[mythtv] virtual tuner via BitTorrent plug-in

[Tom Lichti]

Nigel Pearson wrote:
> IANAL, but TV is basically considered as a performance.
> Live TV is an artistic creation as it is being shown,
> anything pre-recorded is purchased by the station or
> network, from the creator, with specific rights of use
> (the license).
>
> (Not that there is anything artistic about most of the junk
> that they transmit, but copyright is about artistic work)
>
>
> So, a worst case copyright judgement might be:
>
>
>   
>> a scenario: I can (and do) record via MythTV the Fox TV show 24, in  
>> HD,
>> using an OTA antenna.
>>     
>
> Infringement 1. Illegal copying of a licenced performance.
>
>
>   
>> I also have MythTV remove the commercials,
>>     
>
> Infringement 2. Modifying non-licenced material.
>
>
>   
>> so when I watch the show
>>     
>
> Infringement 3. Re-performing non-licenced material.
>
> ...
>   
>> Say I miss an episode for whatever reason and I hypothetically  
>> download
>> the show and watch it
>>     
>
> (assuming you are downloading, rather than watching a stream)
>
> Infringement 4. Posessing non-licenced material, and
>
> Infringement 5. Re-performing non-licenced material.
>
> ...
>   
>> The show
>> is broadcast freely over the air for anyone with the proper  
>> equipment to
>> receive it
>>     
>
> Receive and watch it, at the time they "perform" it,
> in the environment they decree (i.e. with adverts).
>
>
>   
>> Some shows allow you to download the episodes from their
>> website, so again, where is the problem exactly?
>>     
>
> Different license, and usually very different quality,
> so that you will want to see the latest episode,
> in all its prime-time, commercial laden, glory.
>   
So essentially everything about MythTV is technically illegal. I guess 
the question then is why is BitTorrent so much MORE illegal that what we 
are doing now?

Just for the record, I'm not for or against it one way or the other, 
just playing devil's advocate.

Tom