Rewind: Cablevision Loses Digital Recorder Lawsuit
Its newfangled DVR-system, which would house movies, TV programming and other content at the cable system's head-end, has been stopped by a New York federal judge. The judge sided with the Cartoon Network, Twentieth Century Fox, Time Warner, Disney, CBS and NBC, saying the move would infringe on programmers' copyrights.
Cablevision is backing this system because it eliminates digital set-top boxes in Cablevision--effectively placing the storage drive at the company. The cable operator started testing the new system, called "remote storage DVR" or RS-DVRs, over a year ago. For some time, Cablevision has offered home DVRs as part of its monthly cable service.
Since last March, TV content providers have complained that Cablevision has been violating copyright laws by temporarily holding content. In effect, that Cablevision now owns content they didn't pay for and could, in theory, re-sell it for revenue gain.
But Cablevision argued it wasn't in control of the digital copies--it was still in the hands of its customers. Cablevision says the technology allows it to send the show to consumers only when they requested it. The judge rejected such arguments. He said Cablevision was using many pieces of equipment to copy and store the content--rather than a single home DVR that its customers use. As such, it was in violation of copyright laws.
In response, Cablevision says its decision to test and use the technology was consistent with copyright laws, and that it would only help lower the costs of digital recording to its subscribers. The cable giant may appeal.
Recent MediaDailyNews Articles
-
Budweiser Bows New Campaign, Topped With Responsible-Drinking Blimp May 20, 5:26 p.m.
Summer is a time of concerts and festivals and beach-going, all of which carry the attendant ... -
Clear Channel Outdoor Unveils Consumer Networks May 20, 5:23 p.m.
Clear Channel Outdoor is creating a new way for advertisers to buy out-of-home ad inventory with ... -
Digital TV Video Biz Is Booming May 20, 4:10 p.m.
As traditional TV platforms project small gains in their $70 billion business, new digital TV video ... -
Initiative Wins Amazon's Global Media Account May 20, 3:09 p.m.
Interpublic Group’s Initiative has won global media duties for e-Commerce giant Amazon.com after a review.The company’s ... -
Mars Contract Suit Against Y&R Continues May 20, 11:56 a.m.
A New York judge has denied a request by WPP’s Y&R to toss out a breach ... -
Sony Debuts Marketing Campaign For 4K TV Sets May 20, 11:50 a.m.
While U.S. TV programming networks are not close to transitioning to the new 4K TV technology, ... -
Dish TV Expands On-Demand May 20, 11:19 a.m.
Dish Network, which has allowed subscribers to watch live TV on mobile devices for some time, ... -
Former IPG Exec Pahade Named Poptent CEO May 20, 7:30 a.m.
Nick Pahade, the former North American CEO of Interpublic Group’s Initiative, has been appointed CEO of ... -
Traditional Radio Revs Flat, Digital Revs Up 9% May 19, 4:26 p.m.
Radio advertising revenues were flat at $3.5 billion in the first quarter of 2013, unchanged from ... -
Original 'Voice' Judges Return May 17, 5:41 p.m.
The original quartet of coaches for “The Voice” will return for the fifth season this fall. ...
Be the first to comment on "Rewind: Cablevision Loses Digital Recorder Lawsuit"
Leave a Comment