MSNBC posted this story today (originally from AP, I believe).

From the article:

“SAN FRANCISCO - A federal judge has kept in place a temporary prohibition on RealNetworks Inc.’s distribution of software that lets consumers copy and store DVD movies on their personal computers and portable hard drives.”

Apparently, the judge must not surf the internet very often, or he or she would know that there is ALREADY software available that copies movies from DVDs to your hard drive. Xilisoft DVD Ripper, DVD Rip, and AOA DVD Ripper come to mind. There are more, of course.

I’m pretty peeved that I have to resort to “illegal” software to rip my OWN DVDS to my computer.

“The movie studios contend that the software allows pirating. RealNetwork argues it is legal.”

Dear studios,

Newsflash!!! - if I wanted to pirate your videos, I already have software to do so. Stop being morons so I can get software that works better to copy movies I legally own so I can watch them anywhere I wish on my laptop without having to tote 16 DVDs with me on vacation. Welcome to the year 2008. Please join us. Thanks.