Tuesday, March 9, 2004
DVD To Pocket PC And Fair Use?
Posted by Janak Parekh in "ARTICLE" @ 02:00 PM
CNET's David Carnoy has an interesting article on DVD To Pocket PC (which we which we reviewed recently) and the implications that the DMCA and copyright holders pose.
"Of course, as Jeff Lebowski (a.k.a the Dude) might proffer, there's a lotta ins, a lotta outs, and a lotta what-have-yous when it comes to fair use. And while it would seem perfectly reasonable to make a crappy, low-resolution copy of your Big Lebowski DVD and view it on your Pocket PC, Palm, or smart phone (yes, Makayama is working on DVD To Palm and DVD To Smart Phone, among other programs), life isn't always fair."
I can't help but rail at that last statement. DVDs and future technologies are slowly taking the options we once had with VHSes. I rarely have much time to sit in front of a TV and watch a movie, so I'd much rather carry one with me. But the DMCA actively prevents Makayama (the makers of DVD To Pocket PC) from marketing a "full version" of the program here -- instead, you're only supposed to rip your own DVDs using their software. I know I can do it myself by hand, but that's also too much of a hassle. So I just end up watching fewer big-screen movies instead. Kudos to Makayama, and a big thumbs-down to the RIAA & co. :evil:
"Of course, as Jeff Lebowski (a.k.a the Dude) might proffer, there's a lotta ins, a lotta outs, and a lotta what-have-yous when it comes to fair use. And while it would seem perfectly reasonable to make a crappy, low-resolution copy of your Big Lebowski DVD and view it on your Pocket PC, Palm, or smart phone (yes, Makayama is working on DVD To Palm and DVD To Smart Phone, among other programs), life isn't always fair."
I can't help but rail at that last statement. DVDs and future technologies are slowly taking the options we once had with VHSes. I rarely have much time to sit in front of a TV and watch a movie, so I'd much rather carry one with me. But the DMCA actively prevents Makayama (the makers of DVD To Pocket PC) from marketing a "full version" of the program here -- instead, you're only supposed to rip your own DVDs using their software. I know I can do it myself by hand, but that's also too much of a hassle. So I just end up watching fewer big-screen movies instead. Kudos to Makayama, and a big thumbs-down to the RIAA & co. :evil:
