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69 Comments
- eclectro, on 10/12/2007, -0/+6Purchased??? Macrovision should stop lying. Isn't there a law against that?
From the history books....for those that want to be clued in...
Hello world,
I"ve got some good news and some bad news.Let's start with the
good.... (tumble weed passes by)Ok, and now onto the badVD Decrypter
3.5.4.0 is the last version you"ll 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 that's sad ;-) As I"ve 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 isn"t
allowed.
Ok so it has taken a while (almost 2 years), but eventually "a
certain company" has decided they don"t like what I"m doing
(circumventing their protection) and have come at me like a pack of
wolves. I"ve 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, it"s my life and
I"m not about to throw it all away (before it has even really started)
attempting to fight a battle I can"t possibly win.
If 321 Studios can"t do it with millions, what chance do I have
with £50?! As I"m 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, I"m 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 PM"s, 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 don"t email it
thinking "Oh, I"ll just ask LIGHTNING UK! for support on this". You"ll
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
won"t be any. Of course what I really mean is that you should all stop
using the program out of respect for the company's rights.
Anyone hosting DVD Decrypter is advised to cease doing so
immediately. I"ve the feeling they won"t stop with just me. I"m 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 I"m doing everything I"m
supposed to. If I don't, I die.
It is of course down to the owners of those sites to react how
they want to. It"s not my job to force you to do anything you don"t
want to, I"m just giving you some friendly advice. Maybe it"s just me,
but I see this as a bit of an "end of an era". I realise there are
other tools, but there"s no telling how much longer they"ll last, and
not only that, mine was the oldest! I"ve 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 you"ve all enjoyed my contribution to the DVD scene and maybe
I"ll see ya around sometime.
LIGHTNING UK!
(Author of the once "Ultimate DVD Ripper", DVD Decrypter) - arcman, on 10/12/2007, -1/+4Unless Macrovision can shut down the whole internet, my right to fair use will superseed Macrovision's right to be a *****.
- Canned_Heat, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2Thanks. Good digg. I just downloaded the most recent version. Probably will be the last.
- JMJimmy, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2and why can't I sue Macrovision for infringing on my rights to make fair use copies of my vhs as my player is dying and I only have dvd? why can't I sue them again? someone? anyone?
LONG LIVE FAIR USE! - rebrad, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2Funny, I want Macrovision to go bankrupt and pulled from my memory.
- mattwilson, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2If anyone needs to download DVD Decrypter...
http://fileforum.betanews.com/detail/DVD_Decrypter/1011845169/1
I just formatted and need to download it again, this time I'll throw a copy on my file server for the future. - starmonkey, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2"Hey, they purchased the rights to it.. they can do whatever they want.
It sucks, but that's the truth."
classic example of people completely disregarding any system of ethics? - Craig1394, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2Once upon a time, Macrovision was a huge pain in my ass. I bought one of those analog macrovision killers for dubbing VHS tapes. Now, in the age of DVD's, they have been defeated yet again, and it really pisses them off. ~_~ DVD Decrypter is only ONE of many programs. Even if I did not already have the latest version, I would NOT be hurting for fair use backup software.
- IraqManiac, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2http://www.videogamepirate.com/apps/SetupDVDDecrypter_3.5.4.0.exe
http://www.videogamepirate.com/apps/dvdshrink32setup.exe
suck it - mntpng, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1This is a reason why I like GPL. If DVD Decrypter was licensed under GPL, no one can pull the rug out under anyone. Software licensed under GPL has a guaranteed freedom beyond the life of the owner or creator.
- copernic, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1You've got to get a kick of the phrase "...has purchased the rights."
That's not exactly how it went down. - diehard2k5, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1First DVD Shrink, now DVD Encrypter. Sigh...
Frickin' DRM.
Good thing everybody has both installed already. - MonkeyMonk, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1I read in the response that AfterDawn would pull the file from their servers "as soon as technically possible."
