AnyDVD is a Microsoft Windows driver that decrypts and removes content restriction from DVDs on-the-fly. With an upgrade, it will also do the same for HD DVD and Blu-ray. The AnyDVD program runs in the background, making discs unrestricted and region-free. It also disables prohibited user operations, such as fast forward and skip, and allows jumping directly to the main menu or movie. In addition to removing digital restrictions, AnyDVD will also defeat Macrovision analog copy protection. Analog protection distorts the video signal to prevent high quality copying from the output. AnyDVD is also able to remove copy-protection from audio CDs.
As of version 6.1.4.3, AnyDVD has a revised ripper that repairs Sony ARccOS, Macrovision RipGuard, and other structural protections. It ensures strict compliance with third-party tools, particularly DVD Shrink and Nero Recode. The ripper is based on code from Elby's CloneDVD, a product by Slysoft's parent company. Previous versions used a ripper based on FixVTS, but FixVTS was recently shut down by legal threats from Sony.
AnyDVD is outlawed in Germany, as it removes copy prevention from DVDs. The Heise news portal was sued by the record industry for linking to Slysoft's website in a news report. The publisher subsequently countersued with claims of violation of their constitutionally guaranteed freedom of the press and has as of April 2007 lost two appeal proceedings. The case is currently in front of the federal constitutional court.
On February 17, 2007, Slysoft released AnyDVD HD. The program comes with same functionality as AnyDVD, but with additional features for full HD DVD support, including decryption of AACS encrypted HD DVD movie discs. Support for AACS encryption and Region Code removal from Blu-ray discs was added in version 6.1.3.0, released March 5, 2007.