Copying videos to DVD

[witch]

Can I? Or is the copyright a problem?

I'm sure someone out there can help me. Perhaps a pm?

[russdev]

To be honest while it may breaking copyright law but as long as you own the original and are making a copy for backup etc then wouldn't be a problem.


Russ

[nawbus]

I'm not sure if it's law yet, but there is a proposed change to the copyright law saying that if you own audio or video on one form of media, you can copy it to another form of media for your own personal use e.g. ripping a CD to put on your MP3 player.
As the law stands, it is illegal to put songs on your MP3 player!

[Geoff]

Yeah that's correct nawbus. The law has always been like that. There's no provision for 'fair use'. e.g. It's always been illegal to copy things from say CD to tape so you can play them in your car.

[russdev]

But bpi have said that they won't go after anyone who does this just people that distribute the mp3's anyway on about video and again as long as you own it then go ahead. But be careful if dong this for work...

Russ

[Andrew_C]

If the vid is recorded under an ERA licence, and the copy is for use in an ERA licensed school, (not necessarily the same one) you are covered by the licence.

From the Horse's mouth, during an inspection from them. Very nice, helpfull people.

[GrumbleDook]

You may also write to the copyright holders and request you transfer the purchased material onto DVD rather than video for long-term reliability and due to the lack of VHS players in the school. This is only likely to be favourable if a DVD edition of the program / film is not available.

Films purchased from major distibutors (Warner / MGM / Buena Vista / etc) are likely to say no as you can purchase DVDs and be covered under PVS, but places like Channel 4 and smaller publishers may be agreable. I believe it was John who was looking into this a while ago.

[unixman]

Section 32 of Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 covers education. Subsection 2 says:
"(2) Copyright in a sound recording, film, broadcast or cable programme is not infringed by its being copied by making a film or film sound-track in the course of instruction, or of preparation for instruction, in the making of films or film sound-tracks, provided the copying is done by a person giving or receiving instruction."

I'm no lawyer but to me it looks as though if a teacher or student copies the video for educational purposes, then it's OK, but if a techie copies it, then it isn't OK as we aren't giving or receiving instruction.

For your bedtime reading, the act can be found at http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts1988...80048_en_1.htm