Andre Yoskowitz
27 Jan 2013 10:55
The Consumer Electronics Association has voted in support of Dish Network's "AutoHop" commercial-skipping technology.
Dish Network is currently in multiple lawsuits against CBS and other major broadcasters over a number of different issues.
The issue at hand is Dish's DVR, The Hopper, and its ability to skip commercials automatically during recording. Quite obviously, the broadcast world is up in arms as the entire industry relies on advertising revenue to cover the cost of its shows.
Says the CEA (via Cnet): "In sum and substance, the Hopper merely enables the consumer to perform the same actions as the old VCRs or other DVRs, just more efficiently." CEA, in their brief, cite Sony v. Universal City Studios, which ruled it was legal to record TV programming for personal use and that recordings are not liable for copyright infringement. The group adds, "making television easier to watch is not against the law. It is simply pro-innovation and pro-consumer."