It’s finally here. The DVR that eradicates the commercial. Offered by DISH network and not surprisingly being sued by FOX. More on that later.
The concept is that as a subscriber to DISH you can, with a single click, record all of the primetime programming on the network for: ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC.
You then store about 100 hours of these TV shows up to eight days after they have aired and can then watch these certain HD primetime shows commercial-free starting at 1 AM ET after the show has been recorded. The shows are tied to a specific DISH “library” and via a specific DISH feature.
Anytime you watch same day and prior to that 1 AM time, you can manually “hop forward” thirty seconds to avoid the commercials.
Oh, and live broadcasts need not apply.
Fox is suing DISH because according to published reports, Fox says that the feature allows DISH to “’create a bootleg video-on-demand service for all network prime-time programming’ that takes the company well beyond its licenses to transmit Fox shows.”
The implication is that now you don’t need to fast forward through your media – your media – if you select it – will do it for you.
DISH is returning the suit in New York against all four broadcast networks in hopes of seeking judgment that the technology is legal.
And while Fox says this undercuts consumer choice, DISH spokespeople say consumers should be able to choose for themselves what they do and do not want to watch. Does the features hinder viewing or make it better?
Let's just say I recuse myself from answering the question since I find many of the ads to be better than the programming.
