iLoad copies DVDs to iPods, iPhone
updated 10:55 am EDT, Mon June 18, 2007
iLoad adds DVD copy
Silicon Valley's Wingspan today announced that users can now directly copy a DVD to an iPhone or iPod -- without using a computer. The company's iLoad device can transfer either an entire DVD or CD or the tracks of the user's choice as well as the album and track information directly to the iPod without using a computer, iTunes or Internet connection. Users simply plug the iPod into iLoad, insert a DVD or CD, and press the GO button. The company claims that copy speeds for CDs are typically eight minutes per CD--about five times faster than the actual CD playing time (and roughly the same as the average PC transfer). DVD transfers, Wingspan claims, are actually faster than using a computer or about 2.5 times the actual playing time. iLoad can delete music or video from an iPod as well back it up to an external USB or Flash drive and even copy content form iPod to iPod. The iLoad device is compatible with all USB iPods made since 2002, including the Shuffle, Nano, Video iPod and forthcoming iPhone. The DVD-to-iPod feature is a free upgrade to registered iLoad customers. iLoad is available for $300.
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The company claims that copy speeds for CDs are typically eight minutes per CD--about five times faster than the actual CD playing time (and roughly the same as the average PC transfer). DVD transfers, Wingspan claims, are actually faster than using a computer or about 2.5 times the actual playing time.
Eight minutes for a typical CD? Three hours and forty-five minutes for a ninety minute DVD?
I don't know what the "average" PC transfer is these days, but I've got a five year-old G4 that can beat both those times by a large margin, to say nothing about an Intel Mac mini.
I like the FAQ on their site: What kinds of DVDs does iLoad copy to the iPod? iLoad copies DVDs to an iPod for your own private legitimate use only. iLoad works with most DVDs. We have tested coimmercially purchased DVDs as well as those from NetFlix, Blockbuster and Hollywood Video.
"Just in case you were so dim as to think that rental houses use 'special' DVDs, let us make it perfectly clear that yes, you'll be able to rip off their content with iLoad, no problem."