I did manage to snag a copy before the sales were stopped.  I am hoping that the courts will rule that since the copy protection scheme isn’t broken, and a liscenece was paid, that this is a legitimate fair use.  Kalidescape uses a similar method I believe.  While I might not be able to afford a Kalidescape server anytime soon, I have been enjoying setting up my own version as best I can using Real DVD.  So far, it has been quick and relatively painless to une and set up.

Much Ado About Nothing!

There are currently several riping programs available that will allow you back up your DVDs. Most are sold outside the U.S.A. where the laws do not apply. The region code on a DVD helps sell them as it will remove the code and allow you to view any purchased DVD from anywhere in the world on your NTSC/PAL player.

True.  I don’t want to take a chance on breaking the law inadvertantly. A ‘ripping’ program removes DRM, or at the very least cracks it to copy it.  This may or may not be against the law depending on the country you live in.  Real DVD does not remove any DRM and copies the disc bit for bit, all DRM included without breaking it. 
I’m certainly not saying that we should not be able to back up DVD’s for our own use, (as I’m obviously doing it anyway) I am just saying that I’d like a program that the courts rule is legal, so we can put all of this fair use stuff behind us. (well at least for DVD’s)

Sorry,  forgot to add that while the software may be legal to sell outside of the USA, I could still be prosecuted for using/ bringing any of this software into the US. 

Case in point: US border officials can seize Ipods/laptops and other digital storage devices if they suspect that there may be illegally copied / pirated material on them.  There is no onus of proof required here…. they can just take it.  It’s up to the person that had their equipment taken to prove them wrong. 

With the amount of time I spend travelling to the US for work, I don’t need the rubber glove treatment, or any of my electronics apprehended.  Even though it might not be illegal to use a ripper outside of the US, I’d rather not have it happen.  I like having a bunch of movies on my laptop so I don’t have to pay airline or hotel prices for movies, or carry DVD’s with me.

I was going to buy it damn the studios!  Does it work well?

Hollywood needs to embrace a method for storing movies on a media server.  They have already removed “managed copy” from Blu-Ray, opting instead for low res portable copies on some discs.  The solution that Real was promoting was by far the safest scenario yet, and would prevent widespread internet sharing AND would prevent sales of copied discs.  In the absence of a sanctioned solution, people will continue to “break the law” and rip their DVDs and Blu-Ray discs to servers with free gray market tools.  Surely a solution like Real’s is a better scenario.