[Legally] Copy DVD to hard drive to watch on request

[D'Ohnut]

Hope this isn't against the rules, it's not about copying DVDs, it's something I believe panasonic dvd recorders (and possibly others) do, allowing you to copy a DVD in its entire form to hard drive to watch later without having to insert the DVD.

Getting an LCD TV and building a media centre PC to go with it, and this would be the best solution to have frequently watched discs, or even a selection of new ones on tap so I don't need to dig out the DVD all the time. If it's not allowed to be discussed then please close.

Cheers
D

[Steve.J.Davies]

DVD decrypter - check other posts though - there are some newer disks giving probs IIRC. but not many and i don't have any of them

[D'Ohnut]

Of course, I was forgetting it did file mode. Thanks, having a blonde moment there. Just tried this and it's exactly what I'm looking for, just need to read about upscaling and get the PC bits ordered and I should be set.

[clockworks]

I'm using DVD Decrypter in ISO mode, as that works on my media player, and single files are much less messy.

[Steve.J.Davies]

haven't tried it but I believe RipIt4Me can deal with the latest weird disks (AcCos protection?).

[Uridium]

Originally Posted by Steve.J.Davies

haven't tried it but I believe RipIt4Me can deal with the latest weird disks (AcCos protection?).

Cheers, I was about to ask that one!

got a few new DVD's that I can't rip to hdu or make backup copies of with either DVDShrink or DVD Decrypter. I'll give that a go.

[Steve.J.Davies]

As ever Doom9 the place to look for detailed info on software of an A/V nature. There are other solutions listed there that also do this. (and good FAQs)

[Rich G]

Can anyone tell me what the picture quality is like of the back-up copies.

Also I don't like to download these sort of programs incase of viruses or spyware etc... has anyone encountered problems with these.

Thanks.

[Steve.J.Davies]

they are good quality - unnoticable unless you add compression. so if copying to dual layer discs or hard disc and not compressing it is an exact copy.
the main ones named here are used far and wide. no spyware viruses and phone home stuff - unlike many commercial products. am sure your virus checker will come up clean for these.
of course of you go to warez sites or download 'cracked' stuff then all bets are off....

[Rich G]

Well downloaded all the freeware on ripit4me.org and it works a treat, did a virus / spyware scan and it came out clean.

Just a couple questions:

What is the best player to watch them in, I tried WMP but it wouldn't go to full screen (had a black boarder around the video)

When I've ripped the DVD to the specified location there are loads of files, is there anyway I can make it just one file.

Thanks.

[Steve.J.Davies]

I use Media Player Classic (plus FFDSHOW)

(both free - who me ? cheap ?)

A lot of people like VLC

[Steve.J.Davies]

As for the multi files - thats what DVDs look like.
WHen playing from hard disk you just open the VTS_01_0.IFO file (or drop it on) MPC and it plays. Or could create friendly named shorcuts that point to these files for your favourite DVDs on hard disk.