> -----Original Message----- > From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:hardware- > [EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Thane Sherrington > Sent: Wednesday, May 25, 2005 3:26 AM > To: The Hardware List > Subject: RE: [H] Backup a DVD--possible? > > At 09:07 PM 24/05/2005, Chris Reeves wrote: > >Guys, we're basically discussing something not quite kosher. I don't have > >access to who's on the list anymore, so maybe doesn't matter, but uh, > >generally not a good idea. > > I was under the impression that even in the MPAA-run United States, it's > still legal to back up one's own DVDs to protect them. Am I wrong in > thinking that? > > T
That is not correct. 321 Studios based their entire argument on the notion of "fair use." Thus, if you own a DVD you have the right to make a backup copy for personal use. The courts, do not agree. Thus the hasty demise of 321 Studios. Their software had a built-in DeCSS decryptor. In order to make a backup copy using software, at some point, one must use a decryptor, which circumvents copyright protection. Software that includes a decryptor violates the Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998. But the digital cat-and mouse game continues with loads of software solutions that supposedly get around that. Though admittedly, most DVD burning solutions these days do not include a decryptor, using an add-on from another source. In terms of the MPAA, the Golden Rule applies here: "He who has all the gold makes all the rules." Bill
