dvds

Get MacX DVD Ripper Pro for free

Over the years I've written about numerous free DVD rippers, and even the occasional free Blu-ray ripper. But almost without exception, those programs were for Windows. Today, I've got something for the Mac crowd.

From now until November 29, Digiarty Software is offering MacX DVD Ripper Pro absolutely free. Regular price: $34.95.

(Fear not, Windows users, you can get in on the freebie action as well: Digiarty's MacX HD Video Converter Pro for Windows is also free, but only after you "like" Digiarty on Facebook. Don't like or use Facebook? Head over to … Read more

Three-deal Thursday: A 10-inch tablet for $269, free DVD rippers, and a powerline Ethernet kit for $50

Apologies for my unannounced absence yesterday; I was attending a funeral and neglected to leave a heads-up on Tuesday.

It seems only fitting, then, that I serve up three sweet deals today. Technically, I've got five, but "five-deal Thursday" doesn't have quite the same alliterative ring.

First up, TigerDirect has the ViewSonic gTablet 10-inch Android tablet for $269.97, plus $7.50 for shipping. It's new, not refurbished, and it comes with 16GB of storage. It's on the chunky side, not unlike the $299.99 Toshiba Thrive from the other day, but the real … Read more

Netflix co-founder: Qwikster is a smart, brave move

Netflix's decision to split its business into separate streaming and DVD entities has gotten boos from its users, but co-founder Marc Randolph thinks it's a brave and smart move.

Netflix managed to tick off a sizable number of subscribers this summer with its decision to raise prices on certain plans. In a mea culpa issued early last week, CEO Reed Hastings finally admitted the price hike was poorly orchestrated and communicated.

But in the same breath, Hastings announced that the company's operations would be split into two separate businesses--Netflix to provide the streaming content and Qwikster to … Read more

Get uRexsoft DVD Ripper Platinum (Win) for free

Every couple months, some software vendor I've never heard of pings me about a new DVD ripper or video converter that they're giving away. I always think there's going to be some kind of catch, like the program's in German or doesn't support Adam Sandler movies. (Actually, that wouldn't be a catch at all.)

Instead, it usually turns out to be a decent piece of software with no strings to speak of. And here's a fine example: From now until September 30, you can get uRexsoft DVD Ripper Platinum (Windows) absolutely free. … Read more

Dish unveils Blockbuster Movie Pass media bundle

Dish Network unveiled today the "Blockbuster Movie Pass," a bundle of services that includes streaming video; DVDs; Blu-Rays and games by mail; and access to premium movie channels. The catch: you need to be a Dish Network customer.

The service will launch October 1. Existing Dish subscribers can sign up for the package for an additional $10 a month. New customers who sign up for Dish's America's Top 200 package for $39.99 a month get access to the service for a year.

"More Americans are demanding an easier way to view their video," … Read more

Netflix DVD spinoff adds to woes (roundup)

CEO Reed Hastings issues an apology for the way the company handled recent pricing changes, but it's his other announcement--that Netflix is splitting off its DVD business--that surprises and dismays many.

Is Netflix even worth it anymore? (Ask Maggie) In her weekly advice column, CNET's Maggie Reardon helps one reader decide whether to ditch Netflix and helps another decipher Verizon Wireless' upgrade policy. (Posted in Signal Strength by Marguerite Reardon) September 23, 2011, 12:01 a.m. PDT

Netflix split to set up Amazon streaming merger? The move by Netflix to separate its DVD-by-mail service may pave the … Read more

Netflix streaming service hit by outage

Netflix's streaming service was down and unavailable for much of last night but has since been restored.

In a tweet posted around midnight Pacific time by the official Netflixhelps account, the company acknowledged that the streaming issues reported early had been fixed and offered an apology to its customers. This followed an earlier tweet from the account and a posting on the Netflix Facebook page at around 10 p.m. PT yesterday in which the company said it was working on the issue.

The outage had been brought to light a few hours earlier by several sources, notably a … Read more

Get WonderFox DVD Ripper 2.5 (Win) for free

Let's continue Unofficial Free-Stuff Week here at the Cheapskate, shall we? (Freebie Tuesday was a big hit, and I hope some of you were able to nab the free iPhone games I posted on Monday.)

From now until July 3, you can get WonderFox DVD Ripper free of charge, no strings attached. Regular price: $39.95.

Just enter your name and e-mail address, then click Send Email. Developer WonderFox Soft promises you'll receive your registration code within 24 hours. (If yours doesn't arrive, be sure to check your spam filter.)

To clarify: when you initially download the program, … Read more

Get a 9-inch portable DVD player for $59.99

For long car rides with kids, nothing, but nothing, beats a portable DVD player. (OK, an iPad comes close, assuming you're willing and able to rip all your DVDs ahead of time--and pay $500+ for an iPad.)

If your minivan didn't come with a built-in player, try this: today only, 1 Sale A Day has the Haier PDVD9KIT portable DVD player for $59.99, plus $4.99 for shipping.

The player features a 9-inch wide screen that can swivel--which may not seem like a big deal, but believe me when I say it comes in handy--plus stereo speakers … Read more