The law on DVD backups
 

Having read articles about DVD and the usage of backup software I am no more the wiser.

Where does the law stand on backing up your own DVDs' that you have bought but want to preserve.

Many people have mentioned alcohol120, DVD Decrypter and DVD Shrink as very good software to do just that.

How does the OpenSource community view such software?

Do you agree that you should have the right to backup your own bought and owned DVDs'?

If there is OpenSource software that does the same as the above software is that good for OpenSource or not considering the possible legal implications.

Sorry if this seems a little boring but as one like so many who has a large DVD collection I would certainly like to preserve it.

Regards

You're allowed to do it, so long as:

- You don't give any of the 'backups' to anybody else.

And (If you're in the States)

- You don't circumvent any copy protection technology, as that'd be illegal thanks to the DMCA.

Thank you for the speedy reply.

It helps greatly.

Actually DMCA does NOT void your fair use rights. You can circumvent copy protection for:

Backups
Interoperability

What DMCA prevents is publishing of the method used and any technology to enable it. However several cases have been thrown out, and the DMCA is being beaten to a pulp on several fronts.

I personally ignore the DMCA because if a method comes out which prevents my ripping a DVD to my PocketPC, I will simply stop buying DVDs and will instead wait for the movies to come out on cable, videotape them, then bring my VCR to the office and capture the movies via capture cards. #^<% the DMCA and #^<% the MPAA. I pay royalties on blank media, and those royalties have to pay for SOMETHING. ;)

You can also lend the backup to someone, as long as only one copy (backup or original) is in use. This is the principle that libraries use, when loaning DVDs (some backup the DVD so the original isn't damaged). Libraries exist because of the same fair use rights to copyrighted material that you enjoy.

Copying copyrighted material is not (always) a violation, and copyright violation is not theft or piracy. These are emotionally charged words, intended to make the violation seem more severe than it is. It would be like calling the MPAA and RIAA storm trooper ax murders, when in reality they are just technophobic corporate entities trying to coerce as much revenue from you as possible for their stock holders, using an antiquated business model.