Free Dvds: Legal Ways To Get Your Fix

DVDs are a great way to own and watch your favourite movies and TV shows. However, with the rise of streaming services, many people are now looking to digitize their DVD collections to save space and have all their movies in one place. While there are many free and paid tools available to rip DVDs, it is important to note that ripping copy-protected DVDs is illegal in many countries. In this article, we will discuss the different ways to obtain DVDs for free without breaking the law.

Record TV shows yourself

Recording TV shows yourself is a great way to get DRM-free copies of your favourite episodes. This method does require a bit of work, and you will have to wait for the show to air on TV before you can record it.

To record TV shows yourself, you will need a TV tuner in your computer and a good recording program. Most TV tuners will record over-the-air TV, but if you want to record cable channels, you will need a tuner with a CableCARD, which can be quite expensive.

There are several recording programs you can use, with different features and capabilities. Here are some of the most popular options:

Wondershare UniConverter

Wondershare UniConverter is a desktop app that is easy to use and offers powerful screen recording tools. With UniConverter, you can capture your entire desktop screen or choose a specific capture area. You can also add voice narrations, picture-in-picture (PIP) effects, and annotations like text, drawings, and shapes.

UniConverter also allows you to edit your recordings by trimming, cropping, adding watermarks, and more. You can convert the recorded TV show to various file formats such as MP4, MOV, VOB, MTS, and 3GP.

To record a TV show using UniConverter, follow these steps:

• Install and run the program, then click on the "Screen Recorder" tab.
• Launch the recording function by clicking the "Screen Recorder" icon.
• Set a capture area by dragging the recording tool's frame or selecting "Custom" or "Full Screen" from the "Recording Mode" menu. If you choose "Custom", you can enter the frame dimensions and lock the aspect ratio.
• Configure your recording preferences by selecting a sound output device, microphone, and camera. This step is crucial if you want to add voice narrations and PIP effects.
• Set your output format as MP4, AVI, or FLV, and adjust other settings such as output frame rate, quality, and folder path.
• Click "REC" to start recording. You can add annotations during the recording by launching the recording taskbar.
• Click "Stop" when you're done recording. Edit the recorded video using the "Video Editor" function if needed.

Windows Game Bar

If you are a Windows 10 user, you can use the built-in Windows Game Bar to record TV shows for free. Simply press "Windows + G" keys to open the Game Bar, then press "Windows + Alt + R" to start recording. To stop recording, press "Windows + Alt + R" again. You can find the recorded video under "Widgets > Gallery" in the Game Bar.

QuickTime Player

For Mac users, QuickTime Player is a pre-installed option for recording TV shows. To record, simply launch QuickTime Player, go to "File > New Screen Recording", and then press the "Record" button. To stop recording, press "Stop" and then save the file by going to "File > Save".

Movavi Screen Recorder

Movavi Screen Recorder is another program that can be used to capture streaming video and screen activities. It offers high-quality recordings and allows you to take advantage of many features within the program. However, you may need to spend additional money on software like WinZip or WinRAR to extract the installation file.

To use Movavi Screen Recorder, follow these steps:

• Download the tool and extract the zip file using WinZip or WinRAR.
• Install and run the software on your device.
• Read the "Readme" file for instructions.
• Copy and paste the crack file to the "c/program files" folder.
• Enjoy the full version of the program.

Media Portal

Media Portal is an advanced personal video recorder similar to TiVo. It offers many more functions than a DVR or DVD Recorder and is easy to get started with. To record a TV show using Media Portal, simply press the "Record" button on your remote or select the "Record Now" option while watching TV. You can also schedule recordings by selecting a program in the TV guide and choosing from various recording options.

Buy second-hand DVDs

If you're looking to get your hands on some DVDs without spending a penny, one great option is to buy second-hand. This way, you can enjoy movies, TV shows, or whatever else floats your boat, all while being kind to your wallet and the environment! Here's a guide to help you navigate the world of pre-owned DVDs.

First up, you'll want to find a reputable seller of second-hand goods. There are many online platforms that specialise in this, such as Decluttr, Mega Cash, and The Clear Out Store. These sites offer a wide range of pre-owned DVDs, from family films to thrillers and everything in between. You can also try your luck at local thrift stores or charity shops, where you might just find that hidden gem you've been searching for.

When buying second-hand, it's important to do your research. Check the condition of the DVD before purchasing. Look for any scratches or damage that might affect playback. Many online sellers will provide detailed descriptions and even photos of the item's condition, so you know exactly what you're getting. It's also a good idea to sanitise any second-hand purchases once you receive them, just to be on the safe side.

One of the perks of buying pre-owned is the opportunity to snap up some rare or out-of-print DVDs that might not be available elsewhere. You can find classic movies, vintage TV shows, and even some unique collectibles. This is a great way to expand your film collection and discover hidden treasures.

