Blu-ray to Blu-ray Copy Software Review

Blu-ray Discs have prevailed in the high-definition media war. Now, the question is how best to preserve and copy high-quality BDs in the least amount of time. This is particularly important because many consumers are still converting their VHS tapes and DVDs to state-of-the-art digital copies. Savvy customers also want to make Blu-ray to Blu-ray copies in multiple formats for viewing on tablet computers, cell phones, game consoles and DVD players.

As with all new technologies, the Blu-ray copy software available to convert and burn Blu-ray Discs leaves much to be desired. Only the best PCs are equipped for the work, and even those run into trouble. Our test hardware consisted of a Dell hard drive with a dual core processor, the 64-bit Windows Professional operating system, 4GB of RAM and about 60GB of free hard disc space. From there, we added an Asus external optical drive capable of Blu-ray to Blu-ray copy and Blu-ray burner functions. We looked for the best in Blu-ray burn, rip and decrypter software.

Our top picks for Blu-ray copy software are Aiseesoft's Blu-ray Ripper, Leawo’s Blu-Ray Copy application and DVDFab Blu-ray Copy. The best Blu-ray copy software breaks through digital protections immediately, letting you make backup copies of your growing BD collection. For additional information and tips, read our articles on Blu-ray copy software. Then, choose the software application that's best for you by perusing our Blu-ray copy software comparisons and reviews.

Blu-ray to Blu-ray Copy Software: What to Look For

For years, top digital media duplication software developers have played a cat-and-mouse game with digital copyright protection, always a step behind in cracking new codes developed by media powerhouses. This digital rights management (DRM) battle has resulted in dozens of electronic encryption codes that vary by media, manufacturer and format. Blu-ray to Blu-ray copy software is no exception. Finding software with up-to-date decryption capability is vital for copying high-definition discs successfully. Some software works well for discs from one manufacturer but is completely ineffective on discs from competing companies. Our research highlights the most important features such as AACS decryption and audio-only extraction. We also looked at compatible output media formats to ensure that you can convert your Blu-ray movies and view them on smartphones, tablets and DVD players.

Decryption Power
Blu-ray Disc production companies use many methods to prevent content from being copied illegally. The most common type of encryption is AACS, developed by AACS Licensing Administrator, LLC. That group is a consortium that includes Disney, Intel, Microsoft, Panasonic, Warner Bros., IBM, Toshiba, Universal Studios and Sony. Cryptography Research, Inc. created the BD+ protection. It acts as a virtual machine and thereby helps your BD player read the protected section of the disc. Big names that use the software include Fox, Lionsgate Entertainment, Cyberlink, Hitachi, Intel, Paramount, Mitsubishi, Panasonic, Sony, Toshiba, Samsung and Yamaha. MKB (media key block) is used by IBM, Intel, Microsoft, Matsushita (Panasonic), Sony, Toshiba, The Walt Disney Company and Warner Bros, among others. The details of encryption information vary disc by disc and are not publicized by production companies.

Feature Set
When you're spending money to protect the Blu-ray Discs you own, it’s important to find feature-rich software. The best Blu-ray to Blu-ray copy software easily decrypts AACS protection and other electronic keys. Top products also allow you to modify copied Blu-ray movie files by omitting or including menus, copying in multiple languages and allowing you to edit video for brightness and contrast. You can also use exceptional Blu-ray to Blu-ray copy software to cut snippets from BD movies to post on YouTube or Facebook.

Output Media
The most important capability for Blu-ray to Blu-ray copy is the ability to create backup Blu-ray Discs. Once again, the speed and capacity of your PC comes into play. Our research examines the burning capacity of Blu-ray copy software rather than the capacity of your PC's disc drive. We looked at each application's ability to clone BDs, save the files to a hard drive and burn copies to DVDs and CDs.

Output Formats
The bevy of digital video formats can befuddle and annoy an otherwise patient person. The first format we looked for was M2TS, the Blu-ray format. We also looked at the MP4 format used by game consoles and smartphones, and the two television formats, NTSC and PAL. Furthermore, we looked at basic video formats such as AVI and DivX and tested each software product to see whether it could save an exact copy of a disc as an ISO image file.

Support/Help
The DRM cat-and-mouse game between technophiles and Blu-ray disc manufacturers is ongoing. Unfortunately, this can cause major headaches when you're trying to make legal copies of BDs. The best Blu-ray copy software companies help you through the maze with online help sections and FAQs. Some of the biggest companies offer live chat support after hours. No BD copy software companies offer phone support, but we expect companies will add this service as high-definition discs become ubiquitous.

Supported
Our review of Blu-ray copy software focused on applications that work with the Microsoft Windows operating system. We tracked each application's ability to work with the three latest iterations of that system, Windows 7, Windows Vista and Windows XP. We also noted whether versions of each application were available for Macintosh computers.

We ask a lot of our computers and Blu-ray copy software. Successful applications will rip and decrypt BDs and allow you to edit files and save copies in many formats. Unfortunately, the many complicated steps involved can result in major problems such as software failing to recognize BDs or being unable to decrypt Blu-ray audio, resulting in silent copies of your films. Save time and money by choosing the right Blu-ray copy and Blu-ray burner applications for your needs.

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