Steve_

I actually use torrents mainly to make archive copies of things I've already watched. I've got a capture card on my media PC but it's such a pig to do it that it's just a time saver to download it. DVRs just don't have the capacity, although there's the Pace one with an eSATA connection but once again it's all a bit of a faff, because I can plug my media PC into anything whereas moving the DVR around isn't as practical.

I'm sure this violates copyright laws, in fact I think time shifting on a DVR does (or did). But really...

Alan2005

I think it's ok to download to shift formats for your own use - even if it's supposedly illegal. The way I look at it is that you can justify breaking copyright law if:

- You already own the content.
- There is some tacit approval from the creator (though I only know of southpark that does this).
- You have no other choice (i.e. there is no method for you to obtain the content legally, e.g. it not being available in your region).

Almost Canadian

I believe there are two issues here: What does the criminal law say about such things?; what does the civil law say about such things?

The criminal law will depend upon the juridiction it would appear that, one is allowed to download in Canada but not upload - why there is a distinction is beyond me. One assumes that those that download also upload (unless they really are skinflints - expecting others to take the risks for their benefit etc.)

While the civil law also depends upon the jurisdiction, a quick look at the contract will usually resolve the issue of what is permitted. One never owns the content, one has a licence to use the content. What the content is, depends upon the contract.

Alan2005

I've always thought the idea was similar to going after drug dealers rather than drug users. Although in the case of torrents, these involve some uploading and so are always technically illegal in Canada if you are downloading copyrighted material.

I'm not really concerned with the legal aspects, more about what I can justify to myself as right and wrong. For instance, I personally don't think it's wrong to torrent a rip of a DVD if you already own said DVD, although I'm sure it's illegal.

Almost Canadian

On the enforcement issue: why not make both illegal and leave it for the enforcement agencies to choose which group to go after?

On the ripping issue, I have no personal issue with what you have said.

Alan2005

I guess it prevents things like this:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-12396443

Almost Canadian

I don't believe that such a case is limited to copyright infringement. Such letters could be sent to all manner of people alleging all manner of things. If people are stupid enough to pay up ...

The solicitor needs stringing up by his balls

Alan2005

You are probably right. Still, I can understand why a lot of people will just pay up if they receive a letter asking for some cash or go to court for downloading a porn film (which is what many were accused of).

Almost Canadian

Bizarre. If I watched something I wouldn't be coy about people knowing I had. Strange people!

Oink

Is it ethical to download a film if it's shit?

Alan2005

I guess you could say that if something is so bad it's not worth paying for then yes it's ok to rip it off. Have you been watching the transformers movies again?

Oink

I don't do downloading or anything remotely dodgy on mine as technically its an institutionally lent computer and you can never really get rid of all your history.

jericho

What amazes me is that there are gazillions of torrent sites dedicated to movies etc, yet you'll never find anyone who admits to downloading such content without the copyright holders permission.... strange.

I mostly download UK TV stuff, but also download movies and music from sites such as demonoid/isohunt/etc.

There I said it.

Almost Canadian

I have no idea how torrents work or how to download such things. I don't hanker after British stuff although if someone could explain to me how to legally stream or obtain the BBC's Grand Price coverage I would do so in a heartbeat. Any shows or films that I want I buy.

Oink

Are you sure you don't mean Cash in the Attic?