May 2009

This information is for general guidance only; it is not legal advice.

Because of special provisions in the Copyright Act (section 111), you can record from TV and radio, to watch or listen to at a more convenient time, provided you comply with certain conditions. For example, you can record a late night TV program to watch on the weekend, or something you’re going to miss because you won’t be home at the scheduled broadcast time.

These special provisions cover cable and satellite broadcasts, but NOT content available via the Internet (e.g. webcasts, podcasts or vodcasts) UNLESS it is streamed by a radio or TV station. You, however, be able to download content available on the Internet under the terms of use for that content.

Conditions include:

• you have legitimately accessed the broadcasting service (e.g. you don't have unauthorised access to a pay-TV channel)
• you do not sell, rent, distribute, play in public or broadcast the recording.
  

More

• Q&As on time-shifting: recording from TV to watch later
• TV programs: home-taping information sheet
  
• other copyright topics