I remember a while back where a college was allowed to broadcast music over a digital network similar to internet radio that was only accessable from the dorms. They were allowed to do this because the students collectively paid a fee to have access to the broadcasted media, and the media, although digital, was a downgraded version of the original. The students were allowed to copy the streamed material as well because the music was all downgraded (like copying a radio broadcast onto a cassette).

I also know that most new movies are large files printed on dual layer DVDs. My question is, wouldn't it be okay to encrypt the movies into a single layer format (which loses nearly half the data) and then burn the movie onto a single DVD. I don't see a difference since you are keeping a lesser quality version of the movie.

Am I missing something here?

Technically its not legal due to the DMCA Sec 1201. It basically states that the act of circumventing a technological measure in order to gain access is prohibited. But then again if its for archival use...Oh well read for your self...

http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c105:H.R.2281.ENR:

Its all confusing.


Its legal to make a backup of copyrighted material for yourself (so its legal for you to buy CDs and burn a copy, say, to keep in your car so if they get stolen, you dont lose the originals). Same goes for software and DVDs. Yet, its illegal to circumvent the copy protection on commercial DVDs. So, the illegal action of decrypting the DVD is the first step of legally copying a DVD for yourself. The DMCA/MPAA/RIAA/whatever needs to get their shit straight.

Not like it matters though. You're not going to get caught if you decrypt the DVD to make a backup for yourself. As long as you dont make copies for friends, share it online, or sell it, you really have nothing to worry about.

Just because the copy is of a lower quality doesn't undo the fact that you copied the movie, which is illegal.

Right. Would still make it illegal if you sold it, made it available on p2p, ect. But he's allowed to make backups for personal use, which it seems is his goal. Its the whole cracking the encryption thing thats iffy.

I was just wondering how a university can get away with something that seems very similar to copying and sharing media. It makes a little more sense now though.

I think in the case you are talking about it was a "radio station."

so whats it take to be considered a nonprofit library

I imagine that it involves registering as a not-for-profit corporation and being granted the designation of public library (educational, institutional, or otherwise).

Carl
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