Last I heard, the new rule regarding signals where, once it passes through YOUR equipment, it was yours. Which ment you couldn't put a descrambler on the cable coming in because that is considered to belong to the cable company. But you could put one on the video out of your vcr. It gets more complicated with sat. You own the cable coming down and any switches, you own the lnb that picks it up, you own the dish that reflects the signal, and the FAA says the air space above you for 500' above the tallest object (not just above ground, but above any trees or tower) is your air space and private property. But trying to use that will get you no where. Unless you are someone like Bill Gates.