Universal, 20th Century Fox, Paramount and Walt Disney, along with the three major broadcast television networks, have filed a lawsuit against the cable TV provider Cablevision over copyright issues. It seems they aren't very happy with a certain new service that Cablevision is about to launch. This "on-demand" service will let subscribers save and store shows and movies on a computer server and then play them back whenever they like. Sound a lot like TiVo? Well, the difference -- and the problem -- is that unlike TiVo, a digital recorder that stores the programs onto a personal server in the viewer's home, Cablevision's service will be storing them on the company's servers. The details aren't as complicated as they seem -- the copyright law is pretty specific -- but the suit does seem a bit picky. Still, it seems that Cablevision could just simply rework its idea so that it complies with the law in the same way that TiVo does. They could put a server into the cable box, for instance. But the cable provider is instead insisting that their service is more legit than it seems.
If Cablevision somehow wins the suit (I doubt it), it will likely cause other changes in the cable industry, as the other major providers, Time Warner and Comcast, might follow Cablevision's lead. Not only would this change increase the possibilities of "on-demand" services already available -- the difference now being that only select programs are available -- but it would also make the TiVo an obsolete device in the home. Hmm. Maybe TiVo would like to get in on this battle?
1. I honestly think that the person or people that are complaining about the Albino's and skin pigmentation in the movie Da Vinci Code' really need to grow up it is just a movie if you are offended by this then don't watch the movie. My goodness this world has come to this already oh I am offended by this and that. I am surprised that you can walk down the street without someone complaining about something, really come on grow up. Your type of person is why this country is why it is and this world is turning to how it is. The first thing you think of is I am offended or I am going to sue the two things that should be on the constitution Offended (CRYING) and TO SUE someone. Suposedly the american dream right. I am just plain sick and tired of people complaining about every little thing and so quick to complain or sue. Think back to the early times in the 13th century and what not do you think people said oh you talked about my skin color I am offended (CRYING) like a little baby, jeeze I am offended by your offense of crying about this whole thing. See now I have done it and gone and become one of you people that are offended. Anyway to end it, I think you should grow up and if you can't take that then you need to seek some help professional help like a quack and you can tell them that I offended you and you want to sue me.
Posted at 11:58PM on May 25th 2006 by John