Discussion:
What is the name of your state?
MA
My question is if someone wanted to watch a tv show and they couldn't see it at the time it aired, nor could they record it, could someone else record it and give it to them so they could view it?
Answer:
"My question is if someone wanted to watch a tv show and they couldn't see it at the time it aired, nor could they record it, could someone else record it and give it to them so they could view it?"
Technically, this is probably not lawful -- "probably," because it is conceivable that a fair use argument could be made for this, at least in certain circumstances.
Answer:
Originally posted by divgradcurl
"My question is if someone wanted to watch a tv show and they couldn't see it at the time it aired, nor could they record it, could someone else record it and give it to them so they could view it?"
Technically, this is probably not lawful -- "probably," because it is conceivable that a fair use argument could be made for this, at least in certain circumstances.
My response:
Well, I can see at least two people who aren't familiar with the U.S. Supreme court decision in this matter. Succinctly stated, yes it is legal.
Read the famous 1984 "BetaMax Case" decision, below - -
Copy and paste this link into your browser without the [URL] on each side:
IAAL
Answer:
Originally posted by I AM ALWAYS LIABLE
My response:
Read the famous 1984 "BetaMax Case" decision, below - -
IAAL IAAL, from reading the first portion of this, I see only mention of the ability of manufacturers to distribute taping devices, and the ability of owners of these devices to tape shows.
I would think that the taping of shows for others could cloud the water a bit. I suppose that technically as long as no money changed hands for the tape with the show, that it would be akin to the reciever having taped the show themsleves.
Now, what happens when people offer to pay you to tape shows for them, you do so, and you recieve payment? Is this fine as long as the payment is for your time and materials involved with the taping and delivering and not for the content itself?
I see posts on Craigslist all the time offering money for tapes of shows and wonder how this 'wrinkle' possibly changes the outcome?
Answer:
And that's the problem with reading only the first portion of a decision.
The lengthy trial of the case in the District Court concerned the private, home use of VTR's for recording
programs broadcast on the public airwaves without charge to the viewer. n7 No issue concerning the transfer of tapes to other persons, the use of home-recorded tapes for public performances, or the copying of programs transmitted on pay or cable television systems was raised. See id., at 432-433, 442. And just below this citation of the case is the answer to the 'fair use' application of Network Broadcasting of a television show.
Read it and then I think you'll have your answer.