This saga reminds me of when SCO was suing IBM over Linux containing UNIX code as SCO realized their business model was no longer sustainable and could see the end of their company on the horizon. Tivo vs. Echostar seems like the latest example of this "sue your way to profitability" approach. In the end, it is an untenable solution.
i really don't agree with you here, Tivo isn't suing for profitability. it is really suing to protect its patents and business. For Tivo which pioneered DVR's, companies like Directv, Dish and numerous cable companies doing their own DVR's essentially killed their business.
I applaud Tivo for protecting their IP and proving that they are still relevant and needed. If these companies are expecting to do DVR tech, they ought to pay Tivo royalties for using their patents. and maybe offer Tivo software powered DVR solutions.
Dish started in good faith but unlike DirecTV, balked at the license fee. Dish got caught trying to pull a fast one and they're going to have to pay.
Quoting from CNet... --- The patent, which TiVo filed for in 1998, is described in the application as an "invention allowing the user to store selected television broadcast programs while the user is simultaneously watching or reviewing another program." --- If you want a more detailed explanation then search is your friend.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
EarthMatters @ Jul 2nd 2009 12:01PM
This saga reminds me of when SCO was suing IBM over Linux containing UNIX code as SCO realized their business model was no longer sustainable and could see the end of their company on the horizon. Tivo vs. Echostar seems like the latest example of this "sue your way to profitability" approach. In the end, it is an untenable solution.
mitchelljd @ Jul 2nd 2009 12:19PM
i really don't agree with you here, Tivo isn't suing for profitability. it is really suing to protect its patents and business. For Tivo which pioneered DVR's, companies like Directv, Dish and numerous cable companies doing their own DVR's essentially killed their business.
I applaud Tivo for protecting their IP and proving that they are still relevant and needed. If these companies are expecting to do DVR tech, they ought to pay Tivo royalties for using their patents. and maybe offer Tivo software powered DVR solutions.
WebDev511 @ Jul 2nd 2009 1:40PM
+1 mitcheljd
Dish started in good faith but unlike DirecTV, balked at the license fee. Dish got caught trying to pull a fast one and they're going to have to pay.
Quoting from CNet...
---
The patent, which TiVo filed for in 1998, is described in the application as an "invention allowing the user to store selected television broadcast programs while the user is simultaneously watching or reviewing another program."
---
If you want a more detailed explanation then search is your friend.