Yes, don't cheap out on media. If Verbatim or TDK don't work use Taiyo Yuden. It is really pricey, but well worth it. The cheapest place that sells Taiyo Yuden media is rima.com.

Taiyo Yuden

 

when you sell/give away the original then you no longer own it and have to destroy copies or give them away with the original.

I suppose while you are in possession of the original you rented you could have a copy...but once you return it then itd be illegal.

 

One trick to get good quality DVD blanks is to go to BestBuy and start flipping all the cases (cake boxes). Most (if not all) will say "Made in China" but there are some that make it here that are "Made in Japan" those are the ones you want. Dont ask me why but they are built better. I know that Sony, TDK and Verbatim all have both kinds so next time your at BB or CC start flipping.

 

You can legaly backup any media if you own it. As for the feds comming after you I havn't heard of one person being procesuted criminally for copying MP3's or the like for there personal use. I've only heard of RICA using their MAFA like ways to push people around. If they ever came after me they'd have to take it to a jury, I doubt a jury would find in thier favor for much more than a $1. I don't think most juries would grasp the whole concept of copying music/movies as a hugh deal worth a crule and unusual punishement of a $10,000 fine

 

I know its ok for cds, however DVDX copy lost their lawsuit against the MPAA. The judge ordered that not even backups of movies were legal. They may have appealed the decision...