Only a pirate would turn a game console into a general purpose computing device.

Al_B on 4/8/2009 at 19:08

Quote Posted by Xenith

How the heck did they get to him anyway?

From the article it sounds like he was modifying consoles for money (or selling modified consoles). If he just did it for his own use I very much doubt he would have been arrested.

Renzatic on 4/8/2009 at 19:14

As long as mod all your hardware for your own use, I doubt there's much the DMCA can do. Like if I were to do what Lost_Soul mentioned above and mod my iPhone so I can listen to Ogg files, I doubt the big corps would make a big deal of it. And hey, even if they did, what jury would convict me to 5 years of prison for something that doesn't hurt a single damn person?

But then we've got the other hand. If I were to mod a bunch of consoles that'd enable them to play pirated games, then turn around and sell them en masse online, I'd probably get a big book thrown at me in court.

Xenith on 4/8/2009 at 19:16

Quote:

From the article it sounds like he was modifying consoles for money (or selling modified consoles). If he just did it for his own use I very much doubt he would have been arrested.

Well yes I understood he was trying to make a dishonest buck, but he probably wasn't selling them out in the street shouting out "get yer modded exboxes here", so somebody must have ratted him out.

Renault on 4/8/2009 at 19:16

The thing is, you can go all over the web and find companies that will mod your console, and/or sell you a mod chip, so I still have a hard time believing that modifying in itself is illegal. There's also tons of sites with directions on how to do it yourself (or do it for someone else, or several others).

You obviously wouldn't find much if you searched for companies that would copy some games for ya. :laff: I have to think the feds found some copied discs lying around this guys apartment and that's what he's on the hook for.

june gloom on 4/8/2009 at 19:42

"health risks" hahahahaha that's almost as ridiculous as lost_soul's bonkers assertion that this is why he won't serve his country (rather than not serving in the military because you don't believe in war.)

Almost.

lost_soul on 4/8/2009 at 20:04

Quote Posted by dethtoll

I have felt this way ever since I heard about the scam that is the DMCA. This is just another example of why I feel this way.

RavynousHunter on 4/8/2009 at 20:07

Quote Posted by Koki

Next on Fox News: Downloading music linked to increased cancer risk

Also leads to any of the following:

* Atheism
* Terrorism
* Richard Dawkins
* Exploding Yellow Vans
* Internet Hate Machines
* Corrupting "LOL"
* Diarrhea
* Low resale value on your home
* Anal seepage
* Hitler

june gloom on 4/8/2009 at 20:08

Quote Posted by lost_soul

I have felt this way ever since I heard about the scam that is the DMCA. This is just another example of why I feel this way.

Hahahahaha!

Kuuso on 4/8/2009 at 21:04

Modifying consoles is illegal over there? We have companies doing it for money over here.

Dresden on 4/8/2009 at 21:13

Quote Posted by RavynousHunter

* HACKERS ON STEROIDS