*bump*
I had to jump-start this thread.
My collection is composed of about 30% original DVDs and 70% *ahem* 'backed-up' copies.
The Canadian Copyright Law has a pleasant little loophole which makes it perfectly legal to copy DVDs, CDs, software, DNA, etc... as long as it is for your own personal use.
The government just slapped a little extra tax on blank media and that goes to artists and composers and the like.
So DVD X Copy can be found in any Staples store if you want it.
Of course, there's a completely free program which I've been using for years which lets you decrypt and burn DVDs, as well as compress dual-layer discs into something that can be burned onto a plain-old 4.7 GB disc.
The great thing about it is that any moron (like myself) can use it. It reads the disc for about 15 minutes, then burns for about 15 minutes.
Ah, but what about the moral implications?
First of all, the copyright issue is a dead one. Let's move on.
I like to rent movies, but I don't always have the time to watch them within a night or two (kids, my job, home reno...). So I copy them and watch them at my own leisure.
It's also a good way to prevent the double-dipping ripoff of the movie studios. I'll copy a bare-bones DVD and if I really like it I'll buy the special edition, when it invariably comes out a year later (I'm looking at you, Zodiac).
So that's my thing.
And yes, if anyone would like to know the magical secret free program, just drop me a private message.
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