Is downloading old series of The Simpsons that has been already on mass TV against copyright?

Answer 1

Yes, the rights the copyright owner gains is:

"the exclusive right to do and to authorize others to do the following:

To reproduce the work in copies or phonorecords;

To prepare derivative works based upon the work;

To distribute copies or phonorecords of the work to the public by sale or other transfer of ownership, or by rental, lease, or lending;

To perform the work publicly, in the case of literary, musical, dramatic, and choreographic works, pantomimes, and motion pictures and other audiovisual works;

To display the work publicly, in the case of literary, musical, dramatic, and choreographic works, pantomimes, and pictorial, graphic, or sculptural works, including the individual images of a motion picture or other audiovisual work; and

In the case of sound recordings*, to perform the work publicly by means of a digital audio transmission."

Hope that helps!

Answer 2

Yes, you may not make a copy or any program (if it is on your pc then that is a copy) as this is an infringment of copyright. You have ot buy it for it to be legal.

Answer 3

When you watch something on tv, the tv company pays the program for you. (this includes the right to tape the program FOR YOURSELF)

When you download it, you have to pay the right to possess the files. (or not, depending on the country you live in. Most of the time, you'll have to pay, though)