DVD copying would appear to be within the realms of fair use. Just about everyone copies their CD collection for friends and family, so many figure why should DVDs be any different. Apparently the enforcement arm of the copyright industry does not share this sentiment, and has aggressively pursued those distributing or creating DVD copying software.
It all began in 1999 when Jon Lech Johansen and two other programmers wrote a small piece of code called DeCSS. DeCSS (Decrypt Content Scrambling System) was created to disable the weak copy protection scheme, dubbed CSS, which prevented DVD copying. The software was created so DVDs could be played on Linux machines, as no DVD media software existed at the time.
DeCSS would grow to become one of the most widely utilized DVD decrypting programs. An overwhelming majority of past and present decrypting applications use the DeCSS engine to perform this task - including DVD Decrypter.
DVD Decrypter quickly became one of the premiere DVD copying programs within the last two years. Although DVD-X-Copy was popular due to its simplicity, DVD Decrypter gave a wide range of options and control to the end user. The ability for the end user to heavily manipulate DVD Decrypter - and the fact it was free - allowed this program to become a popular asset to the DVD copying community.
However, its popularity would eventually lead to its undoing. It was surprising DVD Decrypter lasted as long as it did, especially with 321 Studios DVD-X-Copy being banished to bowels of the Internet in early 2004. Today, in what many consider to be an unfortunate announcement, the developer of DVD Decrypter, "LIGHTNING UK!", has announced he too will cease the future distribution and development of his software.
"Ok so it has taken a while (almost 2 years), but eventually "a certain company" has decided they dont like what Im doing (circumventing their protection) and have come at me like a pack of wolves. Ive no choice but to cease everything to do with DVD Decrypter. I realise this is going to be one of those "that sucks - fight them!" kinda things, but at the end of the day, its my life and Im not about to throw it all away (before it has even really started) attempting to fight a battle I cant possibly win."
In order to survive this ordeal with his finances intact, the developer of DVD Decrypter must transfer the domain "www.dvddecrypter.com" over to "a certain company" by the end of this week. Currently, the site is no longer available.
The orginial message by LIGHTNING UK!
Hello world,
Ive got some good news and some bad news. Lets start with the good.... (tumble weed passes by)Ok, and now onto the bad: DVD Decrypter 3.5.4.0 is the last version youll ever see.We hoped this day would never come, but it has, and I can promise you, nobody is more gutted about it than I am.
What started as a bit of fun, putting a GUI around some existing code, turned into something that I can only describe as "part of me" – yes, I know thats sad ;-) As Ive recently been made aware (by a letter, hand delivered to my door, last Tuesday), due to some law that was changed back in October 2003, circumventing copy protection isnt allowed.
Ok so it has taken a while (almost 2 years), but eventually "a certain company" has decided they dont like what Im doing (circumventing their protection) and have come at me like a pack of wolves. Ive no choice but to cease everything to do with DVD Decrypter. I realise this is going to be one of those "that sucks - fight them!" kinda things, but at the end of the day, its my life and Im not about to throw it all away (before it has even really started) attempting to fight a battle I cant possibly win.
If 321 Studios cant do it with millions, what chance do I have with £50?! As Im sure most of you have already noticed, the site has been down for a few days. That surprised me as much as the next person (slight breakdown in communication), or I would have issued this statement on it directly.
So anyway, from this point forward, Im no longer permitted to provide any sort of assistance with anything that helps people infringe the rights of "a certain company". That means, no more emails, no more forum posts, no PMs, no nothing! END OF STORY. The domain name will be transferred over to the company by the end of the week (9th June, according to the undertakings I have to sign) so dont email it thinking "Oh, Ill just ask LIGHTNING UK! for support on this". Youll not be getting the intended recipient and could be landing yourself in sh1t!
With 3.5.4.0 being the last version, it makes sense for everyone to disable the "check for new versions" feature, as obviously there wont be any. Of course what I really mean is that you should all stop using the program out of respect for the companys rights.
Anyone hosting DVD Decrypter is advised to cease doing so immediately. Ive the feeling they wont stop with just me. Im having to contact anyone I know of that is (at the very least, the "mirror" sites), and tell them to stop. Copies of those emails must also be sent to the solicitors so they can check Im doing everything Im supposed to. If I dont, I die.
It is of course down to the owners of those sites to react how they want to. Its not my job to force you to do anything you dont want to, Im just giving you some friendly advice. Maybe its just me, but I see this as a bit of an "end of an era". I realise there are other tools, but theres no telling how much longer theyll last, and not only that, mine was the oldest! Ive met loads of great people over the years and I want to take this opportunity to wish them every success for the future - yes DDBT peeps, that includes you lot! I hope youve all enjoyed my contribution to the DVD scene and maybe Ill see ya around sometime. |
