Hi:
I'm willing to have any and all answers related, but I'm hoping that someone
from MS can confirm the answers. (The following info is in general terms
because the actual legal situation is complicated and ever changing and
developing).
Here in Canada we are slow to respond to Copyright and general usage rights
for copying media to our PCs. It seems that good or bad our government has
taken the slow road of looking at the issue from both a protectionist and a
perceived fairness state. As with most lobbyists, there are more players
than seats available. So here I am waiting to see if I can copy and what I
can copy. We are a strange lot here in Canuck land; we have laws that allow
us to download music with P2P and online retailers, but restrictions for
copying do not legalize using hard drives or MP3 players for some personal
use (copying) music or video file sharing . Copies from records, tapes, and
CDs to each other are OK as long as the PC/MP3 player is left out of the
loop. At least that is what the Copyright Board of Canada has informed me.
Basically, no copying of records, tapes, and CD media to the PC/MP3 player .
. . that is until Canada's Justice system makes a decision for or against.
It is because the Music Industry is compensated by paying extra when buying
CDs, Tapes, CD recording media; but not IPods, hard drives, memory cards,
and the like. It would appear that paid for downloads are OK but even that
is not written in judicial stone.
Interestingly, manufacturers and retailers are, along with the artists,
taking different sides on the issue . . . they often don't agree within
their own groups . . . politics rule . . . unfortunately, it's the old
story, "Be careful what you wish for . . . " , everyone stands to lose.
Fair compensation is not a bad thing when it's fair. If tariffs are added to
the hard drives and memory . . . problem solved, but for those who don't
use hard drives and memory for music . . . problem created.
Here's are my questions . . . in the possibility that our judges decide it's
OK to copy to our PC but not upload (with or without our knowledge of the
transmission) . . . I would like to know if Windows Media Player/Center
sends the music file and Album artwork back to either Microsoft, AMG, or any
other recipient. Or is it simply data that cannot be resurrected as music
and art? This could be an issue.
Also, is there a way to embed copyright or non-copyright credits to Media
Player's active album art if created or copied by one self ?
I am, along with others, doing my part to make the legal system work for the
user as well as the provider. As a former broadcaster, I have been in
contact with various associations and government officials with this
discussion. Thanks for any help.
- As for my comments, please don't flame me with a wrong or right way to go
discussion . . . I know that everyone has an opinion on the matters of
Intellectual Property rights. I'm only trying to separate the mess and I am
only relating this to Media Player. Thanks.
- I only wish we had shown up at the Boston Tea Party.
G Wiz