Cablevision Wins Against Networks

DVR is pretty awesome. There's nothing like coming home to a recorded show of "Top Chef: Masters" or reruns of "Cops." The U.S. Supreme Court yesterday upheld that Cablevision could install DVR to its remote receivers, Variety reports. CBS, Turner Broadcasting, Disney and other major television networks sued the Cablevision on the grounds that the new service would be a violation of copyright laws.

The website explains that the networks were upset because they were loosing prime time viewers, which bring in much needed ad revenue. Recording shows digitally has actually increased the audience of many TV shows, but the fast forward feature allows audiences to cruise right through the commercials.

Cablevision planned to change the way recordings are stored, in what they say is an effort to provide a more affordable service. The new service would not require subscribers to have a separate box for recording. Shows would be stored on network servers rather than an at home box.

The plaintiffs used this argument as the grounds for their law suit, which was initially upheld in New York, but later overturned by the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals about a year ago. Since then, the networks have been trying to get that decision reversed.

So far, this seems like a victory for the people.