A lot of BluRays now come with digital copy which makes it simple.

But lets say I have a DVD of a movie and I want to play it on my new Touchpad.
First, is it legal to make a digital version of the movie for play on portable devices if I own the hard copy?

And second, how do I do it?

1) It is illegal. Buying a one format does not grant you access to convert to any other format. Blu-Ray -> DVD -> Digital -> VHS, etc. Don't believe the people that says "as long as you have a legal copy".

You must buy a digital copy, or buy a bundle that includes a digital copy.

2) If you wish to proceed even though it's illegal. There are a couple common ways, download a digital copy (so someone has already done the work of converting for you), or convert it yourself (there's a slew of software out there to help you accomplish this).

is that true? Can you backup VHS tapes to, say, DVD or AVI?

http://www.vhstodvd.com/legal-vhs-to-dvd.html

basically that says that you can copy so long as you don't bypass anti-pirating measures, and obviously you aren't out selling copies.

Specifically in regards to DVD.
It is legal to make a digital copy of a purchased DVD, HOWEVER - only if you're not breaking any anti-copying protection on that DVD.

What illegal - is breaking or going around DVD protection. So as long as DVD is not protected - you can copy it.

PS: Read DMCA for details.

Specifically in regards to DVD.
It is legal to make a digital copy of a purchased DVD, HOWEVER - only if you're not breaking any anti-copying protection on that DVD.

What illegal - is breaking or going around DVD protection. So as long as DVD is not protected - you can copy it.

PS: Read DMCA for details.

Basically, home movies.

pretty much every retail DVD is going to have some form of protection........thus what your doing becomes illegal. With that said, you might as well just get the torrent/nzb and let someone else do the dirty work for you. Depending on your internet speed it might be faster to just download the file, rather then convert it on your computer.

If you can rip it to your computer using ONLY i repeat ONLY handbrake then there is no copyright protection... however there are plenty of programs that will strip the protections off the disks and offer many 1 click options to get it onto your comp.

Basically, home movies.
Exactly, not menu DVDs or Blu-Rays these days have no protection. 99% of Hollywood movies do.

So where can you buy digital copies of movies?

pretty much every retail DVD is going to have some form of protection........thus what your doing becomes illegal. With that said, you might as well just get the torrent/nzb and let someone else do the dirty work for you. Depending on your internet speed it might be faster to just download the file, rather then convert it on your computer.

That way instead of a felony, you're just a slave to the MPAA/whatever-studio for the rest of your life if they catch you (which is a lot more likely). :thumbup:

If you can rip it to your computer using ONLY i repeat ONLY handbrake then there is no copyright protection... however there are plenty of programs that will strip the protections off the disks and offer many 1 click options to get it onto your comp.
Doesn't Handbrake for the Mac break protection?

So where can you buy digital copies of movies?

You can get highly restricted copies of movies through iTunes or as a byproduct of buying certain versions of movies. The last few movies I've purchased on Blu-Ray contained free digital copies, but always involved typing in codes to get movies wrapped in DRM containers.

1) It is illegal. Buying a one format does not grant you access to convert to any other format. Blu-Ray -> DVD -> Digital -> VHS, etc. Don't believe the people that says "as long as you have a legal copy".

You must buy a digital copy, or buy a bundle that includes a digital copy.

Actually, as a clarification, neither using nor owning ripping tools is illegal. If you rip a DVD for personal use, that is not illegal. What is illegal is providing the movies to people or selling the tools to bypass copyright protection. Ripping a DVD for personal use is protected under the fair use doctrine and affirmed by several cases. For those that love common law, note RealNetworks v. DVD-CCA:
...fair use applies to section 1201(b) under the DMCA because it does not speak to, and thus does not prohibit, appropriate individual uses of circumvention devices. The prohibition on individual circumvention conduct only applies with respect to access protection technologies (because fair use can never be an affirmative defense to the act of gaining unauthorized access), not to technologies that prevent copying. Real is correct that Congress did not intend to regulate the conduct of individual users with authorized access to copyrighted works, since their liability was controlled by the existing law of copyright infringement and fair use. In this sense, there is a “user exemption” implicitly recognized in the DMCA for the fair use of copyrighted works.

In other words, appropriate use of fair use (products you've purchased being copied for personal use) is still legal even if you use the software.

Moreover, buying one format DOES grant you access to convert to any other format for personal use. This is why you can: Rip an audio CD to mp3 for use elsewhere, or print an ebook (when allowed) or scan a paper book.

Moreover, buying a digital copy or getting a bundled digital copy typically doesn't allow conversion, considering many of the digital videos offered are typically wrapped in DRM containers (such as WMV or mp4). I'm not sure these movies can be converted into a format readable by generic movie players.

So where can you buy digital copies of movies?
CinemaNow from BestBuy or BlockBuster both sell digital copies.

Actually,
Amazon does too. Search for Digital Copy on their web-site.

