legality of hardware mod's

[DJChaos]

Is the act of modding hardware illegal? It this case, i'm referring to the nozkt mod. My educated guess tells me that modding the hardware is itself legal, however, installing the nozkt firmware is illegal.

Am I correct?

[REDx]

as things stand its only illegal if you
use it to steal dtv's signal. otherwise
it isn't.

[Bohanjian]

Unlike the card, which is another discussion--the property of NDS or Dave, the IRD is yours to do with what you want. Question is altering to defeat the ZKT test really decrypting a signal. Yes and no but more like no, as it by itself is not. Certainly, if it were obtained for examination by authorities along with an altered card, it would simply be another nail in the coffin. You really would have to check the agreement that came with the packaging of the IRD--mine mentions the card, as well as the disclaimer on the card, that it cannot be tampered with, but the IRD mentions only loosing your warranty if it is opened and/or altered (from what I can remember). I will have to see if I can find that packaging. I think selling the receiver described as no zkt for satelite interception would certainly be an unwise decision though. It comes down to the same bottom line, if "any" equipment can be proven to aid in the illegal decryption of cable, satelite, or whatever, then it is illegal period.

Having or altering the IRD probably is not if it is not used to decrypt a signal---but then why alter it ? So once again it comes down to legal interpretation and attorneys can argue that the sky isn't blue and make it sound to many that it isn't---they'll argue anything.

You could bring it down to El Segundo, CA to Dave and have him check it out and see if it is OK---but I wouldn't suggest doing that---LOL

[ekati]

Wouldn't the Firmware (which you are changing) still be the property of dtv or even Rca etc? Even though you own the box do you really own the firmware?
I think this type of thing was brought up when TSOP's (firmware) were passed around the internet. I thought dish/Bell put a stop to it because they still own it.

Correct me in i'm wrong.

[Muggles]

This approach hassn't been tried by DTV. As of yet.

I do not think, they would have the man-power, or, court backing to go into everyones home, and test receivers...........

HOWEVER------------> I would not personally sell one, if you are the original purchaser. (IE) Traceable back to you.

I don't think I would want to be a test case, if DTV, or one of their representatives, bought one you were selling.

[JunkTV]

Just out of curiosity, why are you asking if the hardware mod is legal?

The reason I'm curious is if you did the mod yourself, it's doubtful DTV would be able to find out unless you purchased equipment specifically designed to make that mod and generally speaking, purchased in from a company in Canada. If you were sued and DTV could prove or show reasonable evidence that you made the hardware mod I'm sure it would NOT help your case!