Legality/rules query re linking to sample clips

[mroz]

I've recently been playing with x264 to back up some horror movies - lots of dark scenes so problems with blocking.

I've read threads about upping deblocking vs custom matrices vs the aq patch & am experimenting.

I can foresee posting further questions where I'm likely to be asked for examples of the problems I'm describing. So I figured I should check out what is considered legal & acceptable behaviour in this respect.

I've read the front page Doom9's MPEG Palace Disclaimer & the Forum Rules, but I'm still not clear.

If I need to link to a clip to demonstrate a problem, can this come from a personal backup? If so, what are the restrictions, such as on duration or proportion of original material? I'm thinking of analogies with copyright in relation to printed materials where short copies are allowed for review aiui.

If not, any suggestions? Are there free samples available of typical problem material?

In respect of finding a host for such clips, are any in particular regarded as reliable or to be avoided?

Thanks.

[themostestultimategenius]

In respect of finding a host for such clips, are any in particular regarded as reliable or to be avoided?
http://mediafire.com
http://sharebee.com
http://zshare.net
http://filesend.net

[Sharktooth]

you can just post a CLIP showing the "problem"... that's perfectly legal.
i dont know the exact limits but few seconds is certainly OK.

[Guest]

We operate under the Fair Use clause of copyright law. See here for a useful discussion:

http://fairuse.stanford.edu/Copyright_and_Fair_Use_Overview/chapter9/index.html

[mroz]

Thanks all. That's everything I needed to know :)