Software Store: DVD X Copy Software

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A fact you should know: recordable DVD media holds 4.7GB data.

Conclusion: The typical DVD movie will require TWO DVD discs for a copy of the whole movie. Now let's see... 2 discs at $5/disc = $10.

In addition, the copies you make will require you to get up in the middle of the movie to put in the second disc (unless you have a multidisc player, then you have to switch to the other disk).

So if you think this program is an easy way to accumulate an illegal library of copied DVDs at bargain prices, think again.

Here's the ROI:

2 disks x $5/disk + $3.50 rental(the one you copy) = $13.50.
I can tell you right now, you can get pre-viewed DVDs at any video rental for $15. So you saved $1.50 over buying a legit copy. If you paid $85 for this program you will reach breakeven at 85/1.5 = 56 movies copied. That of course, does not include things like your time. All-in-all, a real poor investment in my opinion.

If you're really planning to use the program for its declared purpose (making backup copies of your DVDs, yeah right...) ask yourself how many DVDs have actually gone bad on you. Well what if you just buy a new copy if it does. If one in ten of your DVDs goes bad (and that's pretty high), and you pay $20 to replace it, that averages $2/movie instead of the $10/copy otherwise. Plus its, you know, a real dual-layer DVD that plays the entire movie at a single sitting.

I know there are cheaper media out there and if you want to create a library out of it, you deserve just what you'll get: a trip to the rental store when you find your copy won't play anymore in about 3 months (that's assuming it does to begin with).

THINK.

I'm also not sure where the whole "pay-to-upgrade" spiel is coming from either. Since owning DVDXCOPY I have seen 3 version upgrades (1.2, 1.3, 1.4, and soon to be released 1.5). I haven't had to pay for any of these. Simply download and reinstall. Done. Plus, if you bought DVDXCOPY early on when it was released chances are you'll get the Platinum version of the product for FREE when it is released. Episodic discs are currently the achilles heal of this software but that is soon to be rememedied (hopefully) in the 1.5 version and in the Platinum.

Now I will admit I have read some horror stories on their forum about guys having problems getting this software to work. As with anything PC based though it is hard to guarantee compatibiltiy with everything that is out there. I would suggest making sure you meet all the requirements before plunking down the cash for this software. But in DVDXCOPY's defense, I have had this software since January and have yet to make one coaster using my Sony DRU500A burner. I am also using DVD-R media bought in bulk. My average cost per disc (Meritline Accu media) is $.79 which in my eyes is a bargain. Granted many movies take 2 discs (there are double sided DVD-R's and I've used them successfully), but I don't think that is a big deal. Small price to pay. Plus, DVDXCOPY is smart enough that it will tell you if you can squeeze a whole movie on one disc by losing the special features, etc. This won't be for everybody as even I like special features, but once I've seen them once I don't usually watch them ever again.

I don't work for 321 Studios but I am a user of their product. I think anytime you get into a new technology such as this you can't expect perfect results. I have been fortunate to have an awesome experience with this product (so much so that my brother is now using it and having no issues). In about 35 minutes (rip to burn) I have a perfect copy of a DVD using 2x DVD-R. This will only get better and better as time goes on and drive speeds go up.

Before purchasing, examine your system then head over to the DVDXCOPY web site.... Hang out on the forum and ask some questions. I think with a little work up front you'll be better prepared and will have a better experience with this product. And once you get going with it you'll be blown away.