Here is a article from Wired Magazine’s site explaining how to create a “personal back-up” of your dvd collection. Even though their ultimate goal in the article is to get the dvd onto an iPod, you can just skip the last step if that is not important to you. The key is that with their step by step instructions, you can successfully rip your DVD’s onto your computer and then throw your dvd out the window. If you find that the DVD’s are just too damn large for your liking, check out DVD Shrink to solve that issue. Once that is done you will be able to watch your gear from anywhere by using things like Slingbox, Orb Networks or just your favorite media player on your computer.

Note - As you will read, making a backup of your DVD is not illegal. The touchy part that could get you in hot water is the destruction of the copywirte protection. I recommend the “what are the odds” attitude for now and if you get nabbed deny everything and play dumb.

Enjoy.