store dvd?

[SoftwareDude]

is there a way to store all my dvds on the computer and if so is there a way to play them on the tv if they are on the computer?

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: SoftwareDude
is there a way to store all my dvds on the computer and if so is there a way to play them on the tv if they are on the computer?

you'll violate the DMCA, but you can read up at videohelp.com to figure out how to rip and compress dvds.

then all you need is a computer with a TV out.

 

[SoftwareDude]

does backing up your own dvds to your hard drive violat the DMCA

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: SoftwareDude
does backing up your own dvds to your hard drive violat the DMCA

breaking the encryption does, last i checked

 

[SoftwareDude]

cant u copy the files or back them up with breaking the encryption?

 

[ForumMaster]

no.in order to download the file to the hdd, the encryption must be broken by programs such as DVD Shrink or DVD Decrypt. even if you're not doing anything illegal, breaking the DMCA will get you into trouble. but you can use such a program to rip the DVD as long as you have the original.

 

[CalvinHobbes]

If you own the DVD's go ahead and put them on your HD. IMO, there's nothing wrong with doing that.

 

[SoftwareDude]

so what kind of video out card do i need? who makes it how much is it

 

[Lonyo]

You don't need a special kind of video card, just specific software.
Check www.doom9.org for various guides.
If you dont want to re-encode, you can just stop after you've ripped the DVD's.

 

[PianoMan]

Doom9 or Afterdown on the 'Net are good places to check on how to do this. You won't need a new vid card but I'd make sure to have a huge hard drive - most DVD's are pushing the upper end of their 8.4gig capacity. Since you're just starting out, I'm assuming you're not going to recode the DVD files to more compact codecs - but that's a way to squeeze more into your existing space.

You can play them directly off your HD with almost any software DVD player (or video player if you've recoded). I think Media Center would make it easier to navigate, but maybe owners would elaborate.

PM