Ayale-com.457
net.followup
utzoo!decvax!yale-com!leichter
Tue Apr 27 22:28:39 1982
Re: Re: Watch it!!!
Re:  Music in stores.  The actual cases on this issue - playing a radio for
"public consumption" in a store - is ridiculously complex.  If I remember
right, there have been cases that have held that it is ok to have a radio
with one speaker, based on the argument that it's there for the staff and
the store's customer's just happen to get it "for free"; but if you add
additional speakers specifically to let your customer's hear it, you are
violating the copyright!  (As I recall, this is a fairly old case, so it
may have been rendered obsolete by the 1976(?) copyright law.)

A guess as to why a radio station might complain:  Many stations broadcast
and SCA (Sub-Carrier Autorization, I think) signal which can be heard only
by those with a decoder.  The SCA channel is usually music only, and is
sold to stores (i.e. the decoder and authorization to use it)
as background music, or whatever.  (There are other uses for SCA - there is
something called PRN - Physician's Radio Network - which transmits all sorts
of goodies for doctors trying to keep up with the latest medical advances.)

My guess is that the station involved had an SCA service, and didn't want
to see it cut into by people using its "free" channel.

BTW, SCA stuff is interesting in that it ISN'T broadcast, by definition.
However, you can buy and use decoders and listen to it all you like - you
just can't use it commercially.  (I have no idea what the exact restrictions
on it are.)   If you look in the back of magazines like Audio, you'll find
ads from people selling SCA decoders.  Before buying, though, be aware that
SCA is a lo- to medium-fi technology, and most SCA that is broadcast is
"elevator music" - "beautiful music", I guess, if you like it.
                                       -- Jerry
                                       (decvax!yale-comix!leichter)

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