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Fox's Attempt To Block Ad-skipping TV Recorder Autohop Fails
another random user writes that Fox's preliminary attempt to stop Dish Network's Autohop feature has failed in court. "A bid to block a TV service that allows viewers to automatically skip adverts on recorded shows has been rejected.
Fox had called for a preliminary injunction on Dish Network's Autohop ahead of a copyright ruling.
Broadcasters Fox, Comcast, NBC and CBS have each sued Dish Networks, saying the show recordings are unauthorized.
Fox said it would appeal against the ruling. It says Autohop is 'destroying the fundamental underpinnings of the broadcast television ecosystem.'
But Dish called the decision not to grant a preliminary injunction a 'victory for common sense.'
Its Hopper digital video recorder can record and store prime-time content from the four major networks for up to eight days.
And the Autohop feature lets viewers skip advertisements completely — rather than fast-forwarding through them — at the press of a button."
This is the joy that is Fox's core demographic. They're... quite forgetful, you see. You'll understand when you reach that age. So they need frequent... nay... CONSTANT reminders to buy gold, erectile dysfunction drugs and adult diapers. If the stream of advertising stops for EVEN A MOMENT, Fox's audience will immediately become gold-free, limp, damp shadows of their former selves, wallowing in their own filth. Look! It's HAPPENING ALREADY!
I'm trying to teach myself to set people on fire with my mind... Is it hot in here?
Not to mention that most people, when given a method of reducing base risk, will alter their behavior to bring risk back to previous levels. If you give somebody a way to be safer in a car crash, they'll use that "risk capital" to drive faster.
The crotchety old father of a friend of mine has a suggestion to reduce accident rates: installation of an eight inch metal spike in the center of the steering wheel, pointed at the driver's chest. And no seat belts. Bet you'll drive a bit safer in that configuration.
We're continually working to improve the quality of our idiots to meet the most demanding of "idiot proof" devices.