SlySoft works on AnyDVD HD for backing up HD DVD content

Going by a post on SlySoft's support forum, it looks like they are already working an alpha version of AnyDVD HD, according to this WesleyTech report, which claims to have reached a stage where it can rip and decrypt every HD DVD disc tested so far. Like how AnyDVD can remove control locks on DVDs, they aim to develop the tool to remove annoying trailers, the lengthy "HD DVD is great" logo and the FBI warning, most of which cannot be skipped generally.

According to the SlySoft Team member that made the post, while Blu-ray has the advantage of capacity, they prefer working on a HD DVD version first due to no region coding, less DRM and the low-cost Xbox360 HD DVD drive that it works with, unlike Blu-ray. So for now, AnyDVD HD will only work with HD DVD, although Blu-ray support may be added later on.

So far, it is not clear how AnyDVD HD currently gets hold of the keys, particularly with it being closed source commercial software. However, it aims to be user friendly without the user having to manually supply the keys, let alone fetch them out of a memory dump. Even if they decide on adding Blu-ray support later, they aim to get at least the HD DVD version complete first. As this product is only in very early stages yet, they will unlikely make any official announcements until the AnyDVD HD is available.

By Dolphinius_Rex, Fri 2 Feb 2007 23:05

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Admittedly, I don't care much about HDDVD, but I don't understand why this product is a big deal. Here's my issue: What is this software being used for? This software is used to rip discs. So if you HAVE the HDDVD movie, and an HDDVD-ROM, you can rip it to your computer. You can also share it with other people, via peer-2-peer, or burn it onto 2-4 DVD+RDL's, or via external HDD. Realistically MOST people probably won't be doing this. *SOME* people will share the files via peer-2-peer, but most people probably don't want to D/L 15GB-30GB of data for 1 movie. Also, ISP's are cracking down on bandwidth use a lot as well (at least in my area). Even when HDDVD-R burners become available, the media cost is very expensive. If you're burning a copy for a friend who ALSO has an HDDVD drive/player, then there would be some savings (not to mention legality issues), but it's still pretty expensive for a copied disc. So what are people going to be using this for?

By SamuriHL, Sat 3 Feb 2007 02:50

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What most people will use this for in the beginning is getting rid of the ridiculous hardware requirement restrictions that are placed on them. For instance, some people with the beautiful Apple Cinema LCD displays will be happy because the HDCP requirement can be removed from their HD-DVD movies allowing them to use a HTPC to playback their movies in full resolution. Also skipping through the crap on the HD-DVD's like we do with regular DVD's will be nice...no studio logos, 15 minutes of previews, etc to sit through. It will make the movie playback experience that much nicer. Some day, when discs are cheaper and hardware is more prevalant, then backing up movies will become a reality. DVD's didn't just magically start out at 50 cents a disc, either. They were also expensive when they first came out. Now, they aren't. As with all things, it will come down in price.

By Dolphinius_Rex, Sat 3 Feb 2007 04:28

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@SamuriHL Thanks for that, I hadn't considered the HDCP requirement removal... that makes some sense at least. I'm not sure people would go to all the trouble to rip and store an HDDVD image just to avoid a few trailers and forced screens though.

By SpeedyJDK, Sat 3 Feb 2007 14:05

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Guess we just need to master those to work in Blu-Ray Players Big Grin

DDDDDDDDD Atleast Blu-Ray HAS discs to burn em on. Not to mention BD Writers. Unlike the upcomming HD DVD Writer in Single Layer Big Grin

. Well, i might support AnyDVD on this one. Only to help kill sales of HD DVD's even more Smilie

By SpeedyJDK, Sat 3 Feb 2007 16:20

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Guess we just need to master those to work in Blu-Ray Players Big Grin

DDDDDDDDD Atleast Blu-Ray HAS discs to burn em on. Not to mention BD Writers. Unlike the upcomming HD DVD Writer in Single Layer Big Grin

. Well, i might support AnyDVD on this one. Only to help kill sales of HD DVD's even more Smilie

By Crabbyappleton, Sat 3 Feb 2007 21:05

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It is also important *to me* that these DRM schemes are proven to be useless and even a waste of investment for the content providers. Once we purchase and item of entertainment...we should be able to use them as we wish. Technology gives us new opportunities ever day to help us enjoy our purchases in our homes and with our friends. DRM simply is not acceptable. I am uncomfortable with a company dictating to me what I can and cannot do with something I have bought. I am also uncomfortable being "locked in" to a format or product simply due to the shackles of the DRM that tags along with it. It stifles competition and price drops. It limits choice. Frankly, it is none of their damn business, what I do, as long as I am not breaking the law. If I am, there are laws on the books that address these issues.

By SamuriHL, Sat 3 Feb 2007 23:16

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@Dolphinius_Rex From my understanding, it will not be necessary to rip the title to the hard drive in order to remove the HDCP and movie trailers and stuff...it'll be done in real time. Smilie

Hence, for an HTPC experience this will be GREAT. Throw an Xbox 360 drive on your HTPC, hook it up to a large TV or monitor, and enjoy. That to me has merit and value and I for one would be willing to pay for that. Ripping to the hard drive...well, I suppose if you had a couple terrabytes kicking around. LOL Smilie

(Which, again, that was said about DVD's way back when, too. Given some time and advancement of technology we'll be seeing backups and rips in a few years easily)

By Lord KiRon, Sat 3 Feb 2007 23:51

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First people wrong about "uses" - First and major use I can see is play the disk on non "HDMI/HDCP enabled" computer. Paying few bucks fot "AnyHDDVD" is way cheaper then replacing your video card and monitor. - Another use : streaming over network to networked player. - Backup of course is costly for now but this will change soon. Also when calculating backup costs not forget the HD DVD movie prices ! And kids still tend top destroy disks, may be media cost a lot but it steal cheaper then buying another copy. All this are completely legal reasons to use such software.

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