Television On Trial In TiVo Vs Dish Network

Wednesday, August 23rd 2006, 10:16 am

By: News On 6

The company that makes "TiVo" is challenging Echo-Star, the parent company of Dish Network. If TiVo wins the case, Dish Network may have to shut down digital video recorders in millions of American living rooms.

News on 6 anchor Scott Thompson says TiVo convinced a court that Dish Network ripped off their patented TV technology. TiVo claims Dish Network's satellite DVR's infringe on TiVo's patent.

DVR's can pause and record live television so viewers can watch it later. A judge ordered Dish Network to pay TiVo $90-million in damages, to stop selling DVR's and to turn off current customer's DVR's in 30 days. But a second judge has put the fallout from that decision on hold, while he reconsiders the case.

In the meantime, Graves Satellite in Broken Arrow is still selling Dish Network DVR's. Owner Leo Graves says up to 70 percent of his customers purchase DVR service. He says despite all the saber-rattling, he doesn't think TiVo will take away Dish customer's DVR service. "Dish has really built their business on DVR's. They were doing DVR's before people even knew what they were. And I really think something will come of it. I don't think they'll ever get shut down."

Graves says even if TiVo wins and Dish Network has to give up DVR service, there are still options for consumers.