DVD Writer question

[lodoss_24]

Hi, I'm getting a pc with a DVDr/rw writer soon and have some questions.

I want to be able to rip (backup)my dvds and also rip dvd-r's. My main question is: Should I have any problems ripping dvds and duplicating dvd-r's? I mean, do most/all dvd-r writers do this? I know there's more involved to it then just plain copying a pressed dvd. I don't really like asking the guy at circuit city if it's capable of ripping dvds or stuff like that. Last time a guy specifiaclly told me you can't do that, but who knows if he knows about the stuff on this site that helps you do that.

I'm looking at a Sony and an HP (the whole cpu with dvd r burner built in). Sony is supposed to be better for these types of things but I'm not sure. I get the feeeling this is a stupid question so sorry for that, but please try to be helpful. thanks.

[KingJohn]

Writing a DVD wont be a problem, trying to make it exactly like the original may be

When an original DVD is ripped, the protection is removed and the Mpeg (VOB) files are saved to you hard drive. You then need to re-author those and make up another DVD from scratch.

Ripping not only refers to copying the contents, but usually includes removing any protection (If there is any)

Tuesdays, ripping is made very easy with programs like smartripper

[lodoss_24]

Thanks for the info. If anyone has anything to add to that, I'll welcome it. I'm trying to learn as much as I can And the dvds I want to rip don't have any macrovision anyway, I don't think.

[jmarkoa]

24,

If you're buying a new computer, I have a sugestion. Buy it at Costco. They have a three year return policy on anything in the store, even computers. I know because I just returned one about a month ago; no hassles, no questions. I bought it about a year and ahalf ago, then decided I wanted one with a DVD burner. They had a great deal on a top of the line HP. Pentium 4, 2.4 GHz, 512MB DDR, 160 GB hard drive, DVD/CD writer combo, DVD-ROM; all for $2300. I dont know if you can swing that, I barely could. The only reason is because I traded in my old one. I really could not believe it until they handed me back my $1800 in cash! Anyway, I thought I was going to be burning DVDs left and right, but it's harder than you would think. I read guides over and over for weeks until I finally got the first movie copied. They all are a little different in what you have to do, but the next few were much easier. Now it takes no time - except waiting for the computer. If you dont have a Costco store near you, look online at Costco.com. Good luck!