DVD Region+CSS Free enables you to watch and copy any region-coded/CSS-encrypted DVD movies on any DVD drive! It fully supports region-protected (RPC2) DVD drives, and does not require any firmware modifications. It will even work if you have used up your region counter and can no longer change DVD drive's region.

4. WinAVI Video Converter http://www.deprice.com/winavivc.htm

WinAVI Video Converter is a nice tool for converting video clips to an assortment of formats. The attractive, modern interface features large, clearly labeled icons, so you won't have to dig through menus very often. You can convert a variety of file types to WMV, AVI, MPEG, and RM. Other notable pluses include a built-in DVD-burning utility, a batch-conversion tool, and a preview pane.

5. DVDFab Express http://www.deprice.com/dvdfabexpress.htm

DVDFab Express is simply easiest way to copy a DVD movie. Just insert movie and a blank DVD then press Start. Your entire movie - including menus, trailers and special features - is copied to a single DVD with just one click, and everything happens automatically.

Conservative estimates as to longevity of DVD are upwards of 35 years or more with proper handling. This is due to fact that only thing that touches DVD’s surface during playback is a tiny laser beam. Whereas VHS playback requires use of a mechanical head that actually comes in contact with tape and degrades surface. Now with Advent of D-Skin disc protectors™ which is a plastic cover that can be placed on DVD and left on during playback durability factor has just increased significantly.

For archiving DVD is ultimate digital media not only because of its compact dimensions and ample storage space; 4.7 GB single sided & 9.4 GB double-sided or dual-layer respectively. But because of many different kinds of data that can be stored on it. Photos, movies, audio, text, graphics and other media types can all co-exist on a single disc. This kind of versatility is just not possible with any other readily available media.

As for future of DVD; advances in technology will see advent of greater storage capacity, higher video and audio quality, and an ever expanding feature set.

Jay Corrao is the founder and president of Memory Archivers, a video production company based in Apple Valley Minnesota. His company specializes in wedding and event videograpy, video biographies, and consumer digital archiving.