JIMI McLovin (the Voodoo Child)

I'm not looking to copy them, I just want to have all my movies saved on my HTPC (once it's completed) so anyone can watch them from any computer on my home network. This is also going to help me once I get my backyard screen completed (I'm also a member at BackYardTheater.com). With all my movies on my PC, I won't have to take my STB, 360 or PS3 and the movie outside... all I'll need it my PC.

Is it illegal to have backup copies of movies I have purchased on my computer?

If you are making a DIGITAL copy in some form (even for backup of a disc you purchased), well, I believe that's now illegal under the newer laws (DMCA etc).

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-JIMI McLovin (the Voodoo Child)

You've got to me kidding me! I can't even backup my own property anymore???

You can only make a 'back up digital' copy -IF- you have 'authorization', and/or if it's legal in your country. This is to protect the copyright holder from uncontrolled copies being made (AND PERHAPS DISTRIBUTED).

So, do you specifically have the authorization to make digital back-up copies of HD DVDs, Blu-ray, DVDs, etc...? If not, then it's technically illegal, although the equipment/software exists to do so, if one desires. Please consult your lawyer.

> DMCA - all the info you need

> DRM - Digital Rights Management

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-JIMI McLovin (the Voodoo Child)

[Post edited by Love Hendrix! on May 18, 2008]

http://www.slysoft.com/en/anydvdhd.html

[Post edited by BruceAmes on May 18, 2008]

Then why does Die Hard 4 come with a digital copy you can put on your computer? Seems odd they'd break the rules that the DMCA put in place to protect them.

EDIT: What about people that own an iPod or Zune where one of its sole functions is to COPY digital media? If we are not allowed to COPY anything we own, then why can we do it in the first place via our iPods or Zunes? Not to mention, wouldn't this put Microsoft and Apple in a leagilty issue since their software allows us to do so? In fact, Windows media player lets me ripp any CD I own, thus making a COPY onto my hard-drive. Wouldn't this put Microsoft and Apple in as much guilt as the guy copying the media since they are doing nothing to protect the artists from anyone copying the media to a storage device in the first place? Sounds to me like there are a few loopholes in the DMCAs rules than one is led to believe.

[Post edited by Tim Raynor on May 19, 2008]

Tim, if you remove the DRM on that "digital copy" then you would be breaking the law. Same with music bought from iTunes. Like you, when I first heard of these "digital copy" features, I was thinking "finally - studios are getting less restrictive with DRM and including an unprotected SD copy of their movie along with the Blu-ray we paid for!". Unfortunately, this isn't the case.

This mess will only get worse when downloading eventually becomes more popular.

Quote:
Windows media player lets me ripp any CD I own, thus making a COPY onto my hard-drive.

WMP only lets you rip and copy CDs without DRM or other protection - thus complying with the DMCA.

Edit: I would add that even creating or authoring software to remove DRM in order to copy HD DVDs (for example) is illegal in the USA and many other countries.

[Post edited by Skyhawk on May 19, 2008]