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September 30, 2008 6:13 AM PDT

RealDVD available for download

by John P. Falcone
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(Credit: Real Networks)

Update: Not surprisingly, it appears that the availability of the RealDVD software has caused the Hollywood litigation machine to shift into high gear. Real has filed a pre-emptive suit against the studios, who are expected to countersue later today.

Three weeks ago, we told you about RealDVD, the new software package from Real Networks that lets you rip DVDs to your PC's hard drive--legally. The software is now available for direct download from realdvd.com. For a limited time, it's just $30 (as opposed to the $50 standard price). Up to four additional licenses (which allow you to play your saved movies on other PCs) are available for $20 apiece. A free 30-day trial version allows you to try before you buy.

So, what do you think: are you taking the plunge on RealDVD, or sticking with (legally ambiguous) freeware alternatives?

Read the RealDVD preview

Related coverage: Could Apple add RealDVD-like DVD-ripping to iTunes?

John P. Falcone covers home theater and network entertainment products. He's been writing for CNET since 2002.
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by justdaven September 30, 2008 7:51 AM PDT
I am gonna go for it. I like the convenience of having my whole Video collection on my PC...
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by QuadFather September 30, 2008 8:12 AM PDT
No, dude ... save your money! Download DVD Fab and you can do it for free (their paid options are nifty, but the free option works fine for putting your entire DVD collection - menus and all!!! - on your harddrive). Use that with the Vista media center DVD library (look up how to enable this feature), and you'll never have to swap out physical discs again except when renting!

:-D

I really don't see the point in this Real DVD software, seriously ... I really don't even know why it's news.
by umbrae September 30, 2008 8:44 AM PDT
I don't like artificial limits: even if they are more than I get with the DVD. Also the legality of this has not been tested yet, so I will stick to what works and provides me the most freedom.
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by techman21 September 30, 2008 10:27 AM PDT
Why would I fill my hard drive with movies I hardly ever watch? DVDs are much more convenient and secure, and I don't watch movies on my computer anyway.
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by kingrah1 September 30, 2008 1:08 PM PDT
I downloaded this program within 20min of its release. Here is my reveiw:

im just now getting around to using it tho, right now im ripping the movie: Redline, when you insert the movie it shows you info about it, its not very accurate because it gets the info from film.com, so the info it shows for my dvd is the 12 year old release instead of the current one, but the option to rename the movie, or change the picture to a different one they have on file- but they dont have the actual cover of the movie that i have. All in all i have to say that its a good, simple program and I hope Real Media wins their case or else i wasted $30 on nothing
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by lacykemp September 30, 2008 4:03 PM PDT
Hi everyone-
Thanks for your feedback regarding RealDVD. Real's CEO has just posted about today's developments.
http://tinyurl.com/45wcme
Reply to this comment
by lacykemp September 30, 2008 4:38 PM PDT
Hi- sorry, link is broken. Please use this one instead. thx. http://realnetworksblog.com/2008/09/30/standing-up-for-innovation.aspx
by cohaver October 8, 2008 10:16 AM PDT
One Problem is in IMAPI in core of Windows DVD burner software used Open standards in IMAPI to over come this in 1.00 IMAPI But the controls in the New IMAPI causes a host of hardware problems power calibration errors I/O errors. What that have to do with this Media companies are forcing Microsoft to close the IMAPI So 3 party software cant over come Media Lock keys for ME and YOUR ability to back up of media . RealDVD over came the IMAPI Rules of interface and Back up
Media Companies should be Taken to court over this Amount of money to back up media and fair use to back up.
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by fluriden November 16, 2008 12:54 PM PST
I just finished uploading all my movies onto 4 TB worth of Hard Drives and... my computer crashes. I had to do a factory restore on my computer which wipes out everything except the programs it came with out of the factory. Since the legal battle has taken place, Real is no longer allowing customers who have purchased the program to re-download. I called customer servcie and they appoligies for the convience and refunded the money for the program. It took me close to 2 weeks to burn all of my dvds and another $1200 is Hard drives. If you own this program, make sure that you burn a copy of the Install program onto a disc, and dont rely on Real to allow you to download another copy. However.. Real did refund the cost of the Program and gave me such a sweet and sincer "Im sorry for the incovience."
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