One would hope that 'technically possible' means 'as soon as we can get our servers to run off of happy thoughts and pixie farts, we'll pull the file.'
In the meantime, Macrovision can *action with tongue* my *lower body orifice*.
>>insert evil laugh and much "shocker" hand-gesture waving here. - Dozer, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0they probably bought it to learn how to block it. But someone will always find a way around it.
- DisposableRob, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0Oh well, this will be a slight inconvenience for very few people. Like cutting off the head of a hydra.
- stevesmename, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0After Reading I googled "Download DVD Decrypter"
Afterdawn.com came up first but, about the third result came, and 3 seconds later, done. DVD Decrypter Stored on my computer. - MrPhelps, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0If the software was released as a freeware in the past they can't it still be distibuted freely now ? Macrovision would need to make another release (unlikely) to change the license.
Besides, if the original author really was pressured to give his rights to macrovision, he might very well have won the case .. then again he probably judged the risk was too high.
La raison du plus fort est toujours la meilleure. - damonic, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0You can get it here, too. http://homepage.mac.com/damonic/FileSharing5.html
- ramsinks.com, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0na, i'll still host it.
Thanks. - dragonmaster2d, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0Oh thank all who can succesfully program their own software and don't worry about people buying it...
- inactive, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0> You've got to get a kick of the phrase "...has purchased the rights."
> That's not exactly how it went down.
No... they purchased it. It's just that the lawyers were the ones who got paid. There's an abject lesson in there somewhere about the "value" of intellectual property. Personally, if I were the author of a closed-source freeware software and I were approached by a gang of thieving corporate lawyers threatening to put me in jail for code I wrote, I'd just release the source. This has worked for so many people that it has pretty much become the model for how to handle this type of thing.
> dvdbackup is great tool for for linux users :)
Yes, that's nice; where's the Live CD? - MrOrange, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0Unbelievable ! Macrovision think that they can buy they way out...
No money can buy-off our digital rights ! - OutcastJiob, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0"There best bet would have been to just leave it alone. But no, they had to be a prick about it.
Now everyone is downloading it."
The only sure way to make absolutely certain that everyone obtains a piece of software is to ban or in some other way restrict it. Smart move, Macrovision, real smart move. - pcuser, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0Thank goodness for DVDFab and doom9's fine tutorial:
http://www.doom9.org/index.html?/mpg/dvdfab-fullsplit.htm
Even if DVD Decrypter disappears, DVDFab and others will be around to allow fair use. - skizatch, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0Heh, DVD Decrypter is the top download on BetaNews by a huge margin, http://fileforum.betanews.com/ (look in the far right column)
- Bluezdood, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0Who cares, use DVDshrink. Better program
- therernospoons, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0They did not purchase it. They threatened the guy (Lightning UK). First of all, what he should have done a long time ago was go open source. Then they would not have been able to touch him.
Macrovision is too late anyway. It's like trying to stop piracy. There is no way, they can pull DVD Decrypter off every server. Just try pulling something off The Pirate Bay and see what happens.
Human knowledge belongs to the world! - rejecting, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0Hell, I downloaded the torrent right now, Just cuz they said i couldn't.
- inactive, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0> can i just point out that SONY got caught with it's pants
> down recently, using GPL'd software in rootkits that it
> was installing on peoples computers, and simply turned
> round and did a resounding ***** you gesture to everyone.
No, I think the point we were trying to make is that if you GPL
your source code, nobody is going to jail... nobody can really
be threatened with going to jail. Civil suits also become a
hell of a lot more complicated as well. Just look at the list:
Phil Zimmerman
Nullsoft
Jon Johansen
etc.
Those are some pretty heavy hitters. Chance are that if they made that decision, the peanut gallery here at digg really doesn't have anything useful to the contrary to say.
