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Tired of not having control when replicating digital content on DVDs?  Old digital copy methods simply copy the exact pre-encoded files (provided you have permission) to your computer.  Protect Software has released LiveDigitalCopy; software designed to allow for transcoding when creating DVD copies and distribute them to a range of devices.

LiveDigitalCopy lets content owners create digital copies for use with other devices.  Using CSS standard DVDs (they need to be specifically prepared for use with LiveDigitalCopy) the software allows users to create managed copies that no longer need the aid of a DVD player but still contain all the rights and additional copies management a DVD would.

Optimization can be device specific, meaning you can optimize for specific target devices.  Supported formats for LiveDigitalCopy include MPEG-2/AC3, WMV, H.264/AAC, and 3GP.  Supported devices included PCs, Macs, iPods, iPhones, Windows-based cell phones, video-capable phones, and PSPs.  Additional support for multi-language audio tracks is also included.

This is actually a pretty interesting idea.  If studios pick up this method over the current one, you may be able to get better digital copies from your DVDs than the ones that are currently included.  The various formats could be freeing since you wouldn’t be stuck to an iPod. 

Source: [Press Release]