Is VS the right software for editing store-bought dvds?

oneking · Post by **oneking** » Thu May 10, 2007 7:03 pm

The majority of what I read about Video Studio has to do with camcorders all the time. I want to re-edit a MOVIE, ripped from a dvd, and can't seem to get a fluid result. Would someone take a moment and tell me if I'm just using the wrong program for this?

BrianCee · Post by **BrianCee** » Thu May 10, 2007 7:11 pm

If it is your intention to edit a commercially purchased copyright DVD then NO - VideoStudio is not the programme for you. Neither will any of the senior members offer you any assistance in this forum to carry out this illegal act.

~~

oneking · Post by **oneking** » Thu May 10, 2007 7:23 pm

Perhaps I should clarify. There are two versions of a film that I enjoy, and I would like to be able to watch the best of both versions on one dvd. That's it. I'm not into pirating, or anything like that. Can you help?

BrianCee · Post by **BrianCee** » Thu May 10, 2007 7:37 pm

You have not told us what part of the world you are in so I cannot be specific about the copyright laws in your country - I know for instance that in some countries it is permitted to make an exact copy of a purchased disc for personal use. However as far as I know it is illegal in all civilised countries to re-edit or even worse combine two videos into one thus changing the original authors work.

Perhaps someone who knows the legalities of your country may be able to clarify the situation - but until I know different I am not prepared to communicate further.

oneking · Post by **oneking** » Thu May 10, 2007 8:15 pm

I understand, and I appreciate the response. Thanks for taking a moment to explain that. Sorry for any misunderstanding.

DVDDoug · Post by **DVDDoug** » Fri May 11, 2007 1:31 am

Here in the USA, it's not really the copying that is illegal!

However, It is illegal to decrypt or "crack" the digital copy protection.

Here in the USA personal copying is generally OK. It is considered "fair use", which is the same copyright exception that allows Xerox machines in every public library, although almost everything in the library is copyrighted. The famous supreme court ruling in the Betamax case confirmed that VCRs are legal for personal use.

Then, the Audio Home Recording Act made it legal to make digital audio recordings for non-commercial use. It is OK to make an MP3 from a CD that you own (for personal use). It also provided for a royalty to be collected on audio recorders and blank media. This includes blank CDs that are labeled "for audio use" and CD audio recorders. But, the royalty is not collected on regular blank CDs or computer CD burners.

The DMCA threw a wrench into the works by making it illegal to crack digital copy protection. You can still buy devices to remove Macrovision analog copy protection, and these appear to be legal here inthe USA.

BrianCee wrote:However as far as I know it is illegal in all civilised countries to re-edit or even worse combine two videos into one thus changing the original authors work.

Personally, I don't see anything wrong with altering a copy that I own. Is it illegal to use an equalizer to alter the sound of a recording? Or, to fast-forward through a boring part of a movie? I'm sure the creators & copyright holders don't like that... But, too bad!

I frequently enhance (or attempt to enhance) old recordings before burning them to CD. On occasion, I've even made censored versions of songs! Is it illegal to write notes in a textbook that I own? Is it illegal to white-out all of the "dirty" words in a book that I own?

But, Brien is right. There was a Supreme Court ruling against companies that made censored versions from customer-supplied DVDs. (They would distroy the original so that there were no extra-additional copies made.) The ruling was based on the right of the copyright holder to keep the artistic work intact. (I assume that broadcasters get permission from the copyright holder before editing a movie for broadcast.)