What is the difference from recording from a television versus that of duplicating a movie disc ?

Question

What is the difference (legal implications) between recording directly from TV to DVD Recorder/VCR versus that of duplicating a movie CD? (assuming both contents are the same) Why is it that duplicating a movie CD constitutes a copyright infringement whereas it is perfectly fine to record from TV

Answer 1

Because the quality is usually much worse recording from broadcast tv, and taking into account commercials interruuptions, the fact that many movies are shortened or edited for broadcasted, tv broadcasts often don't use letterbox format, and the little logo 'bugs' that broadcasters often place in the corner of the screen, makes it less likely that the recorded media is for distribution but rather for personal use. Also, television is a PUBLIC broadcast medium, and cds/dvds are not.

Answer 2

Because there is a specific law in order saying duplicating from a disc is illegal. That's it. Other than that, no difference.

It's just like saying "What's the difference (legal implications) between a human being taking a leak on the grass and a dog taking a leak on the grass?" Both soiled the grass anyway. See what I'm trying to say?

Answer 3

TV broadcast is a performance. The purpose of videotaping is to time shift that performance to a time better suited to your needs. This is considered a legal use of videotape according to the supreme court.

This is not to say that other uses of videotape might be illegal. Selling your tape copy of a TV performance is just as illegal as selling a bootleg of a DVD movie. Copying a DVD that you already own is not illegal, but difficult and why would you? The rights to commercial exploitation, and the rights to media distribution did not come included with the rental fee or purchase price. They also weren't include as part of the TV broadcast either.