lower gas prices and maybe we will start buying more dvd

I too, used to copy my lps and make tapes to play, thus preserving the lp for future playing/recording as needed.
While I don’t copy every dvd that I rent, as a rule, unless its something I particularly want.  I do record a lot of the sat receiver using my set-top dvd recorder. Granted in it in the highest quality available or in surround sound,ect, but I do have a copy. and most of what I “tape” is older material, Ie, classic movies and older tv shows and some newer stuff, Its not a big deal, as I don’t have HD yet and probably won’t for a long time.

Tried a couple, but the reduced PQ keeps me honest :)

Chief, it’s called Time Value of Money.  Basically, your hourly rate is what your time is worth.  And to find out the true cost, it has to be included.

Here’s the interesting bit from the article:  most of the copies were made from discs the person actually owns. 

This is like what I used to do with LPs I wanted to preserve:  I made a reel-to-reel recording of the LP and playing the tape.  The quality was just as good, and it preserved the LP.  I’d also make a cassette for listening in the car.

The fact that DVD copy protection never allowed for this, and the fact that AACS for Blu-Ray has apparently decided NOT to implement managed copy (sorry, media server companies, you are hosed) means that people are going to again need to use gray market methods to simply preserve their physical media from over-use (sticky fingered kids etc) damage.

No, I don’t think the low resolution, low bitrate, DRM-crippled copies of movies on some Blu-Ray discs is a solution, but it’s a step in the right direction.  Up the resolution and bitrate to the actual Blu-Ray content, and that’s a great step.