Copying DVDs?

Yes, I'm curious about the technology involved. I don't yet have either a CD burner or a DVD player.

I'm curious because I assumed that DVD-V and CDs are so different that you could never have a movie on CD. Also that DVDs hold more info, so that quality must be dropped if a movie goes from DVD to CD.

So is this actually possible technically, or are these complete scams?

I don't actually plan to do this, but my curiousity is piqued by the "format wars."

- Eric

Actually, under the "fair use" doctrine, it's not illegal to copy a cd or dvd for one's own use, eg, making a copy for the car.

But the original question leads me to another question:
I have been doing vinyl restoration, ie, copying it onto cd. I first copy at 24bit/96KHz and then depop it, clean it up, etc., and then convert to 16/44. However, with all the dvd burners coming out, does anyone know of any software which will allow me to take the 24/96 file and burn it to a dvd using dvd-audio format?

I purchased one of those programs to copy dvd's on a cdr, I have had this for a month now and have yet to try it. The reason? it's not just one simple program like your average burner program, you have to copy this file, copy that file, use this program, use that program etc etc, in other words a royal pain in the A##. And from what I gather what you come out with is not a dvd , but a cvd (computer video disk) which may or may not work in your dvd player. My advice, save your money. The price for dvd burners is dropping all the time. Just my opinion. TG

Gboren- not trying to split hairs, but I believe that's only true (fair use) if you own the DVD/CD/LP. Since you can't be in two places at once, its fair use if you make a copy for backup, archival, convenience purposes. If you copy software that you didn't pay for, or if you use it at two different locations simultaneously, I don't think that would be fair use. That's my story and I'm sticking to it ;~).

Swampwalker - Your fine tuning of the fair use rule is correct as I understand it!