I should add:
The subject of DVD ripping is problematic in regard to commercial, copyrighted movies. Technically, it is unlawful in some countries. I'll use the U.S. as an example.
According to the DMCA (Digital Millenium Copyright Act), it is illegal to use software to break DVD encryption. However, there is also something called the "Fair Use Doctrine". This recognises the legitimacy of making copies for your own use of copyrighted material you legally own. The apparent conflict has never (yet) been resolved either in a court of law, nor clarified by legislative act.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fair_use_doctrine
"Fair Use" arose out of the famous Betamax case. It has implications that range far beyond the original point at issue, i.e. TV recordings and time-shifting. It is widely asserted that "Fair Use" would be an effective affirmative defense should the DMCA ever be tested. The fact that it has NOT been conclusively tested in regard to DVD backups suggests that there is reason to believe it would be effective. [shrugs]
End of disclaimer.
