RealDVD rips DVDs just like you do, only legally (maybe)
By Thomas Ricker 
posted Sep 8th 2008 5:18AM
posted Sep 8th 2008 5:18AM
Real thinks that the use of the additional DRM coupled with Kaleidescape's legal victory -- a ruling that seemingly authorizes users to copy DVDs for their own personal use -- will help it escape the wrath of the MPAA. Not that RealNetworks has ever been afraid of a fight as demonstrated by its 2004 scuffle with Apple when it began offering software that allowed iPods to play Real's DRM'd content. Good thing too because we're pretty sure that shutting down the planned start of RealDVD's sales at the end of this month is the number one topic around the bunny-juice dispensers at the MPAA offices this morning.
[Via cnet]
DVDDecrypter (free) or AnyDVD plus Handbrake (free) or DVD Shrink (free) or Nero Recode will rip and / or recode a movie in a variety of formats for a variety of devices. Why would anyone need to pay Real Networks, especially when they'd end up with a movie which is even more DRM'd than the original one?
What I don't get is why Apple, Real, Microsoft can produce Audio CD rippers with impunity but run away from producing a DVD ripper. Is it the CSS? In which case why can't they only offer it for unencrypted DVDs like Nero and other commercial solutions do? It really can't be hard to do and I certainly see no reason to pay for it when free solutions already exist.
Real are going about this the wrong way. If they wanted to attract people to their software they should integrate free ripping for unencrypted DVDs which would take the usual 2-5 hours for high quality movies (and also rip to ASP or H264) but also offer an "instant rip" for $2 or similar where the service scans the DVD in the drive and downloads a pre-ripped copy to the user. Stick DRM on the instant rip if they must but still let the free part be non-DRM. Oh and make it simple and virtually a 1-click deal. This is how Apple attracted people to iTunes.
But this would make too much sense. Real have a history of not getting it and as a result their software has turned into bloated spyware with constant selling-up.
You've got some good ideas there but I think there is a huge market for RealDVD.
All those free programs you mentioned... don't do one very important thing!!!
That is.... a copy of your movie including all the special features and menues, and organizing all your newely ripped movies with Cover Art and meta data.
what a useless piece of junk
More DRM? not free? This is already failed.
DRM < No DRMed.
Not Free < Free.
This service failed in both two ways.
AnyDVD + Nero Recode FTW. Not free, but worth EVERY penny.
Does this combination of software allow me to keep all the special features and menus and let me organize and sort my movies with meta data?
Pay money to add DRM to your files?? heh.
Bob, what program are you using because the one I use on my mac lets me burn everything, i.e special feature, menus, .... just look around you can find whatever you want for free on the internet. Enis
I've found it! Here is a better solution that works very well.
STEP 1. Use "DVD Shrink" to copy over your DVD's with all menus and features; and it will remove the protection (you can also shrink the size of the video without loosing too much of the quality if you want)
STEP 2. Use "DVD Collector" as your Movie Database and link it to all your DVD ISO's whether they are stored on your computer or elsewhere on your network.
STEP 3. Associate Windows Media Player to play ISO's
STEP 4. On your Home Theater PC with Windows Media Center installed as your OS, Link it to the "DVD Collector" Database which is either on the same computer or networked on a different computer somewhere else in your home.
Presto! All your movies playing the way they were originally intended to be seen with an easy to use interface that your whole family can use to navigate.