[pcgumshoe]

Okay, for so long I have been wrestling with this very problem. You see, I started working with MTU products back 2 years ago. I was contracted by a company to look into "ARCHIVING" their Pioneer Laser Collection (Which I Know Own).

I did an exhausting amount of research. I even spoke to representatives at PIONEER about archiving their large format disks. Although they admit that they are no longer producing the "Software," as they referred to it, they are still manufacturing the "Hardware." I have since purchased an 888 player, and so fare it works like an iron horse.

So, in my research, I learned a lot about the truth and the falacy to these people's claims. I took a break to move from California to Washington and once I got here I took my collection of songs that I sing (that were burned in my key from my orignials - using microstudio of course) to a local bar. When I presented my CD, the host began to berate me about how that is illegal and he could get arrested if he played it and blah, blah, blah... well. I was stupified and tried to explain to him the law as I read it.

I went so far as to tell him that he was encroaching on MY rights. Even though I brought the originals to SHOW him that I had them, he wouldn't play the copy. I am no longer allowed to sing an this persons show, or even step near any of his stages. In that I considered this to be a huge slap in my face, I started my OWN karaoke company that has since put his company on the brink of extinction and built the best **** collection in my area. I know that I have the LARGEST collection of Broadway Showtunes in the United States, maybe the world (Thanks to KPro).

So, here is my point. In all my studies I came up with this question. Take the time to review your disks, the case they came in or the supporting inserts. Somewhere in that mess with 75% or more of the disks this disclaimer, or a similar one exists, "WARNING: This material is protected by Federal Copyright Laws, Unauthorized Duplication, Public Performance, or Broadcast is a Violation of Applicable Laws." What is "AUTHORIZED" duplication? AND Where do you get it? I sent requests to three manufacturers requesting "AUTHORIZATION" to duplicate my library. Not as an archive, to have TWO COPIES. I don't have a use for two systems, but I could have a very lucrative business, LICENSING and duplicating peoples libraries. I got NO response.

If there exists a lawyer out that that would be willing to consult with me on this issue, I would be VERY interested in starting a CLASS ACTION suit against these companies saying that we want the right to duplicate what we have AND if we want to have two systems running the IDENTICAL library, that we can (with HOSTER) dup it and pay a licensing fee for the songs we have CDs for.