The Ethics of TiVo, DVR, and ReplayTVAbstract: After a considerable amount of debate and lawsuits over copyright and ethical issues surrounding VCRs in the 1980s, manufacturers and content providers began to relax as consumers widely purchased the devices and, in turn, began renting more videos. In the end, everyone won as VCRs created a new movie rental market and also benefited consumers. But nowadays, technology doesn't need to be revolutionary to scare people and cause controversy; it just has to be evolutionary. In 1999, two companies, TiVo and Replay, introduced a slightly more sophisticated VCR-like device called a digital video recorder (DVR), or personal video recorder. While DVRs may not seem much different from VCRs, they are causing lawmakers to relook at past copyright cases in a new light and are also succeeding in wreaking havoc on precedents of fair use and privacy. This paper explores the ethical and privacy considerations surrounding DVRs and how small technological increments can generate large controversies. In the late 1970s, Sony introduced a technology called the video recorder (VCR) to the American public. The product was revolutionary because before its introduction recording television programs was impossible for the average consumer. The new device has created a lot of controversy. Suddenly, people could record and copy television shows and movies and do with the content whatever they wanted. Movie studios and television networks feared the consequences of VCRs empowering consumers. After a considerable amount of debate and lawsuits over copyright and ethical issues surrounding VCRs, manufacturers and content providers began to relax as consumers widely purchased the devices and, in turn, began renting more videos.i In the end, everyone won as VCRs created a new movie rental market and benefited consumers too. Nowadays, technology doesn't need to be revolutionary to scare people and cause controversy; it just has to be evolutionary, meaning big technological leaps aren't that important. In 1999, two companies - TiVo and Replay - introduced a slightly more sophisticated VCR-like device called a digital video recorder (DVR) or personal video recorder.ii These devices essentially duplicate the functionality of VCRs, but make them slightly easier to use. Consumers can now choose to record a TV show by name and for an entire season instead of just one episode. The black box records constantly so users can pause live television and pick up where they left off.