I'm thinking of buying a DVD burning software.
My questions are:
1. Can a person get into legal problems if he/she burns/rips DVD into their own computer only. Also can they come after you if you burn DVD for own personal use. A copy or two.
2. If it is "safe" can anyone advise of a good reliable and simple to use DVD burning software?
Thanks
2007-03-15 08:25:50 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Computers & Internet ➔ Software
DVD burning is 100% legal. Of course it is, since you can burn your own stuff (home movies, data).
Ripping DVDs is another matter. Software that rips decrypted DVDs is not legal if it contains code to remove copy protection.
Programs that do not work with copy protected material or which do not remove the copy protection are (as far as we know) legal. However, most commercial DVDs are copy protected, so they are of little practical use.
The law says that you ARE allowed to make archival copies, for your own use. However, finding a legal way to do that is tough (see above).
As a private citizen, if you download software that breaks the copy protection and use it to make a copy of a DVD you own, for your own use, you aren't likley to get into any legal trouble. For the most part, because the MPAA/RIAA isn't going after people that make copies of DVDs they own. You aren't worth it. (As an aside, criminal prosecution is rare, in this area, with MPAA/RIAA support)
It's kind of like buying a lock pick kit (illegal) to open your own front door (legal). While the purchase of the kit is outside the law, you're not likely to be prosecuted for using such a kit (if you happen to already have access to one) for opening your own door. However, use it for breaking into someone else's house, and you may seen prosecution for the purchase and possession of an illegal item.
Keep in mind that as soon as you make a copy of a DVD that you don't own or you give a copy to someone else, you could get in trouble.
People rip DVDs to put onto iPods and other portable video players all of the time.
DVD burning software? I use Nero, which came with my Sony DVD burner. It works just fine. Some hate it and prefer Roxio. There may be freeware or shareware programs out there.
However, Nero doesn't rip. For that, you need something that's made for that purpose. I use DVD Decrypter, which isn't legal (it removed copy protection) to rip so that I can watch DVDs on my iPod.
There's been talk of some studios giving you a spare DVD (or letting you buy one for a couple of dollars) as a backup/replacement for a broken one. Hasn't happened (can you guess why?). Also, some day, I hope that DVDs will come with a legal way to put the video on my iPod without forcing me to spend another $10-$20.
2007-03-15 08:39:03 · answer #1 · answered by Jay 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You most likely will not be punished if you are using them for your own use, and even if you distribute them online or to a couple friends, the likelyhood of you getting caught is low.
I had Apollo DVD Copy or something, but now I have AoA Ripping
2007-03-15 15:34:24 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
legal is a grey area right now with ripping DVD's
there are programs, do a google search for "DVD Shrink" works well with Nero
2007-03-15 15:28:52 · answer #3 · answered by phoenix_61_98 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it is copyrighted then yes you can get into trouble. I do not think that Fox Mulder will be knocking on your door.
DVDnextcopy is a good software. Just keep in mind that it will not copy copyrighted movies.
2007-03-15 15:42:25 · answer #4 · answered by Kenn N 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