[mythtv-users] Is it legal to archive and collect episodes?

[sschaefer1 at woh.rr.com]

Seems to be a lot of responses concerning the broadcast flag in digital airings. My question is more basic than that. Even with a the broadcast flag you'll still be able to record the episode at a lower resolution, and to include analog broadcasts.

I remember when VHS was fairly new, family friends that had recorded lots of movies... an entire wall of copies of videos they recorded off television or rented tapes.

Personally, I record an episode, watch it, then delete (aside from not having enough space), is what I've always thought fair use meant. I guess I'd like to know whether it is legal, in case I run across another series I like and the potential it'll never be offered on some format or aired in my area again, "Tropical Heat / Sweating Bullets"  :(  :(  :(

Unfortunately, I'm not the kind of person to assume what they don't know won't hurt them. Not saying anything bad about those who do think/feel that way.

----- Original Message -----
From: Roy Murphy <roy.murphy at gmail.com>
Date: Friday, March 4, 2005 4:10 pm
Subject: Re: [mythtv-users] Is it legal to archive and collect episodes?

> On Fri, 04 Mar 2005 15:42:01 -0500, sschaefer1 at woh.rr.com
> <sschaefer1 at woh.rr.com> wrote:
> > Is it legal to archive and collect episodes?
> > 
> > I've read alot of references that it is and that it isn't, legal.
> 
> There is some dicta in the Sony decision which seems to say that
> recording for the purpose of collecting was an infringement, but that
> issue wasn't properly before the SC. No court has yet addressed it,
> but the traditional four-factor fair use analysis would have to be
> applied.
> 
> Personally, my wife and I archived Buffy and Angel episodes for many
> years, but since they've become available on DVD, we've bought the
> complete sets and recycled the tapes for other uses. I don't believe
> I've broken the law.
>