What is I Copy DVD's?

[PhoneMatt]

In the latest flyer from MicroCenter, there is an ad for I Copy DVD's which states that it " makes perfect backup copies of Hollywood movies". Does anyone have any experience with this product? Is it just another repackage of freeware or actually something new? I'm very satisfied with DVD Fab and ImgBurn, but this ad caught my eye, not for what it is supposed to do, but for the fact that it is advertised at all. I can't imagine a major store like MicroCenter skirmishing with Hollywood over DVD backups, but I also don't see them selling something that most of their customers would know is a ripoff. (If this was a Best Buy ad, I wouldn't even be posting!)

Matt

[jagabo]

Amazon.com sells it too. The user reviews there aren't so good.

after installing this program I tried to copy some dvds I owned and it always gave me an error. So I went to their web site and in one of the pages it says that it won't copy any dvd that has CSS copy protected feature.

you can get a program called DVD-43 that will allow you to make backups of your DVD movies using this program by providing access to the DeCSS algorithm.

[guns1inger]

Nowhere on the icopy site does it say it will copy commercial, protected dvds. It's comparisons are against software that for the most part is discredited by anyone who knows what they are doing, and doesn't compare itself to any of the very good free options. It doesn't provide any features that free tools can't handle, and claims many features that have been available for free for many years as unique. You have to dig down into the support FAQ before they admit that it doesn't do protected discs. They also blame errors emanating from their software on viruses that you have on your system, amongst other dubious claims.

Frankly, it looks like a pile-o-crap.

[jagabo]

Oops, wrong thread.

[ntscuser]

According to the OP the advert from MicroCentre claims it "makes perfect backup copies of Hollywood movies" which is clearly not the case if it cannot copy protected discs by itself. One can only guess at the job it makes of converting a DVD9 to a DVD5.

[Seeker47]

Amazon.com sells it too. The user reviews there aren't so good.

I think this one has been around about as long as the defunct (lawsuited off the market) DVDXCOPY. The latter was itself not-so-hot, but probably a lot better than this one.

[jagabo]

According to the OP the advert from MicroCentre claims it "makes perfect backup copies of Hollywood movies"

Amazon says pretty much the same thing:

Make high-quality, back-up copies of any DVD movie
Easily backup copies of legally-purchased DVDs in no time

[TheFamilyMan]

I got this as a gift a few years back. Fortuately the giver got a 100% rebate for it, I think it originally cost him $10. This software is totally useless unless the original is unencrypted; if I remember correctly it even states that on the box provided you read through all the fine print. I didn't have the heart to tell the giver I already had everything I needed to rip DVDs and luckily he never asked me about how well it worked. Bottom line - it is a nearly useless ripoff of freeware tools, of which are completely superior.

[lordsmurf]

Yet another item that is sold SOLELY BECAUSE PEOPLE ARE STUPID ENOUGH TO BUY IT!

Add it to a list of other items:
- gold "archival" DVDs
- DVD labels
- "DVD safe" markers
- VHS "cleaner" tapes

A long list of crap that either does not work --- or is overpriced "marketed" versions of something else (the other item is often something that is not only cheaper, but works better) --- sometimes it's just a blatant rip-off of freeware

[PhoneMatt]

I figured that this was a piece of crap and probably a ripoff, but what threw me was where it was being offered. I think that the average MicroCenter customer has a higher level of technical knowledge than, say, someone who is relying on the Geek Squad for help.
I have to agree, LS, I'm always amazed at the things people will buy. Barnum was soooo right!

[victoriabears]

I have never used anything other than dvd shrink /Nero with Any DVD loaded, works great even with dual layer burning , even though it is said Nero does not burn DL properly.

[Seeker47]

I have to agree, LS, I'm always amazed at the things people will buy. Barnum was soooo right!

Despite it being forced off the market, I still see DVDXCOPY being sold (for up to $40.) at a regional computer show held every couple months. Looks like professional retail packaging to me, rather than bootlegs, so I think some enterprising dealers bought it all up at liquidation, and are still getting rid of their stock. It has a couple disclaimer stickers on each unit, but people are still buying it, as if it was the greatest discovery since the Pyramids. (Not people who come here or know about the free tools, I'm sure.) I've seen the I-Copy OEM install CDs being given away with the purchase of some OEM burners.

I have never used anything other than dvd shrink /Nero with Any DVD loaded

Here's something scary to ponder: just saw a piece on ABC News about lobbyists working both the Dem and GOP conventions, spending tens of millions at each, and some pending bill or two in Congress. If I heard this right, they are seeking possible jail time for anyone found to have ripper programs and such on their computer. Dismiss this as over the top paranoia, but hasn't the RIAA already prosecuted a granny and an 11 year old girl ? Golden Rule: Them that has the gold makes the rules.