MPAA takes RealDVD to court

Earlier this month, we reported on the launch of RealDVD, a new software package from RealNetworks that makes ripping DVD’s to hard drives or other portable storage devices a simple process.

In addition to maintaining the CSS on the ripped video files, RealDVD also adds its own proprietary DRM. This additional DRM limits the playback of the ripped files to 5 PC’s maximum and requires the RealDVD software for playback. With all of these restrictions and a retail price of $49.99 (temporarily $29.99), I’m not sure how popular this DVD "solution" will actually be.

Regardless of the lack of consumer demand for RealDVD, the MPAA has now filed a lawsuit against RealNetworks, requesting a temporary restraining order on the grounds that the software violates the nefarious Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA).

“RealNetworks’ RealDVD should be called StealDVD,” MPAA executive VP and general counsel Greg Goeckner said in a statement announcing its lawsuit. “RealNetworks knows its product violates the law and undermines the hard-won trust that has been growing between America’s movie makers and the technology community. The major motion picture studios have been making major investments in technologies that allow people to access entertainment in a variety of new and legal ways.”

RealNetworks obviously does not agree with the MPAA. In fact, Real filed a preemptive lawsuit this morning, even before the MPAA offensive suit was dropped in at the courts.

"In response to threats made by the major movie studios, RealNetworks this morning plans to file an action for a declaratory judgment against DVD Copy Control Association, …"

"The lawsuit asks the court to rule that RealNetworks Home Entertainment, Inc.’s RealDVD software, made available to consumers today at www.realdvd.com, fully complies with the DVD Copy Control Association’s license agreement."

"We are disappointed that the movie industry is following in the footsteps of the music industry and trying to shut down advances in technology rather than embracing changes that provide consumers with more value and flexibility for their purchases."

The MPAA and the CCA are spending time, energy and money trying to protect an encryption mechanism (CSS) that was cracked years ago! Talk about a waste of resources.

Meanwhile, DVDShrink and DVD Fab HD Decrypter are still widely available online, allowing consumers to easily backup their DVD movies with free software.