Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!burl!ulysses!mhuxl!houxm!hogpc!houxb!hrs 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