Can Purchased films or TV shows be saved on discs if downloaded from itunes?

MrGiles2 · 15-10-2013, 22:10

I started to use iTunes recently and noticed that some films and TV shows like Doctor Who for instance can be purchased and downloaded into my PC. However, is it possible to then transfer these downloads to a blank DVD whether it is a DVD-R or DVD-Rewritable?

Any advice will be appreciated.

ovbg · 16-10-2013, 06:39

Because that would entail breaking the DRM, which is illegal, generally no (outside of dodgy sources)

Can I ask why you want this content on a DVD besides physical "filesharing" with other people, as there may be legal solution to do what you want.

That said, one of the disadvantages of iTunes is the difficulty moving content around.

MrGiles2 · 16-10-2013, 09:32

The point I am making here is that I am paying for the download so in practice I should be able to transfer to a disc for my own use in any DVD player. So if I am paying for the service how can that be infringing copyright?

ovbg · 16-10-2013, 09:50

Ok, first of all, I agree with you in that we should have the right to do with our purchases as we see fit. As you say, we own them. So... I am on your side.

The problem is, we really don't own them do we? Not in today's law. It is more like a license to use the content in the way the provider see's fit.

Keep in mind that Apple is not at fault here. They hate DRM and were the company that effectively abolished it for music media (remember the days when music had DRM restrictions as well). So if Apple could stop it here, they would.

DRM is quite well protected by law, so cracking DRM, even for our own uses is generally speaking frowned upon by the courts.

The thing is, we can complain and debate about it, but without using some DRM cracking software, it is probably not possible. (and I don't think many people here will want to discuss which cracking software to use)

So, if it was just a question about the principles involved, that is probably explained. If on the other hand you actually want to watch on a different platform or location, maybe there are other legal ways to do this?

chrisjr · 16-10-2013, 10:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrGiles2

The point I am making here is that I am paying for the download so in practice I should be able to transfer to a disc for my own use in any DVD player. So if I am paying for the service how can that be infringing copyright?

No, you are paying for the right to watch the movie in the manner prescribed by the copyright holder. It doesn't matter if it is only for your own use or not. If the download prohibits burning a copy to DVD disk then that is an infringement.

I did read some years ago of plans to change the law to allow restricted rights to "medium shift" movies or music. In other words being able to legally rip a CD to an mp3 player for example. Or rip a DVD movie to an iPad or similar. But not heard very much on how that is progressing recently.

MrGiles2 · 16-10-2013, 14:43

Well, many thanks for your kind comments and advice. I wont be paying for downloads anyway, will just buy the DVDs or CDs when I want.

15-10-2013, 22:10	#1
MrGiles2 Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Teesside Posts: 1,940	Can Purchased films or TV shows be saved on discs if downloaded from itunes? I started to use iTunes recently and noticed that some films and TV shows like Doctor Who for instance can be purchased and downloaded into my PC. However, is it possible to then transfer these downloads to a blank DVD whether it is a DVD-R or DVD-Rewritable? Any advice will be appreciated.

16-10-2013, 06:39	#2
ovbg Forum Member Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 1,348	Because that would entail breaking the DRM, which is illegal, generally no (outside of dodgy sources) Can I ask why you want this content on a DVD besides physical "filesharing" with other people, as there may be legal solution to do what you want. That said, one of the disadvantages of iTunes is the difficulty moving content around.

16-10-2013, 09:32	#3
MrGiles2 Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Teesside Posts: 1,940	The point I am making here is that I am paying for the download so in practice I should be able to transfer to a disc for my own use in any DVD player. So if I am paying for the service how can that be infringing copyright?

16-10-2013, 09:50	#4
ovbg Forum Member Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 1,348	Ok, first of all, I agree with you in that we should have the right to do with our purchases as we see fit. As you say, we own them. So... I am on your side. The problem is, we really don't own them do we? Not in today's law. It is more like a license to use the content in the way the provider see's fit. Keep in mind that Apple is not at fault here. They hate DRM and were the company that effectively abolished it for music media (remember the days when music had DRM restrictions as well). So if Apple could stop it here, they would. DRM is quite well protected by law, so cracking DRM, even for our own uses is generally speaking frowned upon by the courts. The thing is, we can complain and debate about it, but without using some DRM cracking software, it is probably not possible. (and I don't think many people here will want to discuss which cracking software to use) So, if it was just a question about the principles involved, that is probably explained. If on the other hand you actually want to watch on a different platform or location, maybe there are other legal ways to do this?

16-10-2013, 10:54	#5
chrisjr Forum Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Reading Posts: 27,916	Quote: Originally Posted by MrGiles2 The point I am making here is that I am paying for the download so in practice I should be able to transfer to a disc for my own use in any DVD player. So if I am paying for the service how can that be infringing copyright? No, you are paying for the right to watch the movie in the manner prescribed by the copyright holder. It doesn't matter if it is only for your own use or not. If the download prohibits burning a copy to DVD disk then that is an infringement. I did read some years ago of plans to change the law to allow restricted rights to "medium shift" movies or music. In other words being able to legally rip a CD to an mp3 player for example. Or rip a DVD movie to an iPad or similar. But not heard very much on how that is progressing recently.

16-10-2013, 14:43	#6
MrGiles2 Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Teesside Posts: 1,940	Well, many thanks for your kind comments and advice. I wont be paying for downloads anyway, will just buy the DVDs or CDs when I want.

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Can Purchased films or TV shows be saved on discs if downloaded from itunes?