I've always removed it and put it on top of my various do-dads for the x-ray machines but have never specifically asked about it.
As far as the ripping goes you can rip the dvds on your home computer and transfer them to your iPad and watch them with programs like, VLC and CineXPlayer. I've had better luck using CineXPlayer but they now charge for the program(around $5, i think)
Hope that helps