said by Neyland :

Actually I *believe* there is. Most of the fair use doctrine established by the courts deals directly with ANALOG home recording technology, the use for commentary, research, and education. Making a copy for yourself crosses into the copyright holders duplication section of the law which gives the copyright holder rights of duplication. By purchasing the 'performance' the copyright holder has not transfered that right of duplication to you.

Many of the laws that deal with copyright seem to be more lax on analog technology and virtually strips the consumer of any protection on digital media. In fact, the way I read it, I'm surprised that DVRs are even legal.