Realnetworks will today release RealDVD, a software that lets users legally copy DVDs onto their hard drives and allow them to enjoy the DRM protected content in up tp five PCs. The software will be sold for $30 and will allow users to copy a DVD onto their hard drive. RealDVD will also lets users authorize five computers to play the movies on the hard drive. However, for that user should pay additional $19.99 for the additional four licenses.

"RealDVD gives consumers a great new way to get more out of their DVDs," said Rob Glaser, chairman and CEO of RealNetworks.

RealDVD will save an exact copy of the DVD image to a PC's internal or portable hard drive. Users can simultaneously watch and save a DVD. Saved DVDs are then encrypted and locked again to make sure they cannot be shared or stolen. Saving DVDs takes an average of 10-40 minutes, and takes up roughly 4-8 gigs of space.

The software also lets users pause and auto resume playback where they left off .

Browse cover art, genre, title rating and actor information, imported automatically during saving

Parental controls are also available ensure children only access entertainment that is appropriate for their age.

However, the software may find Hollywood studios against it. In March 2007, the DVD Copy Control Association, an alliance that licenses the encryption for DVDs, lost a lawsuit against Kaleidescape, a Silicon Valley start-up company that sells a $10,000 computer server that makes and stores digital copies of up to 500 films.

Kaleidescape's appealed the ruling, and the final decision is expected to have a direct impact in the future of software like RealDVD.

RealDVD will be available this month from www.realdvd.com.