Drm question

[anowis213]

I am finally ready to make the full time switch to Linux but before I do, I'd like any tips or advice on what to do with my video and music collection.

I currently use amazon for movies and I-tunes for music. My plans for the music is to just burn them to cds and then re-rip them into which ever player I eventually decide on. My real issue is the 30 or so movies that I have purchased from amazon. My understanding is that amazon unbox does not work with linux due to drm restrictions and I'm wondering if I'm just stuck watching online or is there a way I can get my collection moved over to linux with me. There seems to be quite a few drm removal programs out there but I'd appreciate some opinions on the matter before I fork over a bunch of money to watch movies that I've already payed for (a whole separate issue for another forum). Also since it looks like I'm going to have to purchase a drm type removal program either way, I guess any suggestions should also include a way to rip my dvds as well? Just as an added bonus.

Any tips or advice to help smooth this process any would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[jvossler]

i don't know about the Amazon movies (looking for a solution to that one myself) but VLC has handled every other format that I have tried except wtv. Unless you have lots of DRM'ed or Media Center content I would say to just go ahead and make the change. You can always setup Win7 in a virtual machine or see if Unbox will install under Wine if there is no way to remove the drm or convert to a usable format.

[ThistleWeb]

I'm sure there are apps which strip the DRM off various files, what they are I dunno, I refuse to give any company my custom that use DRM. DRM only punishes the genuine paying customer as you're finding out.

[pkeats]

vlc player (under windows also) has a unique feature under the media menu ---convert / save.
Need to play around to understand it all but is worth the effort

[Carl]

Let's get one thing clear *clears throat* VLC is a wonderful program which will play almost any format imaginable and more! but it will not, I repeat will not play DRM'ed content

now onto your drm problem: land ahoy! pirates there be meh maties! Black Flag - Jolly Roger - skull and crossbones and all that