| Get AnyDVD HD and copy any DVD or Blu-ray disc with ease! |
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Message |
wvman45
Inactive
8 Oct 2003 8:41 PM
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Well, once again 321 Studios has done it again, and you all better watch your back. I complained a few months ago about the then new DVD X Copy Express making five connection attempts to the Internet when starting the program copy. Other than initial registration, there is NO reason why this company needs its program to access the Internet. In response to this, a representative told me the program "checked" to make sure the very latest copy was installed. Does anyone else know of another program that's so vigilant about making sure its customers have the most current version by making unsolicited/unauthorized Internet connection attemtps?
Anyway, here I install DVD X Copy Platinum and everything looks good so far--meaning that once I started a DVD copy I didn't see any visible alerts from my firewall that the program was trying to access the Internet. However, that changed. After checking later to see if it was time to take my source DVD out and put a blank on in to burn, the program had stopped itself. Actually, there was nothing on my monitor other than my desktop, as if I hadn't run the program at all. I checked my firewall logs, and at the time DVD X Copy Platinum terminated (according to its program log files), it had tried to connect to the Internet several times.
Well, I guess that means that if this program can't "phone home" with data on what DVD you're copying, it terminates. Nice touch, 321 Studios. Now, can someone recommend another program to use that's not so privacy intrusive? I've had it with this program, and wish there was a way I could get my money back now.
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Jaybo
Inactive
8 Oct 2003 9:31 PM
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wvman45,
I thought your post of August 8th, said you were a proponent of 321, and recommend it? Did I read you wrong?
Did you buy the software from 321, or discounted retail?
Regards,
RAG TAG #2
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wvman45
Inactive
9 Oct 2003 6:59 AM
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Jaybo,
Yes, I am a proponent of 321--WHEN the application works AND it doesn't exhibit privacy-invasive actions. Let me update you, and everyone else, a bit since my post of last night. I downloaded and installed DVD X Copy Express 3.0.5 last night and was able to copy one of my DVDs. So far, so good.
Problems with DVD X Copy Platinum aside, I have enjoyed using Express for making simple copies of my DVDs. With Express the experience so far has been a pleasant one, except for noting the instances where the program tries to make several Internet connections. Unlike Platinum, which seemingly cancels the burn process upon detecting that no network is present, Express seems to work okay without "phoning home".
I do understand 321's earlier stated reasons for making these connections (checking for current versions of the software). However, I think the instances of connecting to the Internet are excessive and unnecesary. Really, if I use, say, MS Word, it has no reason to check to ensure I'm using the most up to date copy. That is, and should be, something that is user-configurable.
That aside, let me state again that I AM a big proponent of 321's basic functionality, and that is enabling a "no brainer" copy of one's DVDs. I just have a problem with the privacy issues, which I do not feel 321 has adequately addressed. That's it. Also, I HAVE recommended 321 to several friends and associates, and 321 has new customers thanks to my recommendations.
Thanks,
Chuck
P.S. Yes, I did buy my initial copy of DVD X Copy from 321.
I thought your post of August 8th, said you were a proponent of 321, and recommend it? Did I read you wrong?
Did you buy the software from 321, or discounted retail?
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flaboy
Junior Member
9 Oct 2003 8:51 AM
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Why would 321 Studios need this information? I like the PGM, but I see no need for 321 studios to know what movies I'm backing up. Also what are they doing with this info when they do get it? If they lose the court battle then does the MPAA get the info on who and what is been copied?? Not to happy about the Privacy issue. I'm sure 321 put this disclamier in the licencing agreement. Right? I should really start reading those things.
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Jaybo
Inactive
9 Oct 2003 9:19 AM
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Gentlemen,
I understand your concerns,but I believe your concerns would be better addressed in the *RANTS* section of the forum better. Please take the time to express yourself there.
Regards,
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xgasman
Senior Member
9 Oct 2003 12:03 PM
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I believe Mr. R. H. MOORE himself has stated in the past that just because the program is checking for updates....with which by-the-way I've never had a problem...it does NOT exchange information about what movies you are attempting to backup.
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wvman45
Inactive
9 Oct 2003 7:44 PM
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Ladies and Gentlemen,
Let me add another "RANT", as Jaybo termed it, to this post before it gets moved to that /dev/null location. First, 321 makes an excellent product with the DVD X Copy line. However, I do not feel that this program has a valid requirement to check for current version status EACH time a user executes the program. Think about it, what other programs do you know of that are so insistent about doing this, as well as trying to make several Internet connections upon program launch? Not many.
To those that feel that my issues are "RANTS", as well as others that feel that these connection attempts aren't a problem, get your head out of the sand, so to speak. As an IT security professional, CISSP, and with an M.S. in Network Security, it is my job to perform penetration testing, as well as conduct vulnerability assessments. In my professional opionion, the DVD X Copy programs have no valid need to initiate network connection attempts, just because a user wants to use the program as intended. That is, make DVD backup copies.
Again I will state, I understand 321's intent to ensure a user has the most up-to-date version available. However, as in most applications, this is normally a user-configurable option, in terms of checking for updates. As registered, paying customers of the DVD X Copy line, it should be our right to decide when and if a version update check is executed.
I realize the pressure 321 Studios is under to produce a product attractive to customers, while at the same time, toe the line with the MPAA. If you think my "RANTS" are far-fetched, just ask that 12-year old that was recently ordered to pay a fine for downloading MP3s. True, she was downloading copyright-protected content. But I'm sure she, and millions like her, never thought she would be identified by the authorities for her actions. The upshot is, when 321 Studios is legally ordered to provide customer lists, do you think they will refuse? Think about it.
I will continue to use the DVD X Copy programs, because I think they blow the competition away and are the industry leader in what they do. However, they owe it to their customer base to practice due digilence. That, and they should not minimize concerns such as mine as "RANTS".
Chuck
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Jaybo
Inactive
9 Oct 2003 8:35 PM
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wvman45,
You make unsubstantiated claims, you have no proof. Now as a supporter of 321Studios,(as YOU claim to be)why in the world are you trying to harm this company with your rhetoric?
I am going to tell you to stop it now. Please spend more time helping other members,(owners of the products) instead of casting your evil assertions of 321 Studios.
If you have any complaints, post in the:
General Chat section of the forum
Feedback to 321 Studios
RAG TAG #2
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