Cablevision considers network DVR ruling
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New York cable operator Cablevision has lost a legal battle which could have implications for providers of network digital TV recorders around the world. Last year Cablevision sought to offer subscribers a service which stores programmes on Cablevision's servers, and makes them available on-demand. By launching a network digital TV recorder service Cablevision would remove the need to provide subscribers with new set-top boxes.
But the move soon prompted legal action from US television broadcasters and Hollywood movie studios including Time Warner's CNN and Cartoon Network divisions, NBC Universal, CBS Paramount, Fox and ABC owner Walt Disney, who claimed the new digital TV recorder was in effect a video-on-demand (VOD) service, and by recording and storing programmes Cablevision was infringing copyright.
Cablevision argued in the New York US District Court that its network digital video recorder technology was no different to home-storage devices such as TiVo. But a judge ruled in favour of the media owners, and Cablevision?which had been spurred on by other cable operator's vocal support?is now considering an appeal.
"We are disappointed by the judge's decision, and continue to believe that remote-storage DVRs are consistent with copyright law and offer compelling benefits for consumers?including lower costs and broader availability of this popular technology," said Cablevision.
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