SlySoft, a company known for its CD/DVD ripping software, is inviting the public to test drive its HD-DVD ripping program. Beta testers of AnyDVD HD can "remaster" the high-definition discs and, according to SlySoft, rip out first tracks and advertisements.

Interested consumers can freely download the beta program (download AnyDVD HD 6.1.2.1 beta) and begin ripping discs, but SlySoft has set some ground rules. Testers must have experience with AnyDVD and DVD copying and should have a good reputation in the ripping forums. They also, for obvious reasons, must own an HD-DVD drive and an original HD-DVD movie. While I don't have an HD-DVD player in the office, I was able to install the beta program and look through the menus. Several checkboxes allow the program to remove menus, the first play title and parental restrictions from the HD DVD rip. In addition, user prohibitions can also be removed.