How to Copy Encrypted DVDs With Ubuntu

By W. P. Wentzell

i a dvd-r disc image by wayne ruston from Fotolia.com

Users can play, copy and even encode DVDs under Ubuntu. However, encrypted DVD playback is not a native feature of the operating system. Copy-restricted DVDs use a Content Scrambling System (CSS) to restrict software playback and illegal copying. To unlock this scrambling system, the Ubuntu user must first install the "libdvdcss2" file on their system to unscramble the DVD information. Once installed, a plethora of graphical and command-line interfaces can be used to create backup copies of the physical DVD media.

Step 1

Navigate to the "Applications" menu at the top left-hand corner of your desktop and click "Accessories," then "Terminal" to open a command-line interface. Execute the command "sudo apt-get install libdvdread4."

Step 2

Execute the command "sudo /usr/share/doc/libdvdread4/install-css.sh."

Step 3

Reboot the computer and log in.

Step 4

Navigate to the "System" menu at the top left-hand corner of your desktop and click "Administration," then "Synaptic Package Manager." In the "Quick Search" box type "k9copy."

Step 5

Click "Mark for Installation" next to the result and then click "Apply." Wait for the installation to finish. For instructions on using k9copy or other DVD backup alternatives, see Resources below.

References

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