DVD and CD copyright question

[atropos]

As in computer software which allows backup of software in case of damage to original s/ware or whatever, can one also backup DVDs, CDs etc for personal use, or is it, as in the case of most DVDs, illegal due to the fact that these DVDs require decrypting?

atropos

[Fantasma]

Hello

You know, maybe I am wrong, but I think is not correct to consider the Laws of the United States universal. Yes, they have atomic weapons. Now, in certain countries there are no so many restrictions and nobody, nobody mess with you if you want to make a backup or copies of something you own, just because there is a notice saying that copying is illegal dosen't mean you can't.

Everytime I encode a movie I realise that I can do so, I bought it, it is mine, but more importantly, I am not in the United States or another "Free" country where corporations decide what you can or can't do.

I am sure this will not be the answer you are looking for, but I am just trying to give you my point of view.

P.S.
Thanks to all those individuals (geeks, gurus, coders) for sharing all the wonderful things you do for free.

[Neo Neko]

Backing up DVD is perfectly legal. In fact it is often possible to do so without decrypting. You only need decrypt when format shifting. The DMCA is such a poorly thought out legal action I would have figured it would have been overturned by now. You can't format shift most DVD without decrypting. But contrary to the DMCA decrypting a DVD is not illegal. Simply it is the manner in which you decrypt the DVD. Remember you have to drcrypt most DVD just to watch them. Though this is done by your hardware or software player at runtime. So what constitutes what is considdered to be legal and illegal decryption methods? What is legal is simply what is approved by the major movie studios. What is legal is the solution that does not allow for format shifting. But that would then make any userspace solution not approved by the studios or that allows for format shifting illegal. Which is an illegal action in and of itself. And therefore unconstitutional and invalid under any sane system of laws. Because what is legal or illegal is not set by the people for the people as this government is so often alluded to. It is set by the movie studios for the movie studios. So in short no matter where you live backup all the DVD you own and you will be none the worse. You only need worry when you share them with the general public enmasse. Otherwise no one will want to waste the time and effort to prosecute you.