Actually, as a clarification, neither using nor owning ripping tools is illegal. If you rip a DVD for personal use, that is not illegal. What is illegal is providing the movies to people or selling the tools to bypass copyright protection. Ripping a DVD for personal use is protected under the fair use doctrine and affirmed by several cases. For those that love common law, note RealNetworks v. DVD-CCA:

Unless that disc is protected by an an anti-circumvention device, then mere ownership of the tool is enough to be considered illegal (unless it fits one of the narrow exemptions, like security research).

(2) No person shall manufacture, import, offer to the public, provide, or otherwise traffic in any technology, product, service, device, component, or part thereof, that...

The tool in your possession was either manufactured by you or obtained from someone else by you and therefore you trafficked in said goods and are in violation. If the tool was obtained prior to the DMCA, then I guess it could sit dormant on your hard drive, but you can't use it, or you'll run afoul of this provision:

(a) Violations Regarding Circumvention of Technological Measures. — (1)(A) No person shall circumvent a technological measure that effectively controls access to a work protected under this title.

If the tool doesn't contain any circumvention technologies, then none of this applies. You are correct on fair use.

CinemaNow from BestBuy or BlockBuster both sell digital copies.

Actually,
Amazon does too. Search for Digital Copy on their web-site.

What I mean is, where can I buy digital copies without paying for the hard copy as well?

The end goal of this is to get some videos to play without streaming on my Touchpad, so iTunes is not an option.

When I search for dig copy on amazon I get a lot of combo packs

What I mean is, where can I buy digital copies without paying for the hard copy as well?

The end goal of this is to get some videos to play without streaming on my Touchpad, so iTunes is not an option.

When I search for dig copy on amazon I get a lot of combo packs
Did you try CinemaNow? Unless something changed, they sell digital copies without a hard copy.

The tool in your possession was either manufactured by you or obtained from someone else by you and therefore you trafficked in said goods and are in violation.

I thought trafficking required an intent to re-distribute or re-sell. Just because you are in possession of a controlled substance, doesn't automatically mean that you trafficked in that substance.

Maybe it depends on the jurisdiction.

Legal shmegal...if you own the disc, rip it, encode it, and enjoy it on your TouchPad. I doubt that anyone has been (or ever will be) prosecuted for ripping their own media with no intent to redistribute it, regardless of what copy protection was circumvented.

I thought trafficking required an intent to re-distribute or re-sell. Just because you are in possession of a controlled substance, doesn't automatically mean that you trafficked in that substance.

Maybe it depends on the jurisdiction.
I just said that. Either you yourself manufactured it, or you trafficked in it. It doesn't require intent to re-distribute or re-sell as far as I see, mere exchange is sufficient.

I thought trafficking required an intent to re-distribute or re-sell. Just because you are in possession of a controlled substance, doesn't automatically mean that you trafficked in that substance.

Maybe it depends on the jurisdiction.


The last FBI warning I got on a Netflix rental stated that it was unlawful to make a copy, even if it is only for personal use.

Even if you rip a dvd you own, and do not sell the original or copy, it is against the law.

what prozac said!!!!!
just like the days of directv hacking.. you own an unlooper/programmer your guilty.. well that didnt stand up in court long.
Fem

Legal shmegal...if you own the disc, rip it, encode it, and enjoy it on your TouchPad. I doubt that anyone has been (or ever will be) prosecuted for ripping their own media with no intent to redistribute it, regardless of what copy protection was circumvented.

Yah I would just do what prozac said, I mean if you actually own the DVD there shouldn't be any problem ripping it so you can watch it on another device. Unless you start storing your drug sales on the tablet (and have it taken in as evidence :shake:), no one will realistically ever know you ripped your own DVDs.

The last FBI warning I got on a Netflix rental stated that it was unlawful to make a copy, even if it is only for personal use.

That is because you don't own the disc.

Even if you rip a dvd you own, and do not sell the original or copy, it is against the law.

Only if the disc includes anti-circumvention measures. Fair use is well established and lets you transfer it, edit it, remix it, etc. as long as for it's for your personal, private use.

actually people get in trouble for UPLOADING files..... hence stay away from torrents/limewire P2P stuff....


don't upload don't get into trouble.

Ok then what programs can I use to rip DVDs I own?

I personally use IMGBurn to create a 1:1 copy of the disc...I think DVDFab will allow you to rip and reencode on the fly, but I'm not for sure.

Just a note the tablet likes mp4 files so if you use the default player you need to encode it as mp4. From what I have read touchplayer will play other formats.
touchplayer (this video player will handle and play almost -any- video file you throw at it, regardless of file type - nice if you don't feel like converting everything into MP4's - bear in mind at the time I'm writing this the app is broken in preware - you will have to download it manually from here: http://www.precentral.net/touchplayer and install it with webOS quick install - you will also need Jason's Homebrew Javascript Framework from preware to run this, install both, reboot the touchpad, and enjoy)

Just a note the tablet likes mp4 files so if you use the default player you need to encode it as mp4. From what I have read touchplayer will play other formats.
mp4 is a container that can hold a multitude of different video and audio formats. Even in the specific video formats, you can use a variety of different encoding settings that may render a video unplayable in a video device.

