Consumers Report Backing up DVDs is Critical to Protecting Their Digital Investments; Respondents to 321 Studios Survey Reveal Children and Pets Are the Greatest Threat to DVDs.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 17, 2003

Children and pets are the biggest threats to delicate DVDs according to a survey released today targeting consumers across the United States. Administered by 321 Studios, makers of DVD copying software, the survey results revealed that nearly 40 percent of the respondents stated that their last DVD was destroyed or damaged by a child or a pet.

The survey also revealed the cost-benefit to consumers of backing-up of their DVD investments. With 1,600 respondents reporting ruined DVDs, had they made back-up copies their DVDs, collectively they would have saved $48,000 based on an average replacement price of $30 per DVD.

Additional survey highlights include:

-- Accidents were responsible for 21 percent of the destruction of a DVD.

-- 20 percent of respondents noted that normal wear and tear resulted in unreadable or ruined DVDs.

-- 10 percent of consumers reported lost or stolen DVDs.

-- DVD rot, the combination of corrosion and delamination, where the layers of the disc separate is responsible for 8 percent of ruined DVDs according to respondents. Symptoms of DVD rot include picture break-up and freezing in a specific place on the disc. DVD rot is more likely to occur on dual layer DVDs, and it will usually freeze up during the layer change.

-- 2 percent of respondents noted that extreme weather conditions were the cause of ruin of their DVDs.

"Like audio CDs, DVDs can easily get lost, stolen, scratched, damaged by heat or broken by children and pets. By making backup copies, consumers can protect their investments in their DVD libraries," said Robert Moore, president of 321 Studios. "As evidenced by the findings of this survey, consumers have identified a need for making back-up copies. The duplicate copy can be used at home, taken on vacation or played in the car, while the availability of both the original and the backup provide insurance against loss or damage."

Methodology:

321 Studios administered a national survey targeting consumers that have internet access. This survey was conducted with the purpose of uncovering information on how consumers' DVD investments are damaged. The survey sought to uncover consumers' reasons for making back-up copies of DVDs. Industry studies by design involve small samples of participants for exploratory research purposes. This survey was administered on 321 Studios Web site and via an opt-in option. The survey garnered participation from 1,169 unique visitors to the 321 Studios Web site.

About 321 Studios

321 Studios is a leading provider of DVD authoring software. DVD X Copy includes all the software required to burn backup copies of DVD movies, trailers and extras on DVD Rs and DVD RWs, enabling consumers to protect their investment in their DVD libraries by inexpensively creating a duplicate collection to insure against loss in the event of scratching and other damage. The company is privately held and headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, with a sales office in Berkeley, CA. For more information about the company, its products or to follow its lawsuit, please visit www.321studios.com or www.dvdxcopy.com. In addition, 321 Studios is fighting to preserve fair use through their advocacy group, ProtectFairUse.org. Consumers can make their voices heard at www.protectfairuse.org.