Real Networks has a new program known as "Real DVD". It allows you to copy your DVDs to your PC. For a special price of $30, Real DVD will let you rip your DVDs to your hard drive. It works much like illegal burning does now in terms of space and time to burn.

There is a catch, though. Those video files will only play in your Real Player, meaning you can't send the file to your other video devices such as your iPod or phone. Real Networks does allow you to view your movie on up to four other PCs. You will be charged $20 for each computer you want to view the movie on -- thanks mainly to the film industry.

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While the majority of America waits to go digital in terms of over-the-air television, Wilmington, N.C., has made history.

The city's mayor and the head of the federal communications commission flipped the big switch at noon Monday, turning off analog broadcast signals and turning on digital signals. Wilmington volunteered to be the test market for the national conversion to digital broadcasting. Residents there who received their television programming through an antenna now need a converter box in order to watch TV.

The rest of the nation's full stations, including WSAZ and the other local channels in our region, will not be converted until Feb. 17, 2009.

Questions or suggestions about The Link may be sent to reporter Brad Myers at brad.myers@wsaz.com.