Movie Collections + Kids = Media Center Idea?

[dryicerx]

This is my Method, works like a charm.

• Rip the DVD's to a Computer (Handbreak is good http://handbrake.fr/ ) or any other tool. Easier if you just download movies.
• I use PS3 Mediacenter (http://code.google.com/p/ps3mediaserver/) since it works on Linux, but people have had success with Tversity (http://tversity.com/)
• Watch the movies on the PS3 or Xbox360 directly. HD content can lag unless you have a n or g.

The other option is sharing the movies on a NAS or a Portable Hard drive and hooking up a computer to watch them (MythTV if you want a full blown media centre solution).

[Flea77]

Originally Posted by Cajungaltx

My understanding is that fair use hasn't been tested in the courts, at least not as far as backing up your own purchased dvds. So the 'it's illegal' answer isn't perfectly clear cut.

I interpret fair use to include the right to make copies for one's own use. Of course, the folks that oversee that industry might disagree.

You are correct with fair use, but breaking the copy protection is a violation of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act.

Originally Posted by Cajungaltx

To me, it's like burning my cd's to my hard drive to put on my iphone. I paid for them, I own the music, if I want to put a compilation cd to listen to in my car of the 80's top hits... it's legal for me to do that. It's when I burn it, distribute it, or sell it that the fit hits the shan. ;-)

Doing this with CDs is indeed fair use, as you have not broken any copy protections to do it. And actually, you do NOT own the music, you have purchased a license to use the music for your own personal use, excluding any performances, distribution, etc.

Originally Posted by Cajungaltx

But as far as I'm aware, no one has been prosecuted or sued for backing up movies they own. Now - if you do the file share thing - that's an entirely DIFFERENT matter.

I personally am not aware of anyone who has been prosecuted for this, although there are an awful lot of people in TDCJ right now who I do not know too, so whatever. Does knowing it will not land you in jail make it OK for you to break the law? Do you really want to show your children it is OK to break the law as long as you do not get busted? These are questions only you can answer. I don't care one way or the other, I just thought someone should point out the fact that it is indeed illegal so you can make an educated choice.

Allan