Dish Network shocked us just a couple of weeks ago by upgrading its new Hopper DVRs with "Auto Hop" ad skipping that targeted prime time programming on broadcast TV captured via its PrimeTime Anytime feature, and predictably, the networks aren't happy. After several executives took shots at the service during upfronts for the new fall programming in the past few weeks, Fox has filed suit in US District Court, while Dish Network responded with its own request for a court order specifying that it does not infringe on the TV network's copyrights. Just in the last few minutes, the New York Times reports NBC (Update: Add CBS to the list as well, THR has copies of the complaints from Dish and Fox.) has filed a lawsuit against Dish Network as well, and it likely won't be the last one to do so. ReplayTV folded under similar legal pressure, but clearly Dish Network thinks it has a workable solution and now it's going to be up to the courts to decide who wins.
Broadcast TV networks, Dish Network file lawsuits over new Auto Hop ad skipping feature originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 May 2012 17:42:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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I first heard about Auto Hop from one of my coworkers at Dish, and I think that it compliments the Primetime Anytime feature quite nicely. Auto Hop is having the option to skip over commercials the day after network shows are recorded; it’s really no different than the skip forward button other than you have to press it fewer times. I’m glad Dish is paving the way with giving their customers what they want. Who wouldn’t want such an awesome addition to their already state of the art Hopper DVR?
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