Price is often a key factor when buying second-hand. You can find some great bargains, with prices often being much lower than buying new. Some sites even offer free shipping, so you can save even more. It's worth shopping around to compare prices and find the best deals. Additionally, if you have DVDs you no longer want, you can sell them on these platforms to make some extra cash!

So, if you're looking for a legal and cost-effective way to get your hands on some DVDs, buying second-hand is a fantastic option. With a bit of hunting, you can curate a diverse and exciting collection, all while being environmentally conscious and saving money. Happy shopping!

Sell your DVDs online

If you have a collection of DVDs that you no longer want, you can sell them online to make some extra cash and clear out some space.

There are several websites that allow you to sell your DVDs, such as Decluttr, World of Books, and Bonavendi. These sites offer a straightforward process for selling your DVDs:

• Use their app or website to scan the barcodes of your DVDs or enter the ISBNs to get an instant price quote.
• Pack your DVDs securely and ship them to the site for free.
• Get paid via direct deposit or PayPal once your items are processed, which is usually the day after they arrive.

Each DVD's value will vary depending on factors such as release date, title, and popularity. It's important to ensure that the DVDs are in good condition and not overly scratched. Additionally, send in the original cover to get the best price.

By selling your DVDs online, you can make some extra money while also contributing to reducing waste and helping the environment.

Rip DVDs for personal use

Ripping DVDs for personal use

Ripping DVDs for personal use is a great way to back up your favourite movies, TV shows, and home movies, as well as save space and keep your DVDs out of the landfill. However, it is important to note that ripping copy-protected DVDs for personal use is technically illegal in the United States as it involves bypassing copy protection. While the chances of getting caught are slim, it is still considered piracy.

If you still want to rip your DVDs, there are a host of free and paid tools that can help you. Here are some of the best options:

Handbrake

Handbrake is a powerful, open-source software that is free to use and compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux. It allows you to rip DVDs and save video content in virtually any format, including MP4, AVI, WMV, and MOV. While Handbrake does not support the removal of copy protection, this can be bypassed with a little research. It is important to note that this may be illegal in your country, so be sure to check your local laws. Handbrake is a bit complicated to use and may not be the best choice for beginners.

WinX DVD Ripper

WinX DVD Ripper is a user-friendly program that is available in both a free and paid version. The free version is limited to ripping videos that are five minutes or shorter and does not support copy-protected discs. The paid version costs $39.95 and can handle longer videos and copy-protected DVDs. WinX DVD Ripper is easy to use and can rip DVDs, ISO images, and folders of DVD files.

VLC Media Player

The popular VLC Media Player can also be used to rip DVDs. From the Media menu, click Convert/Save and select the files or disc you want to rip. While this method is free and effective, it is slower than some of the other options.

WonderFox DVD Ripper

WonderFox DVD Ripper is another simple and feature-rich program that is available in a free and paid version. The free version can handle both personal and copy-protected videos but limits you to ripping 15-minute videos. The paid version costs $29.95 and allows you to rip longer videos. WonderFox DVD Ripper supports a variety of output formats, including AVI, MP4, MKV, WMV, and MOV, and allows you to adjust settings such as resolution, frame rate, and bit rate.

MakeMKV

MakeMKV is a free DVD-ripping software that can handle both DVDs and Blu-ray discs. It is very easy to use and has a straightforward process for ripping discs. Simply analyze your disc, choose the tracks you want to rip, select the output location, and hit the 'Make MKV' button. However, it is important to note that the free version is only available for 30 days.

Freemake Video Converter

Freemake Video Converter is a clean and intuitive free DVD ripper that is compatible with Windows. It allows you to choose specific video tracks to rip and even clip video segments. While it does not contain extra bundled software, it adds a watermark to ripped videos.

When choosing a DVD ripper, it is important to consider the compatibility with your operating system, user-friendliness, and the availability of desired features. Additionally, always check the intellectual property laws in your country before ripping DVDs.

Download DRM-free videos

There are very few places online that sell DRM-free content, and these are not major studios. Stand-up comedians like Louis CK, Aziz Ansari, and Jim Gaffigan have started selling their specials as DRM-free digital downloads. Archive.org has a big selection of DRM-free movies, news programs, and more.

If you want to download DRM-free videos from streaming platforms, you will need a DRM video downloader. StreamFab DRM M3U8 Downloader is a good option for this. It allows you to download videos from platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and HBO Max. With StreamFab, you can choose the video quality and playback compatibility.

Another option is to record TV shows yourself using a TV tuner in your computer and a good recording program. Most TV tuners will record over-the-air TV, but if you want to record cable channels, you will need a tuner with a CableCARD.

Frequently asked questions