Legal DVD Ripping is Real

RealNetworks Inc. unveils RealDVD, a legal way to rip DVDs.

RealNetworks Inc. has announced the availability later this month of its new DVD ripping software, RealDVD. There are loads of free DVD ripping software available but most can cause legal trouble because they don't copy over the copy-protection.

RealDVD retains the copy-protection and even adds an additional layer of DRM to the files, keeping the copies legal. That is the first advantage. Another is that RealDVD lets you rip DVDs to your hard drive, to a USB drive and run the movies with all of the DVD extras on up to four computers that the software is installed on.

RealDVD is a completely standalone program and not integrated with RealPlayer, or the Rhapsody music subscription service offered by RealNetworks. And it's fairly simple to use - You put the DVD into your DVD playe and the program will copy the entire DVD to your hard drive, including all the extras like the cover art, the surround sound and all that is on the DVD.

Rob GLaser, the chairman and CEO of RealNetworks said that RealDVD can give consumers more from their DVDs. He said that "RealDVD continues in Real's tradition of consumer innovation over the past 15 years alongside RealAudio, RealJukebox, RealArcade, Rhapsody, and, most recently, RealPlayer 11."

RealNetworks is also promoting the launch of RealDVD by offering a special price for the software. It will retail for $49.95, but for the launch they are knocking off $20, selling it for $29.99, with up to 3 additional licenses, (up to 4 total), for $19.99 each.

But despite recent lawsuits won by the movie industry, DVD ripping software is just as popular and available to get as ever. RealDVD is just another alternative, but one that can keep users out of court.