copying copright material is illegal
don't get me wrong i don't really have a problem with copying stuff for personal use, or even copying material within your local copyright laws limits, (in australia academic exemptions and fare use laws apply) although it sounds like you are creating copies of dvd's for non personal use. spare a thought for the struggling film makers before you even make a copy of an audio cd for a friend. Contrary to popular belief the film industry doesn't really make that much money. certainly the latest billion dollar box office smash always seems to make headliness. however what is not generally known is that about 9/10 films produced operate at a loss. the production houses rely on these mega grossing films to make ends meet. however since mostly it is the spectacle that sells production costs are continually rising as studios seek bigger better and brighter action. this is all well and good, but for your average film maker what it means in reall terms is that you have to invest stupid amounts of money in a film that may or may not make a profit. and that often to simply break even then every dollar generated either at the box office, through tv rights or merchandising can mean the difference between being allowed to make more films. this is even worse for documentaries, as markets are smaller and budgets much tighter and yet often the risks involved and therefore expenses incured are much higher. For this reason alone i will not pirate a film from any medium ... even though the technology to do this is readily available.
Photo John have you ever had the copyright on one of your images infringed ? I actually have. How would you respond if someone asked you how to make a copy of an image that was good enough for them to use in a magazine ? this is essentially what is being asked here and i know my whinging is a little irrelavant as one solution has been found (i can think of about 3 more without really trying) but i hope i have awakened a few minds to the ethics of this question. oh before i finish buying pirated movies is just as bad, as you are supporting an illegal act. you can be charged for receiving stolen goods. why not pirated movies ? ok enough ranting thanks Syman