is it legal to backup VHS movies to DVD?


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There may be a short answer to these (ie. if 1. is no, then that answers the rest).. but here goes..

1. Is it legal to make backup copies of VHS movies to VHS?

2. Is it legal to make copies of VHS movies to blank DVD? (capture to mpeg etc)

3. Is it legal to go to the video shop, hire the DVD (of the VHS that I own) and make a copy? (so it is better than a VHS copy)

I am guessing this is like asking do I own the rights to a copy of the movie, no matter which media it may be on...

I compare this to backing up software I have downloaded (non-boxed) and backing it up on a different media.. how does media differ?

Your expert or non expert opinions plz..

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In the states, there is an ammendment to the law that allows duplication for backup purposes.

We have no such ammendment. It is illegal to make backups of movies, music & software for any purpose.

With recordings from TV, the same law applies, and you are only allowed to record off TV for "personal use" which must be removed within 14 days.

So where do TIVO systems fit, as they often store longer than 14 days worth. It's a grey area, legally they ARE in breach, but the whole "copying off TV" area is not really enforced.

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There are many grey areas in copyright

another example:

you have to have a TV licence for BBC TV, but what about if somebody only watches the commercial channels (c4,ITV ,c5) which now outnumber the bbc channels available on terrestrial.

also what about people who listen to BBC radio. Who pays for that?

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At least in the U.S., you can generally, legally make backup copies of things you're already purchased for your own personal needs.

Many VHS tapes will have copyright protection that makes this physically impossible.

You cannot legally copy anything you rent, even if you already own it in another form. You own "rights" to things in the form you've purchased them, and your practical copy abilities may be limited depending upon form.

Ultimately, 1 & 2 are okay as long as it's just for personal use, 3 is not.

Media doesn't matter. You've bought different rights to different things at different prices at different times.

Purchasing VHS "rights" does not give you the right to go and tape from the rented DVD version of the same thing. You'd have to buy the DVD yourself to be fully legal with whatever personal backups you make thereafter.

Software can vary in what it is and how things are handled and why in several ways. Software can often include "upgrades", for example, while DVD purchases do not. If a new "special edition" is released, you have no rights to it just because you previously purchased the regular DVD.

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