Will DVD Copy Programs Work On Encrypted DVDs?

Yes, most DVD copy programs will work even on encrypted DVDs. Nearly all of the DVDs currently in existence contain some form of Content Scrambling System CSS Decryption. This encryption was designed to make it that much harder for video pirates to copy commercial DVDs and sell the copies or distribute them online. It also makes it harder for consumers who wish to make copies of their DVDs for personal use.

In order for DVD programs to work, however, the CSS encryption must be removed somehow. Standard DVD players have CSS decryption modules installed in them, thus allowing them to play DVDs. With DVD copy software, however, a CSS decryption program is either built into the copy software or it has to be downloaded from a third-party. While most DVD copy programs will work on encrypted DVDs, not all of them have built-in CSS decryption programs.

This is because the developers of the DVD copy software wish to avoid the possibility of lawsuits being leveled against them by the entertainment industry. It is currently illegal to make use of any form of CSS decryption unless licensed by the companies that hold the rights to the technology, and this license is only given to manufacturers of standard DVD players. Having a built-in CSS decrypter in their DVD copy software is enough for the entertainment industry to bring lawsuits against the software developers. In order to avoid this, many DVD copy programs merely support CSS decrypter programs, but do not include the programs themselves. This way, they do not violate the letter of the law.

DVD copy software such as 1Click DVD Copy Pro and DVD Wizard Pro feature support for third-party CSS decryption software. DVD Cloner VI, however, actually features a built-in CSS decrypter. If you are looking for maximum convenience, and do not wish to have to trouble with downloading and installing a third-party CSS decrypter, then you should definitely consider DVD Cloner VI. The problem with software that includes CSS decypters, however, is that if the entertainment industry successfully sues the developers, the developers will be forced to shut down. This has already happened with one of the most popular DVD copy programs previously available on the Internet. Should this happen to the software you are using, you will no longer receive any customer support or updates from the developer, leaving you high and dry.

So while the answer to this question is, yes, most DVD copy software will work on encrypted discs, most of the time you will have to download and install a third-party CSS decryption software in order for it to work. You should also be very discreet about using such software, as it skirts the edges of the law. While it has not yet become outright illegal to make use of CSS decryption software if you are making copies of DVDs for your personal use, the law does state that any circumvention of CSS encryption is illegal. While this point is still being debated, you can feel safe using CSS decryption software. But you should definitely be aware that the law may be changed at any time and you will have to comply with it or face the consequences.