Comments on: TiVo has no beef with Cox, Comcast and DirecTV. But everyone else?

By: Tamara Chuang, a.k.a. The Gadgetress

Tamara Chuang, a.k.a. The Gadgetress — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 00:05:22 +0000

Good point. I’m not a Dish user so I wasn’t aware of which models are in use. Let’s see if Dish or TiVo will respond to that… If they do, I’ll post an update here.

By: Jim Henry

Jim Henry — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 23:43:10 +0000

The court order only lists these models as “infringing products” and the order to turn off the DVR capability only affects the “infringing products”:
…Defendants’ following DVR receivers (collectively the “Infringing Products”): DP-501, DP-508, DP-510, DP-522, DP-625, DP-721, DP-921, and DP-942.

That list does not seem to include any of the current DVR offerings from Dish:
DuoDVR ViP 612, 622, 722, and 722k. (I assume the model numbers would be DP-612, DP-622, DP-722, and DP-722k.)

If Dish did manage to do a successful design around with its newest DVRs, and one would wonder why the TiVo lawyers didn’t get these new models on the list if they do infringe, then worst case would be that Dish swaps out the older infringing units for the newer non-infringing units. Time-consuming, disruptive, and expensive to be sure. But better than Dish losing a big chunk of its customers.

By: Tamara Chuang, a.k.a. The Gadgetress

Tamara Chuang, a.k.a. The Gadgetress — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 22:22:47 +0000

I’m sure that’s it. Those DVRs are the only models listed in the lawsuit, or at least this lawsuit. TiVo hasn’t sued other companies… yet.

By: Nancy

Nancy — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 22:17:57 +0000

Whoa…I love my Dish DVR…I just got two HD/DVRs last week! Thanks for providing all this info, even tho I’m not too thrilled about it. Do you happen to know if the “infringing” DVRs you listed in your article are the only ones that are affected?

By: Tamara Chuang, a.k.a. The Gadgetress

Tamara Chuang, a.k.a. The Gadgetress — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 13:40:53 +0000

RL — I asked on yours and other subscribers’ behalf and Dish won’t address this issue, yet. Though if your contract says you get a DVR and you don’t, my personal interpretation is that Dish is breaking its contract. Nonetheless, here is the company’s response: “We are pleased that the Federal Appeals Court in Washington temporarily stayed the district court’s order in the Tivo litigation. DISH Network customers can continue using their DVRs. We believe that we have strong grounds for appeal.”

By: Joe Citizen

Joe Citizen — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 18:50:42 +0000

Liz,
Your you are wrong.
TIVO invented the technology over 10 years ago and has not been profitable yet due to all of the patent infringement cases it has endured over the last 5 years .
They are not too greedy just protective of their technology.(wouldn’t you)
Once you use a TIVO you realize what a far superior interface it has compared to other DVR’s.
I say great for TIVO this will help them stem off bankruptcy and continue to produce a great product.

By: Liz

Liz — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 18:04:31 +0000

Tivo needs to lose. They are too greedy.

By: RL

RL — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 11:05:28 +0000

Can the reporter find out if DISH customers will be let out of their contracts penalty-free if their DVRs are disabled?

By: risingup

risingup — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 05:09:04 +0000

I wish TWC would have learned and used the Tivo technology to make a better product. When I had Dish, several years ago, their DVR functions were great. TWC’s DVR functionality is REALLY bad….

By: Tamara Chuang, a.k.a. The Gadgetress

Tamara Chuang, a.k.a. The Gadgetress — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 04:21:04 +0000

You’d think… But apparently EchoStar went a different route — they attempted to remove any infringing technology in their DVRs. Not good enough. Judge slapped them with contempt of court for doing so. Will it stand? Who knows? As mentioned, court first made this ruling in 2006!

By: Ruth Loud

Ruth Loud — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 04:18:49 +0000

Why doesn’t TiVo make the same contract to Echostar that they have with Comcast, Direct TV and Cox. I’m sure it would clear the air and give TiVo more money coming in.