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Studios Kill SlySoft DVD Ripper

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Bad news for customers using DVD movie servers-- the movie studios's DRM police have managed to shut down SlySoft, developer of the popular AnyDVD DVD and Blu-ray disc ripping software.

Blu-rayA visit to the SlySoft website brings up a simple message stating "Due to recent regulatory requirements we have had to cease all activities relating to SlySoft Inc. We wish to thank our loyal customers/clients for their patronage over the years."

Being based in Antigua, SlySoft managed to escape the hounding of US copyright-protection bodies such as the DVD CCA (the entity responsible for shutting down RealDVD and almost killing Kaleidescape) and the AACS LA for a long while before it was forced to close. A number of movie server vendors use AnyDVD, including Control4, Duhe HD, Fusion Research, Vidabox and Mozaex.

What will happen to the owners of systems running AnyDVD? The software should theoretically still work on DVDs, be it on ripped discs and DVDs still to be copied. The same cannot be said for Blu-ray discs, since ripping requires access to an Online Protection Database (OPD) that could be shut down at any moment to prevent further ripping.

However the Slysoft forums have a number of users reporting problems following the company's takedown.

As for customers wanting a new DVD ripper, a possible option is Helix Media System, a spinoff of the Assassin HTPC featuring the MakeMKV video converter. DVDFab is another option, if one maker Fengtao Software says will never get to crack AACS 2.0, the copy protection found in the latest 4K Blu-ray discs.

Go SkySoft Closure