Ripping a DVD in 2026: $22 Hardware, Free Software, and a 25-Year-Old DRM Relic Still Trying to Phone Home
By
Patrick Quirk
Hot, fresh, and worth queueing round the block for.
Summary
The author recounts a personal experiment in 2026: ripping a DVD (Gladiator) from their own collection to see if it's possible. What starts as a simple task reveals a buried history of anti-piracy infrastructure — a defunct Japanese DRM company, a 25-year-old executable still trying to phone home, and the absurdity of obsolete copy protection. The piece reflects on how technology has shifted: what was a federal crime in 1999 is now trivial with $22 hardware and free software, and explores the cultural and legal evolution of digital ownership, DRM, and piracy.
Key quotes
· 4 pulledThe disc was Gladiator, a two-disc set that has been on my shelf for years.
In 2026 the entire workflow takes about an hour. The cheap hardware costs less than a sandwich. The software is free.
I just wanted to see if I could do it.
It surfaced dead anti-piracy infrastructure, a defunct Japanese DRM company, and a twenty five year old executable that was still trying to phone home
You might also wanna read
Frustration grows over stalled digital rights and privacy advocacy progress
The article discusses the lack of progress in digital rights and privacy advocacy, expressing frustration that the anticipated "digital righ
discuss.privacyguides.net·11d ago
Microsoft Office 2019 for Mac to become read-only in July 2026 due to expiring license certificate
Microsoft has announced that on July 13, 2026, a digital certificate used to verify Office licenses will expire. This will cause older Offic
heise.de·4d ago
FCC's Proposed DRM-Based ATSC Standard Threatens Public Access to Free Broadcast Airwaves
The article warns about an FCC proposal to implement a DRM-based standard (ATSC Transition) for digital television that would give a private
eff.org·9d ago