Expert: LizaL - 1/21/2006

Question
Hi LizaL,

I want to save into my PhotoShop or PhotoDeluxe program, a still image taken from a DVD. I can play and pause a DVD on my computer, but I can not save it in PhotoShop. A friend told me about a little program called PrintKey 2000, which is supposed to be able to do this. I have just installed this program, and I can save what is on my screen, but NOT DVD images. the screen just goes black! Can you tell me ANY way with ANY program that I can save a DVD still image into PhotoDeluxe or PhotoShop? I have Windows XP. Any assistance that you can offer will be greatly appreciated, Regards, Ken.

Answer
Hi Ken,

I remember people asking me the same question a couple of years ago and the answer was, It's not possible! That original reason is, of course, protection on the manufacturer of the DVD to prevent bootlegging, and also infringement on using stills of the actors without their permission.

Of course now it's 2006 and many hacks later, LOL -- so there are ways around that issue. Personally, I play very few DVDs on my computer, and I also primarily use a Mac, so the information I give you will be based on the word of others, rather than personal experience. I've also never had a need or desire to copy and/or save a still from a DVD, so to be honest, this isn't something I've actively pursued.

But here's what I found:

1. One suggestion on this page is that you try a different media player (and tinker with the hardware acceleration). Read this, and you'll also be guided to some other capture programs.
http://labnol.blogspot.com/2005/11/capture-still-images-from-windows.html

2. This software program looks promising, but again, I haven't used it:
http://www.fox-magic.com/mc_gb/taking-screenshots-from-dvds.html

3. Shareware, but the price isn't too bad:
http://www.any-capture.com/

4. PowerDVD -- looks promising too:
http://www.cyberlink.com/english/products/powerdvd/tips_tricks/screen/screen_tip...

5. Here's a big list of links to screen capture software, two of which look like they'll work for capturing DVD stills:
http://www.programmersheaven.com/zone16/cat673/


I hope that helps -- like I say, many hacks have been created since the original dilemma, but I can't honestly say for sure which would work. Fortunately not all require a hefty investment!

Lisa