Can't backup DVDs due to CSS...

[MDesigner]

I own Goldmember and tried to use CloneDVD on it to test out my new DVD+/-RW drive. No go. It says it doesn't copy copy-protected DVDs. Even after I run DVDDecrypter to unlock the drive, still nothing. What's up?

EDIT: Tried InstantCopy.. same thing. Doesn't wanna work, due to the CSS copy-protection. Any hints?

[Dre]

Did you use DVD Decryptor to rip the DVD to your harddrive?

I don't know what you mean by using DVD Decryptor to unlock the drive.

[MDesigner]

DVDs are locked and some apps can't read them. Once you run DVDDecrypter, it unlocks the drive.. then you can exit, and other apps have no problem.

I'll try ripping the whole DVD with DVDDecrypter..

[Kedirekin]

Just some information...

True, windows won't let you copy encrypted files till you unlock the drive (or more accurately - authenticate the drive, I think). But if you just use explorer to copy the files after you've authenticated the drive, the files will retain the encryption.

You have to use something like DVDDecrypter which decrypts the files as it copies them to your hard drive.

Note that not all files on a DVD are encrypted, or even locked. For example, many DVDs come with installation files for the interactual DVD player (which I hate). These files are not encrypted, and you can copy them from the drive without having to authenticate it. I believe the same is true for the IFO and BUP files in the VIDEO_TS folder. Typically only the VOB files are encrypted (in fact, I think the VOB files are the only ones that are ever encrypted).

Also note that a few DVDs are not encrypted at all; you can copy them using explorer just fine (but use DVDDecrypter anyway because it works in both cases). Studios can save some licensing costs if they don't use CSS.

[spiderman2k1]

If you use ANYDVD from www.slysoft.com you can rip right from the DVD.

[MDesigner]

Thanks for the replies. I just dumped the entire DVD to disk via DVD Decrypter, and that did the trick.

[Richk50]

"Also note that a few DVDs are not encrypted at all; you can copy them using explorer just fine (but use DVDDecrypter anyway because it works in both cases). Studios can save some licensing costs if they don't use CSS."

Why do the studio's bother with CSS? I would assume anyone who has a DVD burner knows how to rip files or will find out in a short time. It's not a big secret. It might make better sense to save the licensing costs.

[ShaneZ]

Originally posted by Richk50
"Also note that a few DVDs are not encrypted at all; you can copy them using explorer just fine (but use DVDDecrypter anyway because it works in both cases). Studios can save some licensing costs if they don't use CSS."

Why do the studio's bother with CSS? I would assume anyone who has a DVD burner knows how to rip files or will find out in a short time. It's not a big secret. It might make better sense to save the licensing costs.

Licensing fees would probably be a drop in the bucket for a studio. They would have more to lose because their property was being handed out with no form of protection.

I do agree with you about users with DVD burners knowing how to backup DVD's. But then again you have a large percentage of the computer users out there trying for hours to find the "any key" on the keyboard.

Just my opinion ;)

[Kedirekin]

I agree that, to large studios, CSS licensing fees are probably almost negligible. But there are a lot of small studios (like animeigo) where licensing fees would probably eat a significant portion of their profits.

[Mug Funky]

i don't think it'd be a problem for small studios either.

DVD is a growth industry. major growth. what were small authoring companies 2 years ago by now are quite large.

and IIRC, macrovision protection on DVDs costs more to the authoring house (there's a LOT of DVDs that don't have macrovision).