Yes but that is a different so you cant really compare, the tv program is being sent to your home via satellite or cable so you have already paid for it. It does not mean you can distribute it but you can save it to view at a later date.
I guess this is one of those things I have a difficult time understanding. I could use tapes for example, since they can be easily configured to record dynamicly:
If I watch The Matrix on cable that I paid for, and I record it to a tape, that is my copy to keep. If I wanted to, I could make dozens of copies and distribute them, which would be illegal, but if I only make the one copy for myself, that is fine.
But yet, at the same time, if I rent a movie (and pay for it in the process), I can record that onto a tape in the same manner, and keep that tape for myself. However, that is illegal.
I realize we are talking about two different sources here, but yet the action taken is identical, and the members involved in making the video still receive payment. The creators of The Matrix receive money from the cable companies that air it, so when I pay for cable, The Matrix is getting money for it. Therefore it is okay if I make a copy of it.
But when I rent it, Blockbuster (or whoever I rent it from) has to pay for the movie, so part of the money I give to them goes to The Matrix as well. So either way, The Matrix is receiving money from me, and either way, I get a copy of the video for myself. Yet one method is considered illegal, while the other is not.
You mentioned that DVR lets you watch a show if you aren't there to see it when it airs. Well, what if I rent a movie, but in the 3 days I rented it for, I don't have any time available to view it, so I set up my tape recorder to record it, and the next week, after I have taken the movie back already, I finally get a chance to sit down and view it off of my tape. Why is this is illegal? If I was to record it onto my DVR, I would still have a copy of the same product, and I would still be making that copy for the same purpose.
I realize that lines have to be drawn somewhere to prevent chaos, but to me, some of this is pretty confusing!