[PW] Re: copyright issues--PAL to NTSC

[Robert]

Mary;

I realize this is not a direct response to your query, but many
laptops include a connection for sending a signal to a TV.  You may be
able tto use the laptop in lieue of a DVD player, to show these
PAL-encoded discs.

Regards,

Robert




On 12/12/06, Mary Towner <mtowner at prairienet.org> wrote:
> Hi everyone!  This one's for me, so no roaring hurry.
>
> I purchased a 2 DVD set from Amazon.co.uk as a Christmas present for my
> husband, Bob. The set is only available in PAL, region 2 format, which
> means our regular DVD player/TV combo can't play those discs. However, I
> knew the software on Bob's itty bitty laptop could handle the translation of
> PAL to NTSC, so I bought the set anyway. And the DVDs played just fine on the
> laptop when I tested them.
>
> The DVDs contain hours of footage featuring Bob's hobby. I know
> he'd prefer to watch on a larger screen or perhaps invite friends over to
> enjoy the show with him.
>
> I considered obtaining software that would allow me to convert and
> burn the set as NTSC region 1 discs, or perhaps go to one of the local
> stores that offers PAL to NTSC conversion services. Then we could play the
> DVDs on our regular DVD player. But I have no idea if this is a violation
> of copyright, so I held off.
>
> I'm assuming that the software in Bob's laptop that converts the digital
> code on the fly for viewing isn't a problem, since that's temporary.  But
> I'm guessing that converting and burning a permanent disk in a different
> format might violate subsidiary rights. I don't know if "translating" a disc
> could be considered fair use.
>
> I'm away from work this week but did some preliminary 'net searches.
> Legal reference isn't my specialty. Has anyone else run into this issue before?
> Is it a copyright violation to convert PAL to NTSC?
>
> aTdHvAaNnKcSe,
> Mary
>
>
> --
> Mary Wilkes Towner             mailto:mtowner at prairienet.org
> Adult Services Librarian              phone (217)367-4405
> The Urbana Free Library               fax   (217)367-4061
> 210 W. Green St., Urbana IL 61801
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Project Wombat
> list at project-wombat.org
> http://www.project-wombat.org/
>