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From: hrs@houxb.UUCP (H.SILBIGER)
Newsgroups: net.audio
Subject: Re: decoding subscription TV - legality - (nf)
Message-ID: <342@houxb.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 13-Aug-84 14:34:25 EDT
Article-I.D.: houxb.342
Posted: Mon Aug 13 14:34:25 1984
Date-Received: Tue, 14-Aug-84 02:01:41 EDT
References: <21100003@ucbcad.UUCP> trsvax.55100048
Lines: 24


It was mentioned that some cable companies hard-wire the lead-in
to the box to prevent decoding before using the box, on the
presumption that it would be illegal to do it after the
channel selector box. I have never heard that, but have 
signed a contract with them in which it states that I may not
decode the signal as it is being supplied to my tv. I assume
that most cable companies have similar clauses in their 
contracts, which all of you subscribers have signed.
Thus, even if it is not illegal, it is a breach of contract
for which they can discontinue service if they catch you.

As a hypothetical case (hypothetical because I don't own
a VCR or any kind of descrambler), what if one recorded
the scrambled signal on a VCR, and at some later date
played it back and then descrambled it?
Once the tape is being decoded, and not the live broadcast,
would the prohibition still apply.

Most cable companies also charge a rental for their
channel selector box. I am curious if they would permit you
to use your own box instead of theirs.

Herman Silbiger