Neighbor put up a projection TV in their back yard

[OHRoadwarrior]

Be patient, it will rain soon.

 

[TheGeekess]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? NJ

Our neighbor permanently installed a 10' projection TV in their back yard such that it is directly viewable from my back yard and through my living room window. I can also hear the TV if I'm outside.

Does this constitute a nuisance if I cannot sit on my deck without being distracted by their TV?

If you want to see what I'm talking about...
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/84059/IMG_0931.jpg

Close the curtains, then. Or enjoy the show. If you want total privacy/solitude/no neighbors to put up with, you'll need to move out into several acres of wooded area that you own and build in the middle.

 

[jjoshua]

I just checked and the town does not have any zoning restrictions or ordinances that would prohibit the TV installation.

 

[jjoshua]

Perhaps I will call the NFL to report an unlicensed performance of a football game...

 

[xylene]

I just checked and the town does not have any zoning restrictions or ordinances that would prohibit the TV installation.

Next step - operation cold war.

Find out something they don't like, something tacky and tasteless (like a backyard jumbotron) but legal...

Next time there is a neighborly chat, ask for mutual detente, (you take down your nuisance and they put their tv where it belongs - indoors.

Also, lobby your local government to prohibit permanent outdoor media installations. (A very reasonable rule.)

 

[Antigone*]

...or cruel and unusual punishment if it's The Wiggles on the screen.

quincy, the Doodlebops are worse. At least the Wiggles are human!

I think the OP is just jealous. He should just bust out with his own TV. In fact he should go nuts and make it a 32incher!

 

[TheGeekess]

Next step - operation cold war.

Find out something they don't like, something tacky and tasteless (like a backyard jumbotron) but legal...

Next time there is a neighborly chat, ask for mutual detente, (you take down your nuisance and they put their tv where it belongs - indoors.

Also, lobby your local government to prohibit permanent outdoor media installations. (A very reasonable rule.)

Glad you two are not my neighbors.

 

[justalayman]

Perhaps I will call the NFL to report an unlicensed performance of a football game...

Unless he is having pay to attend parties, that isn't going to fly. It is not a commercial venue so the use is allowed by the NFL. Heck, doesn't the NFL sponsor Super Bowl party giveaways where the prize is they buy all the crap for your home party?

 

[jjoshua]

Unless he is having pay to attend parties, that isn't going to fly.

According to the MPAA...

The Law
The Federal Copyright Act (Title 17 of the U.S. Code) governs how copyrighted materials, such as movies, may be used. Neither the rental nor the purchase of a copy of a copyrighted work carries with it the right to publicly exhibit the work. No additional license is required to privately view a movie or other copyrighted work with a few friends and family or in certain narrowly defined face-to-face teaching activities. However, bars, restaurants, private clubs, prisons, lodges, factories, summer camps, public libraries, daycare facilities, parks and recreation departments, churches and non-classroom use at schools and universities are all examples of situations where a public performance license must be obtained. This legal requirement applies regardless of whether an admission fee is charged, whether the institution or organization is commercial or non-profit, or whether a federal or state agency is involved.

 

[Antigone*]

According to the MPAA...

The Law
The Federal Copyright Act (Title 17 of the U.S. Code) governs how copyrighted materials, such as movies, may be used. Neither the rental nor the purchase of a copy of a copyrighted work carries with it the right to publicly exhibit the work. No additional license is required to privately view a movie or other copyrighted work with a few friends and family or in certain narrowly defined face-to-face teaching activities. However, bars, restaurants, private clubs, prisons, lodges, factories, summer camps, public libraries, daycare facilities, parks and recreation departments, churches and non-classroom use at schools and universities are all examples of situations where a public performance license must be obtained. This legal requirement applies regardless of whether an admission fee is charged, whether the institution or organization is commercial or non-profit, or whether a federal or state agency is involved.

He put up his television for his own viewing pleasure. I have one outside as well. We enjoy games during our bbqs. He did not put it out on his front yard and invite the world to watch his massive 10" tv.

Please don't be ridiculous.

 

[jjoshua]

Next step - operation cold war.

I'm thinking windchimes.

 

[Antigone*]

I'm thinking windchimes.

You would be well within your rights.

 

[jjoshua]

He put up his television for his own viewing pleasure. I have one outside as well. We enjoy games during our bbqs. He did not put it out on his front yard and invite the world to watch his massive 10" tv.

Please don't be ridiculous.

You know that I said 10', not 10". Yes, 10 feet. If it's big enough for me to comfortably watch in my back yard, then it's a public performance.

I now know that you may be biased.

 

[justalayman]

You know that I said 10', not 10". Yes, 10 feet. If it's big enough for me to comfortably watch in my back yard, then it's a public performance.

that does not define a public performance.

However, bars, restaurants, private clubs, prisons, lodges, factories, summer camps, public libraries, daycare facilities, parks and recreation departments, churches and non-classroom use at schools and universities are all examples of situations where a public performance license must be obtained

so, at his house, is it legally considered a bar, restaurant, private club, prison, lodge, factory, summer camp, public library, daycare facility, park or recreation department, church, school, or university?

That is why I said if he doesn't charge for the right to watch, it is not copyright infringement. His home does not fall in any category that would require the display be licensed unless he does something to make it a commercial venue. The only way he could effectively do that would be to charge a fee.

 

[Antigone*]

You know that I said 10', not 10". Yes, 10 feet. If it's big enough for me to comfortably watch in my back yard, then it's a public performance.

I now know that you may be biased.

NO, I'm not biased. I'm jealous now, my 46" is puny compared to his