Copy Protected Dvd Movies Are Able To Be Cloned For Personal Use

2008-09-16 Word Count: 677 Category: Software

Ever wondered what will happen when your kids� favorite DVD wears out? You know the one I mean, the movie or story episode that they watch again and again and again and again. The obvious response is you�ll have to go out and buy a new copy. What if it isn�t available? For that matter, what if you�re favorite movie on DVD gets damaged or scratched and you can�t find another copy for sale?

How? You purchase decrypting software, copy the movie to the hard drive of you computer and strip the unnecessary files. Sounds too easy, and maybe slightly illegal?

The answer to that question is both yes and no. Copying DVDs and selling them is illegal, which is what happened when DVDs first hit the scene. So many people saw DVDs as an opportunity to make big money fast, that massive numbers of copies were burned and sold, completely infringing on the copyright laws. Burning a backup copy for personal use, however, is NOT illegal. It is simply a method to preserving a personal investment.

That�s a good question. It�s true that DVDs are copyright protected. This came about due to widespread pirating the first time DVDs were released. Companies were forced to add encryption software to protect their investment.

Why spend the money and go to all that trouble? Consider this: what if your movie has been watched so often, the disc becoming worn? Or, what if the disc has scratches? Yes, you could simply buy another copy of the movie.

So, how can an individual legally burn a backup copy of a favorite flick? He or she can buy decrypting software, which is widely available. When a person makes a backup of a copy protected DVD for his or her personal use that is not copyright infringement. It is simply a matter of protecting a personal investment. That�s the key issue, protection of personal property.

Now you�re next question is �How do I decrypt the disc?� You will need to purchase decrypting software to remove the protection files. Availability of decryption software may seem strange, but remember it�s there to protect personal property, NOT for personal gain.

After copying the DVD, run the decrypting software. You will then have all of the movie files on your computer. Now, you strip off the files that aren�t movie-related. Be sure to remove the protection software files, too, so that next time you want to backup this particular movie, you can perform a simple copy.

The result should be files that pertain only to the movie. Now, the film is almost ready to be put onto disk. First, you must again reduce the size of the files to 1/4 normal size. Then simply transfer the movie to a blank disc, and you�ve got a backup copy of your copy protected DVD!

Again you ask, why spend the money and go to all that trouble? First, consider the cost of actually going to the movies these days. A family of four can cost close to $40.00 for prime time showings. (Matinees, senior citizens, students and children will cost less). The average cost of a DVD is about $20.00, half the cost. Plus, once purchased, the DVD can be watched over and over and over again. Seeing the movie again at the Multiplex could cost another $40.00.

All of the DVDs in your movie library can be protected in this manner. If you have volumes and volumes of movies, though, you may want to try an additional method to cut down backup time. There is a device known as an eliminator box which unlocks the copy protection on DVD recorders. In addition, there are special DVD recorders that automatically strip off the decryption files and burn a backup copy of the movie. This special recorder can accomplish the decryption and copy processes as you watch the film.