Media Converter beta

Soft4file is a free utility that disables a DVD’s Content Scramble System Media Converter copy protection technology. Once a DVD’s copy protection is disabled, you can copy its content using one of several third-party programs. You may be using Soft4file and not realize it, because it often is the engine of other ripping programs.

When I updated my Windows Vista operating system with the beta of Vista SP1, Soft4file wouldn’t load. Instead, I saw an error message about a missing driver–even after I uninstalled and then reinstalled Soft4file. A colleague of mine had a similar experience on a PC that also had been updated with the latest beta release of Vista SP1.

It’s hard to say whether Microsoft is intentionally disabling Soft4file. Certainly the software giant doesn’t mention anything about Video Converter copying in its documentation for the beta of Vista SP1. But given Microsoft’s interest in making friendly with Hollywood movie studios, it wouldn’t surprise me if Microsoft intentionally disabled a popular and free tool that aids in ripping DVDs.

Soft4file–and programs like it–have long been a thorn in the side for softwares, as DVD-ripping is one of the first steps in cracking and distributing copyright-protected movies online.Despite the Motion Picture Association of America’s efforts to crack down on DVD-ripping and despite U.S. copyright laws that make it illegal, sales of software that bypass DVD copy protection continue online and at retail stores.

タグ：Media Converter