Download of tv shows?

[Pegun]

So I just saw this in one of the previous threads, but here's my actual question: Is it legal. According to the Legislation when the vcr was released, is not illegal to record TV shows, as long as you do not display them publicly for money. For example, to comment or broadcast on a game (by comment i mean constant sports commentary) you must have the organization's (NFL, MLB, NBA, FOX) permission. So what is the deal with TV shows? Downloading, Legal or not? Sharing, legal or not? Please also keep in mind TV shows are in the public sphere, as are radio programs, which have a similar situation (record but not sell, etc)

 

[Injury]

People think it's mostly grey area, but it's not hard to figure out. They just say that to justify their piracy. I do it, but I also have a boatload of TV on DVD and haven't downloaded anything that was already out on DVD, so I feel just in doing it.

Recording them from your cable stream is NOT illegal.

Distributing them is a violation of copyright. Downloading them from a source other than a licensed broadcaster is a violation of copyright.

 

[Pegun]

any more opinions?

 

[jlee]

Originally posted by: Injury
People think it's mostly grey area, but it's not hard to figure out. They just say that to justify their piracy. I do it, but I also have a boatload of TV on DVD and haven't downloaded anything that was already out on DVD, so I feel just in doing it.

Recording them from your cable stream is NOT illegal.

Distributing them is a violation of copyright. Downloading them from a source other than a licensed broadcaster is a violation of copyright.

That's odd how it's perfectly legal for me to record it, but not to get the exact same thing online.. 😕

 

[torpid]

I believe it is legal to download but illegal to upload or distribute.

 

[Heisenberg]

There was just a thread about this. If you search a bit you'll probably find it.

 

[GeneValgene]

Originally posted by: CadetLee

Originally posted by: Injury
People think it's mostly grey area, but it's not hard to figure out. They just say that to justify their piracy. I do it, but I also have a boatload of TV on DVD and haven't downloaded anything that was already out on DVD, so I feel just in doing it.

Recording them from your cable stream is NOT illegal.

Distributing them is a violation of copyright. Downloading them from a source other than a licensed broadcaster is a violation of copyright.

That's odd how it's perfectly legal for me to record it, but not to get the exact same thing online.. 😕

kinda like...when i was younger, i would make requests on the radio, and then record the songs to my cassette to listen to later...i don't think this is illegal right? but i'm probably not allowed to download teh mp3

 

[Ramma2]

Some reasoning that I have heard is that companies then try to make money on DVD releases of shows. If so, then:

Illegal to download DVD rips of shows
Ok to download recorded broadcasts

I see no other logical conclusion.

 

[Drakkon]

Originally posted by: torpid
I believe it is legal to download but illegal to upload or distribute.

So long as your not "rebroadcasting" (and uploading is a form of rebroadcasting from what i have read) it is legal. If you are downloading rebroadcasted material that is being reboradcasted illegally then the material you obtained is pirated and thus is illegal. So its kinda a catch 22...you can download TV shows but only if they are from a source that is legally allowed to distribute them...mrsh0w on bittorent may have encoded the video from an on air broadcast but since he doesnt have a rebroadcasting license its illegal for him to post a torrent of the show.

 

[mindwreck]

dling broadcasts are fine to me. in case i miss an episode i dl and watch it but delete after. keeping it after its being sold in dvds or the like is illegal

 

[Dualist]

I'll say it's illegal, especially without permission from the owner.

 

[AlienCraft]

Originally posted by: Injury
People think it's mostly grey area, but it's not hard to figure out. They just say that to justify their piracy. I do it, but I also have a boatload of TV on DVD and haven't downloaded anything that was already out on DVD, so I feel just in doing it.

Recording them from your cable stream is NOT illegal.

Distributing them is a violation of copyright. Downloading them from a source other than a licensed broadcaster is a violation of copyright.

Add to this re-playing of programs in ANY public setting. Replay for personal = OK, replaying for an "audience" say in a meeting , or a bar( on a non commercial cable account) is not legal. Playing TV from the airwaves is entirely legal.