Legal Question in Technology Law in California

Re: Streaming Media legality issues; Burning.

STFW (Search the Friendly Web) for "Copyright Law FAQ".

Re: Streaming Media legality issues; Burning.

However it is done, making a copy of copyrighted media content is not legal unless you have the copyright owner's permission. There are exceptions to this rule where only a small portion is copied or where the material is used in certain ways which the law protects, but making a copy for yourself of something you are not authorized to keep in the first place is not among them.

Most streaming media content is available to view/hear while it is streaming but is not intended to be something you keep. If the content came from a source which is authorized to distribute it and you comply with the site's requirements (paying any required fees, agreeing not to charge others to listen to it, etc.) then the download itself is legal. If the site is not authorized to distribute that material then nothing you can do will make your copy legal. And if the site is designed only to let you see/hear the material while it is streaming but not to save it, then making copies is also illegal. Being clever enough to thwart the site's intent does not mean you have the right to do so.