Copyright: Making a DVD copy of VHS

[Johnny_L.A]

Once again, I’ve been thinking of one of my favourite video sets: New Wave Theatre Vol. 1 & 2. Actually, they’re in a box somewhere right now. I should look for them.

Anyway, these are OOP and I guess they aren’t going to be released on DVD. Would it violate the copyright if I duplicated the tapes onto a DVD for personal use?

[Mr.Blue_Sky]

IANAL - no, it would not.

Besides, who’s gonna know (except us of course)?

[Reeder]

Do I have the right to make a copy of my CD for my own personal use?
Yes. The fair use doctrine allows an individual to make a copy of their lawfully obtained copyrighted work for their own personal use. Allowing people to make a copy of copyrighted music for their personal use provides for enhanced consumer convenience through legitimate and lawful copying. It can also enlarge the exploitable market for the rights holders. The fair use privilege’s personal use right is what allows an individual to make a backup copy of their computer software as an essential defense against future media failure.

http://www.eff.org/cafe/gross1.html