How to Capture and Backup HD-DVD Movies with an Xbox 360 + HD DVD Drive + PC

By | December 4th, 2006 comments icon (4) Comments


hddvd copy workflow

Jake Ludington: “One of the key disadvantages of HD-DVD is no convenient way to make back-up copies of the discs. The HD-DVD spec supports what’s known as a managed copy, but so far none of the HD-DVD disks I own have this feature. If I want to watch my HD content somewhere other than my Xbox, or if I want to backup my $30 investment, at this point, I have to create my own solution. Until someone starts giving me managed copies, I’m making copies of my HD-DVDs to watch them where I want to using an analog solution. Following the guidelines presented here, you can use an Xbox 360 with the HD-DVD drive and a PC to make copies of HD-DVD movies.”

After a quick once over, it definitely looks like a workable solution to an ugly problem. The only catch is, you’ll need just about all the cutting-edge hardware you can get your hands on, plus massive amounts of quick write storage drives. And then there’s the tricky part of compressing the high-def video into a more manageable format (which Jake doesn’t cover).

Seriously, though, it’s probably more trouble than its worth. Anyone know why we haven’t seen managed copies yet? Is it a new disabled feature for our protection? [sarcasm/joke] Possible answer: We won’t see managed copy functionality until Intel Viiv, HD DVD equipped Windows Vista PCs launch.

Related:
eHomeUpgrade – Rip Blu-ray Movie Discs with Your New PlayStation 3





Filed in: Software

  • http://www.msmvps.com/chrisl/ ChrisL01

    Viiv has nothing to do with Managed Copy, however if AACS would ship 1.0 you would know more about it.

    Chris

  • http://www.alexandergrundner.com Alexander Grundner

    ChrisL01 said: Viiv has nothing to do with Managed Copy, however if AACS would ship 1.0 you would know more about it.

    Chris

    True, but you’ll need Viiv if you want to stream managed copies of your HD DVDs — at least that’s how Intel and Microsoft’s press release make it sound like. Chris, what file format will the movies be encoded in and will they be compatible with non-Viiv certified streaming devices?

  • http://www.msmvps.com/chrisl/ ChrisL01

    I’m getting rusty on my details, but the basic concept is that Viiv 1.5 is supposed to support DTCP-IP, which is an approved output for Managed Copy under AACS. However, it’s not the only approved output, most notability WMDRM is too.

    Now, file formats is another interesting bit. 99.99% of current HD DVD releases are using VC-1. However, they can also use MPEG-2 or MPEG-4 AVC. This means, that for a device to support native playback of Managed Copies, it would need to support these formats.

    DLNA defines MPEG-2 as “Required”, MPEG-4 AVC and WMV9 (assuming VC-1 too) are “Optional” so you would hope most devices with a “Viiv” tag support DLNA formats. I believe that the “Media Server” that is supposed to also come with Viiv will support transcoding to DLNA formats. However, since this great industry standards group defines “Optional” formats, you can see where it loses it’s point (as most industry standard groups do).

    Viiv is nothing more than marketing, just as Centenio. Intel defines the standard that a PC must meet, then then it’s get a Viiv label. DMR’s basically do the same, though I’m not sure of the process a device needs to get the “Viiv” label.

    “Non-Viiv” devices will just have to support the codec’s the rights management defined by AACS. So, for example, the Xbox 360 which supports WMDRM (Media Center Extender mode) should make a perfect device to stream Managed Copies too.

    More information will come out if AACS ever decides to release 1.0 of their spec. It’s been delayed again and again, and it’s really holding back development as far as I can tell at this point.

    Chris

  • http://www.alexandergrundner.com Alexander Grundner

    Good stuff, Chris. Thanks for shedding light on the topic. It makes me wonder: If we’re allowed to make manged copies of out of HD disc content for streaming and use on portable devices, why don’t the studios give us similar functionality with CableCARD equipped devices? I know you kind of address it in your recent post, CableCARD Recordings On Zune? Why The Answer Is No.