I have loads of vinyls, cassettes and VHS's at home.
Can I download their digital counterparts anywhere? (Legally?)
That euro copywrite site in the sticky doesnt work

I am in Ireland if that's relevant

Hi purplegreendave, welcome to CDFreaks!

Owning a copy of a movie, album or similar work in one format does not entitle you to download the same work in another format.

So if you want to download a digital version of something that is copyright protected and the copyright owner hasn't given you explicit permission to download, then you are not allowed to do so.

Thanks, and what are the chances of getting that explicit permission...

It is easier for a photon to escape from a black hole than to get that permission

I always thought it sucked that 'they' are always willing to charge you a 'license fee' when you buy an album, but they don't rebate a single cent of it when you replace the worn out media...

Remember that the artist is usually not the copyright holder of his own music. Usually he gives that right to the record company after signing a contract.

But if you contact the artist first and then the record company i think you have better chances than directly contacting the record company.

Another solution is to play your vinyl-records on this.

For vinyl records, I would definitely suggest getting a good quality USB turntable to save getting CD replacements, particularly if you have a fair size collection and some time to spare. While most people think of hiss and crackling when they think of records that were played on old budget Hi-Fi systems or with a bad needle, it is quite surprising the difference when played back on a good quality turntable, assuming the records are in good condition and cleaned of dust. Even critics believe that most records carry more audio detail than their CD versions, although it is likely that this would only be experienced with expensive audiophile turntables.

Just to give an idea of how popular the USB turntables have become, Amazon.com has three turntables in its Top 100 best selling electronics list, with one at the #41 spot at this time of writing.

Hey, nice to see a fellow Irishman, not least a mod
I have a turntable and I might just connect that to the line in on the pc...

IF I were to download the albums, what are the chances of me getting in trouble?

That won't work (properly) - you'd need an RIAA amplifier between your turntable and Line In on your pc.

Your chances of getting any help with that here at CDFreaks would be zero. Please respect our forum rules

About the same as getting any help with that here at CDFreaks.