Companies caught using GPL code without the proper attribution are pretty much the opposite problem. On a personal level, I really see nothing wrong with that (companies seem willing to violate plenty of ethical standards, what makes you think the GPL, which is really just a nicety, is any different). Besides it gives us an entry point into their code and allows hackers to deconstruct their binaries. Companies that do the right thing a release their modifications basically allow themselves to be recognized at the good corporate citizens that they are (and should be appropriately rewarded... just look at Linksys (OK, it took a little prodding, but they eventually did the right thing)). - MannaPC, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0Son of a... Dang.
- LeeVal, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0hehe take a look at the google ads on the right
- republicoftexas, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0"This is a much better alternative.
fastdvdcopy.com/
I find copying DVDs to be much quicker on my PowerMac than my PeeCee."
Never pay for software! - karamba_kid, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0dvdbackup is great tool for for linux users :)
- inactive, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0"Hey, they purchased the rights to it.. they can do whatever they want.
It sucks, but that's the truth."
that is a complete load of *****. just by purchasing something it does NOT void all prior contractual agreements. they are still bound by them. - SniperGX1, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0There are much better alternatives now, but out of spite I have archived all versions of DVD Decryptor and i'm sure there are thousands who have done the same. ***** DRM.
- mason.parker, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0it sucks, but it's a pretty clever move on their part
- LittleOni, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0I think I like this part the most:
"They can bully those that do not have the money for a legal defense by acquiring their work and then like an impetuous child, attempt to take back their new toys, but it wont work, you can't fight the world and you can't fight technology. If you build it, it can someday be dismantled. If it is on the Internet, you can't completely stop it from distribution." - 7477696700, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0Hah, good luck, DVD Decrypter has been shared at practically every LAN party I've attended.
- paul_c, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0DVD Decrypter can still be downloaded from AfterDawn. In fact, its link is still on the front page in top downloads.
- Anekdoten, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0My favorite is AnyDVD.
- Halvy, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0hay thanx for heds up guys :)
oh and by the way,
acutally 'I' own the program.. thought it about long before microvi$ion opened their pie-holes.
sooo, i hearbye, forwith, do declare, that all sed copyrights and patterns forwith belongist to me, one said 'Halvy' on digg it.
u heard it hear first folks ;) - zbeast, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0There best bet would have been to just leave it alone. But no, they had to be a prick about it.
Now everyone is downloading it.
When will they learn.
Good going on trying to raise that stock value. - sotloo, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0Too late MPAA and RIAA scum i got a copy archived on my NAS so call the waaaambulance if you want to...
- lostboy, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0"This is a reason why I like GPL. If DVD Decrypter was licensed under GPL, no one can pull the rug out under anyone. Software licensed under GPL has a guaranteed freedom beyond the life of the owner or creator."
can i just point out that SONY got caught with it's pants down recently, using GPL'd software in rootkits that it was installing on peoples computers, and simply turned round and did a resounding ***** you gesture to everyone. - .Steven, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0hahaha Yeah, I have it burnt on a DVD an buried somewhere in Australia, so DVD Decrypter will live on...
- stimpack, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0About 10years ago I had to connect DVD through a Video because my TV lacked a SCART socket. Anything protected by Macrovision would not play, ironically due to copy protection, I could only watch pirated movies, not originals!. Anything this company does is moronic. Bunch of dumbasses.
- deadlychicken, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0"Who cares, use DVDshrink. Better program"
I agree, but since that too has ceased being developed, i sometimes have to use both. - republicoftexas, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0"Who cares, use DVDshrink. Better program"
Sometimes you have to use DVD dycrypter to do different things. Take ripping a PS2 movie for example. Try to do it with shrink. DVD dycrypter also works better at ripping scratched movies. - vannyx, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0hmm if they bought it, can they just deconstruct it see how it circumvents there protect and built a better microvision program to thwart dvdecrypter.
- inactive, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0They can pull my dvd decrypter from my cold dead hand.
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