Recently, I reported on a new service that Dish Network is offering to users of its Hopper HD DVR that allows the playback of recorded TV programs from the four broadcast networks (ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC) without having to view commercials. Of course, this has not gone unnoticed by the affected networks. First, CBS Chief Les Moonves, came out with strong objections and as a result that network has joined FOX and NBC Universal with lawsuits against Dish Network in an effort to halt the service. However, in a strategic counter strategy, Dish Network has decided to file its own lawsuit against the four networks to continue the service.
Some of the preliminary arguments against Dish Network by the networks involve issues such as copyright infringement and potential harm to the financial structure that the networks need for their livelihood, while Dish Network is holding with the argument that viewers should be able to choose what they want to watch and what they don't want to watch.
Frankly, this is not an unexpected development, and it will be interesting to see how all this plays out through the courts (the lawyers involved will end up with a big paycheck on this one). Stay tuned...
Comments
Why no lawsuits when VCRs came out with this?
I don’t understand why CBS, FOX, & NBC execs don’t want us to enjoy commercial-free TV. I’m a DISH employee – AutoHop is great because you can easily watch commercial-free TV. Public Knowledge, a consumer advocacy group, is taking a stand for consumers by creating a petition that tells CBS, FOX, & NBC media to keep their hands out of your living room & DVR. Sign their petition to keep control of how you watch TV http://bit.ly/KFdn1Q
Once again the tv networks (and Hollywood) shout paranoia at free tv. By free I mean the ability for the consumer to view taped programs as one wants. Do they really think that a consumer who tapes (dvr) programs will not fast-forward through commercials when viewing shows? When sat tv first came out I remember having the ability to watch east and west coast feeds of network tv. After network tv became aware of this they lobbied congress and guess what? no more east and west coast feeds – unless you were “grand-fathered” in prior to the bill being passed. Aaaaaaaaaaaaaagggggggggggghhhhh.
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