Does someone know of a link where I can read up on the legality issues of this? Lets say for example I record the SuperBowl on my TiVo and then transfer it to DVD so I can watch it anytime I like. Is this legal? I assume this would fall under whatever laws are in place for recording straight to VHS or DVD from a TV, Cable, or Satellite signal. Thanks -Mike
For personal use, it's called Timeshifting, providing you do NOT modify the content in any way (don't edit out commercials). Totally legal, just like VHS.
So if I just edit out commercials it turn illegal? It gets so tricky that is why I was wondering of a link somewhere. Just do a search on ebay for Super Bowl DVD and look how many people seem to be selling "backups". Ebay is usually strict about piracy so that spurred this question. -Mike
Depends where you live. You have to hunt through your state/county/country laws. Some have tried to make timeshifting illegal period. Some have made it illegal to modify (edit ads). Some don't care. Some say VHS is fine, because it can be erased, but DVDR is illegal because it's permanent, yet DVDRW may be legal... If ebay is allowing "backups", I would suspect it falls under the timeshifting law, thus the ads are included, along with the halftime show etc.
