is copying TV shows and sharing them illegal?

[NeoV]

This is sort of like the whole mp3 debate, but it isn't illegal for me to tape Seinfeld and give my friend a tape of the show, is it?

Why would the electronic distribution of a taped tv show be any different?


I am missing one Seinfeld episode!

 

[NFS4]

<< This is sort of like the whole mp3 debate, but it isn't illegal for me to tape Seinfeld and give my friend a tape of the show, is it?

Why would the electronic distribution of a taped tv show be any different?


I am missing one Seinfeld episode! >>


Yeah, sure is. Do I tape some shows? Yes. Do I give them to friends? No. Do I download them from Morpheus (Enterprise, Band of Brothers)? YES!

 

[isasir]

I always thought that you could tape them and distribute them, as long as you aren't making a profit off of it?

 

[McPhreak]

No, I don't think copying TV shows is illegal, however, the distribution or sharing them is illegal I believe. If you want more information just listen to the end of any NFL game and they always mention that the program is meant for private home viewing only and that any distribution of the televised event without the expressed written approval of the NFL is prohibited. I'm sure this sort of thing applies to the regular tv shows as well.

 

[Zenmervolt]

<<I always thought that you could tape them and distribute them, as long as you aren't making a profit off of it?>>

As I understand it, this is limited to friends, which is why electronic distribution was targetted; it allows distribution easily to non-friends. Of course, I'm apt to be wrong.

Zenmervolt

 

[MWink]

As I understand it, it is ok to tape/distribute them as long as you LEAVE IN the commercials. If you are selling them for $ then it may be a problem.

 

[cdan]

It's legal as long as you don't get caught.

 

[Ronstang]

Is there anybody who is really going to care? Does Microsoft chase down every illegal copy of Windows?........NO. As long as you don't sell them there is nothing wrong with making a few tapes. If it was such a big deal then why have we had VCRs with a record function for so long?

 

[greenfirs]

Technically, it's legal. It was legalized by the Sony VCR decision.

However, the Sony VCR decision only allows timeshifting for personal purposes, and sharing with close friends and family.

Once you start sharing content with the whole world over high speed connections, it changes from sharing to publishing.

It's a slippery slope and difficult to call at this point, but sharing movies is definitely more protected (by the Sony VCR decision) than sharing music (to which AHRA, a very specific decision, did not really apply).

 

[rutchtkim]

perfectly legal, just can't use it to make profits.