Floppyhead – Digital Media and Streaming

A purchase of AnyDVD HD, the only viable commercial software to rip and copy Blu-ray movies, has always included lifetime updates, which is essential for keeping up with changes in digital rights management. This is about to change in 2009. From Slysoft’s press release:

Since Slysoft’s beginnings in 2003, all Slysoft product licenses have been sold with free product lifetime updates included. While standards, technologies and SlySoft’s product range have changed significantly since 2003, only now has Slysoft’s free lifetime update policy been reviewed with respect to converting to an annual subscription fee format for new license purchases.

It is unfortunate that Slysoft feels the need to convert to a subscription model. AnyDVD acts alot like an anti-virus software. Without those updates, the software is almost pointless as new DRM schemes are put into place.

No pricing has been announced and no date has been set for the transition. At least Slysoft has made the announcement ahead of time so you can still purchase a copy of AnyDVD HD with lifetime updates for free. For current owners of AnyDVD, upgrades will continue to be free. If you have been contemplating buying AnyDVD, now is a great time to buy.