Q&A: Copies of DVD Movies…?

Question by Me: Copies of DVD Movies…?
We used to want to make back up copies of our purchased DVD movies just in case the originals were damaged, which is legal, but then we found out that all available software used to do so is illegal with the Digital Millenium Copyright Act (DMCA) because the software has to tamper with the DVD’s encryption content in order to make the copy of the DVD, which is not legal, so we decided not to do that. I have read online that some people have been renting DVD movies and copying them which I know is illegal, so we don’t want to do that. So…I had a thought that I am curious if anyone knows if it is legal or not. I am a iTunes user for my music, but they also have the option to buy movies. Would it be legal for me to buy a movie through iTunes and burn a copy to a DVD so we can watch it on our TV/Surround Sound system instead of being limited to having to watch it on a PC or iPod? I am thinking that it would violate the same Digital Millenium Copyright Act (DMCA) laws, but I am not sure if iTunes Video tampers with the encryption when creating a backup copy. To my understanding, it does not do so when creating a back up copy of the music that is purchased through them. Please assist. I need some real legal-eagles here. Thanks!
The info contained in my original question is true as it was confirmed with a lawyer, unfortunately I can’t ask my new question to that same lawyer friend, as he passed recently.
Regarding the answer about the Apple products, I have contacted Apple to discuss my question further to see if their products can help resolve my issue.

Best answer:

Answer by Mutt
No. Those are also encrypted in a way to prevent you from burning onto a DVD in a format that will play in a DVD player.

This does not mean you are stuck watching the movies you buy only on your computer or your iPod (if your iPod has video). If your iPod has video, you can buy a cable to connect to your TV and play the iPod video and audio through your TV. I don’t know how well surround sound will work, but you do at least get stereo.

Apple also sells a device called Apple TV that connects to your TV to play iTune movies you purchase and rent. You can store them on the device, but it is suppose to also connect to your computer and stream them over WiFi. I haven’t used this device, so I can’t comment personally on how well it works, but have seen some pretty good reviews on it.

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