Recording tv shows to dvd

[Banditman]

Hey guys, my wife wants to know how would (I) go about recording her TV shows from cable/Sat to a dvd? What hardware would I need? I was thinking about streaming the show to the computer while recording the feed and then burn it. But don't know what hardware and software to use.


(I hope this isn't an illegal question)

[halutzparilla]

i think it would be illegal coz it violate the Copyright Law... you can ask Capp to be sure...

[Carl Martin]

I don't know about the legality, but I would not advise doing it. My last computer had Windows MCE and an ATI All-In-Wonder card that made it easy, but a two hour show took several hours to burn - not something I wished to do to my computer, especially the processor. Better to get TiVo.

Carl

[Banditman]

I'm not sure if it is illegal since they have dvd recorders you can buy at best buy that hook straight to your TV set. So you can burn straight off cable. Not sure how porting it to a PC would make any diff. Would be no diff than a VHS deck.

[halutzparilla]

this is really a big issue / debate whether its legal or not... coz technically your copying someones intellectual property, but the loophole in the criminal justice system for as long as you dont use it for public or make profit out of it, your entitled to for a backcopy for as long you can prove ownership of the original CD, reciept, or cable contract saying you paid for it... this as afar as i can explain i'm not expert with legality of intellectual and copyright law...

[Banditman]

Originally Posted by halutzparilla

for as long you can prove ownership of the original CD, reciept,

Can you prove ownership of every cd/dvd you buy? Do you save EVERY reciept from those purchases? Sure you can't and don't. If not, they can say you stole it. Recording off public broadcasting is not illegal hence it is publicly aired and can be viewed for free. So making a recording of it can't be deemed illegal. Her shows air on public channels, but will be getting them through cable instead of through the air. And since the recordings are for her private viewing pleasure later, I don't see anything unlawful about it.

[Yellowhello]

Hmm. It's a tough debate. I have a feeling that it is legal because it's aired on public TV. I think that the only reason that they charge you for the boxed sets of shows is the manufacturing of the disc and packaging.

My 2 cents on this issue.

[Banditman]

Originally Posted by Carl Martin

but a two hour show took several hours to burn - not something I wished to do to my computer, especially the processor.

Carl

If you are worried about your processor running full blast for a few hours straight, I would advise you to not run F@H on your puter.

[Banditman]

Originally Posted by yellowhello

Hmm. It's a tough debate. I have a feeling that it is legal because it's aired on public TV. I think that the only reason that they charge you for the boxed sets of shows is the manufacturing of the disc and packaging.

My 2 cents on this issue.

Exactly!

[One4yu2c]

Originally Posted by Banditman

Recording off public broadcasting is not illegal hence it is publicly aired and can be viewed for free. So making a recording of it can't be deemed illegal.

That is 110% incorrect. The broadcasters hold all rights to the media being aired, and they choose how and when to air them. The viewing is free only in that you don't pay a subscription for local channels (if using an antenna), but you do get advertising (commercials) rammed down your throat.

If you'd like help/advice on how to setup an HTPC or a PC Tivo alternative, that's something we can certainly assist with, in a new thread. But once you venture into specifics that curtail copyright and broadcaster's rights, that's when we unfortunately have to lock the discussion...