The end goal of this is to get some videos to play without streaming on my Touchpad, so iTunes is not an option. I have an iPad, and I can buy movies that download permanently to the iPad, using iTunes. I also used Handbrake to rip DVD's for iPad. Handbrake does not remove copy protection, unless you have the VLC player software installed. That's why some people here were confused as to whether it would remove copy protection. It will -- as long as VLC is installed.

If you use Handbrake, set it to insert chapters, then get another free tool, MetaX, to insert cover art and meta data.

What resolution do you convert to? 640x480 would look bad I'd imagine, but the next best is like 12something x 720

What resolution do you convert to? 640x480 would look bad I'd imagine, but the next best is like 12something x 720

If you're ripping DVDs, native resolution is 720x480. No reason to rip to anything larger.

If you want a step-by-step guide to flawlessly ripping DVD's for iPad, let me know and I'll write it up when I find the time.

If you want a step-by-step guide to flawlessly ripping DVD's for iPad, let me know and I'll write it up when I find the time.

That would be awesome!

That way instead of a felony, you're just a slave to the MPAA/whatever-studio for the rest of your life if they catch you (which is a lot more likely). :thumbup:


Doesn't Handbrake for the Mac break protection?

No, handbrake only does the encoding. You need a different program to brake the encryption then pass the file to handbrake.

No, handbrake only does the encoding. You need a different program to brake the encryption then pass the file to handbrake.
I just explained: If you install the free, open-source VLC media player, Handbrake will automatically detect it and use it to seamlessly remove the CSS.

If you want a step-by-step guide to flawlessly ripping DVD's for iPad, let me know and I'll write it up when I find the time.
i can save you the time

http://lifehacker.com/5572037/handbrake-presets-for-your-new-ipad-or-iphone-4


http://www.dvdfab.com/hd-decrypter.htm use this for your older dvds or buy the full program if you want........a lot of the newer programs have built in presets

I just explained: If you install the free, open-source VLC media player, Handbrake will automatically detect it and use it to seamlessly remove the CSS.

I don't understand, how does installing a free media player remove DRM? Its automatic if I have both installed?

I just explained: If you install the free, open-source VLC media player, Handbrake will automatically detect it and use it to seamlessly remove the CSS.
I don't understand, how does installing a free media player remove DRM? Its automatic if I have both installed?

http://www.methodshop.com/gadgets/tutorials/handbrake/index.shtml

Or you could just stream from Netflix.

There are plenty of guides & info at http://www.videohelp.com/

I just get stuck on "handbrake is scanning title x of x" and it never gets past there (for example scanning title 1 of 24"

Any ideas?

I don't understand, how does installing a free media player remove DRM? Its automatic if I have both installed?Yes, it's automatic. VLC installs a DLL which removes DVD encryption, and Handbrake automatically finds and uses this DLL if VLC is installed.

Yes, it's automatic. VLC installs a DLL which removes DVD encryption, and Handbrake automatically finds and uses this DLL if VLC is installed.
I've got both and am still getting the error as shown above.
Did I need to have VLC installed before handbrake? I installed it after

if your having troubles I would just uninstall both, and follow this guide
http://www.methodshop.com/gadgets...ndex.shtml

nvm
(10 chars)

Ok then what programs can I use to rip DVDs I own?
Freemake (http://www.freemake.com/free_video_converter/) (not sure if it circumvents copy protection)
Ripbot 264 (http://www.videohelp.com/tools/RipBot264) (my favorite choice for BluRay and DVDs - VERY CPU intensive, but small file sizes. )
Example: $2000 overclocked Core I7 rig converts DVD in ~13 minutes. Bluray takes 2-3 hours. Laptop will take MUCH longer. Tried it on my AMD dual-core. Bluray estimated 14 hours to complete.
I use AnyDVD (http://www.slysoft.com/en/anydvd.html) to 'crack' disks. Very expensive, but totally worth it to have digital copies of my blurays on a portable hard drive that I can plug into my / a friend's PS3 and have my entire collection at the click of a button.

and native 720X480 resolution from a DVD will look perfectly fine on a 10" touchpad. Just make sure to use a good encoder. Crappy encoders will require you to use a higher bitrates to avoid interlacing and such.

Example: Lilo & Stitch DVD to MKV remuxed to MT2S in 5.1 640Kbps audio
With ripbot264 highest video constant bitrate setting : 784 MB <<<Cannot tell any difference from original DVD

With Wondershare Video Converter
MP4 with 5.1 512Kbps 1.91GB - mild interlacing @ ~2500mb/s VBR video

With Freemake:
MP4 with 2.0 160Kb/s audio 2.03GB with quite irritating interlacing.

Movies with sharp animation lines like Family Guy with be more prone to interlacing. Live action movies are much less susceptible.

Best of luck


EDIT: Ripbot is much like handbrake. You will need a separate "cracking" program.

If you're into blurays, the last one I purchased and backed up was Princess and the Frog. Encoded @ 1920X1080 with DTS audio... 2.82GB MKV file. Remux that sucker to an AVCHD @ 3.37GB, burn to a DVD and you now have a bluray on a DVD!!(blew my mind) It can get beaten to crap and you don't care. Picture looks perfect.