Looks like we all can get along when we need to. Cablevision has gained some friends in their networked DVR court battle –namely USTA. Cablevision and Verizon, a key member of USTA, are in a fierce competitive battle for triple play subscribers in Cablevision’s home turf of New York . But that didn’t stop USTA from filing an Amicus brief in support of Cablevision, as they try to fight for the right to offer networked DVR service, also called remote storage DVR. Cablevision is in a nasty legal battle with Hollywood studios and others who went to court to stop them from launching networked DVR for copyright and other intellectual property concerns.
The implication is of course that USTA members want the right to offer the same type service. Indeed, networked DVR is an intriguing service – one that could offer competitive advantage. USTA members realize they will need that tool in their competitive tool belt, just like everyone else.
