For the past week or so, I've been having some fun putting my film collection on my server. So far, I accomplished a third of my DVD collection. While doing this, I did become annoyed with Hollywood, in that I could not transfer my video collection.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not advocating piracy, but feel that as I've given Hollywood enough of my money for over 3000 videos over the past 20 years, I should be allowed to transfer to new media as video machines are no longer on sale here due to newer technology & I'm not about to replace them by purchasing the same films on DVD or Blu-Ray disks.

Does anyone know of software/hardware that can transfer videos to either a computer or DVD disks? I do own legit software, but it will not copy/transfer commercial videos, only home made ones.

I have some really good classics that I've yet to see released on DVD and would love to get them transferred to server.

Im looking at this for my own video collection.
http://www.ionaudio.com/vcr2pc

There's also gizmos for vynils and tapes too

Thanks Werechild, but from the specs, it looks like home videos only. It probably needs a gadget between that & the pc to disable the Macrovision protection, or possibly a software solution similar to DVDShrink or DVDFab.

As for vinyl & tapes, you don't need a gadget, just plug them into a sound card & record. Worked well for me.

I've now put close to 600 DVD's on server with just over a 1000 to go. Unfortunately, came across a problem never experienced before (can remember back in the DOS days, but forgotten what caused it).

I have the Mad Max trilogy but Mad Max will not play or copy over & it keeps coming up with CRC error. Shortly after that, I've had another 3 do the same (2 of them region 0 & unencrypted) - over all, not bad batting averages.

Anyone know what could cause this error & why?

Think I found the answer - the DVD-rom drives have been given too much of a pasting. Still experiencing problems & about to give up when I decided to give it one last try & use the test machine. Installed the programs & so far, the disks that have been failing, are recognised & copying over.

Jeebers, expensive hobby!!! If that is the case, will have to replace 12 drives

That would work, if i still had a working turntable and tape player.