DanS <t.h.i.s.n.t.h.a.t@r.o.a.d.r.u.n.n.e.r.c.o.m> wrote:
>>>So you are highly against s/w piracy, as you'd pointed ou tin no
>>>uncertain terms, yet don't think twice about illegally copying
>>>encrypted DVD's.
>>>
>>>Copying an encrypted DVD *is* piracy....why do you think it's
>>>encrypted ?
>>>
>>>Would you consider that hypocritical ?
>>
>> Is distribution of the content the only use for copying video DVDs?
>
>Typically, yes. Distribution can be casual distribution as well, just
>like casual s/w piracy. There are people that copy every DVD (or game)
>they rent from Blockbuster.
No question that it *can* be the reason - maybe it usually is, in
fact. But I believe in the true definition of fair use. As long as
you're making a backup copy, or copying it to your computer/device for
your own use, no one, least of all the MPAA or RIAA, can tell me it's
wrong.
>> I'll let people make their own judgments about distributing it
>> illegally (and what is illegal in one country might be legal or openly
>> tolerated in another), but there are clear fair-use purposes for
>> software which copies audio/video discs.
>
>Actually, there isn't clear fair-use purposes for DVDs....
>
>http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2009/04/dvd-copying-cas/
>
>http://www.cepro.com/article/fair_use_act_would_allow_in_home_content_sha
>ring_not_dvd_ripping/
>
>http://arstechnica.com/old/content/2006/02/6190.ars
Well, they can argue anything they want, but my view is that copy
protection itself is infringing consumers' rights. If they don't want
to sell me the disc, they don't have to. But if they want to mass-
produce them, and rake in the revenue, only to yell at me for copying
it to my hard drive or making a backup, they can kiss my ass.
And, even with distributing it (*not* for profit, it should be stated,
as that is clearly theft, plain and simple), let's not pretend that
it's really an identical issue to software piracy. Even if we assumed
that pirated software were as safe to use as legit software (for the
sake of argument only), it's not just art. It's more equivalent to
hardware, in some ways - it involves developing, testing.
With music and movies/video, there certainly are costs involved in
producing it, but maybe I already bought a $9 matinee ticket, when it
was in theaters. Maybe I could've just DVR'd it off cable, but my
friend already had a copy of the DVD. It's not that it's inherently
OK to pirate audio/video, but it certainly is distinct in many
respects from pirating software.
>> Also, copying audio/video, even if illegally distributed, doesn't have
>> the same risks as executable code, generally speaking.
>
>Generally speaking for DVD format, but ripped movies kept in digital
>format to be played back by WindowsMediaPlayer can have embedded scripts
>and access the interent, so still not entirely safe.
Yes, I would advise people to be cautious (updating WMP/etc.) when
playing downloaded video (particularly WMVs and Blu-Ray Disc rips).
--
Joel Crump