July 24th, 2013
When DISH introduced AutoHop, a feature on the Hopper set top receiver that allows customers to automatically skip commercials on prime time network TV shows that are prerecorded with the Prime Time Anytime function, it caused quite a stir. Not only were customers excited and estatic to see a product that they’ve been wishing for since the dawn of DVR, but network television executives were furious that consumers would be able to watch programming unfettered by commercials.
Since its launch networks have been trying to legally crush the Hopper and the AutoHop feature, insisting that it violates contracts and infriges copyright. The networks would like the courts to issue an injuction, a move that would prevent DISH from providing AutoHop to its customers. Judge Sidney Thomas of the Ninth Circuit, who upheld the ruling from last fall denying the injuction, disagreed with the networks’ claims of infringment, and cited the landmark Sony Betamax case from 1984 in which the electronic manufacturer went up again studio giant Universal over its development and distribution of VCRs. Its been an accepted fact that home recordings of television shows and broadcast movies for time shifting – viewing later or more than once – is not a copyright infringement and is protected by fair use.
“This decision is a victory for American consumers, and we are proud to have stood by their side in this important fight over the fundamental rights of consumer choice and control,†Dish’s executive vice president and general counsel, R. Stanton Dodge, said in a statement.
Categories: DISH & TV news
January 9th, 2013
At CES LG has revealed seven new HDTVs with Google TV capabilities. The top of the line that was unveiled was the GA7900, with a razor thin display and dual-core CPUs. The price hasn’t been officially decided yet, but it is likely to be in the range of LG’s existing Google TV models, $1,500 to $1,600.
The device is operated with a Bluetooth remote that reveals a keyboard on the back. As well as the impressive search functionality that Google TV has to offer, the GA7900 also allows for voice search.
As well as LG’s impressive Google TV lineup, Vizio and Sony, Google TV alumni, are also set to unveil more Google TV devices in 2013. Newcomers Asus, Hisense and TCL are also set to introduce similar devices. It’s certainly going to be a big year for Google TV. DISH Network has excellent integration with Google TV services.
There are two more days of CES, and we’re continuing to follow all of the exciting news coming out of Las Vegas!
Categories: DISH & TV news
January 7th, 2013
The Consumer Electronics Show is an international technological trade show held in Las Vegas at the Las Vegas Convention Center every January. It is famous for displaying the latest and greatest in consumer technology that should be available in the coming year. Technology giants like DISH Network come from all over the world to display their newest innovations and inventions, and consumers visit or watch online or on TV from home to get a glimpse of the near future of consumer electronics.
Categories: DISH & TV news