District Court Upholds Viewers' Rights in DISH Hopper Case

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Today, the United States District Court for the Central District of California denied Fox's attempt to take away television viewers' right to control how they watch TV.  Consumers who have purchased the Hopper DVR can continue to use all its features, including its ability to skip commercials on recorded programming.

The following statement can be attributed to John Bergmayer, Senior Staff Attorney at Public Knowledge:

"It's great news that the Court has resisted Fox's attempt to shut down DISH's product, before there has even been a trial on the merits of the case. Consumers have a right to record television programs and watch them later in the manner of their choosing.

"While Fox has indicated that it intends to appeal the Court's decision, the law is clear:  consumers have the right to make home recordings, and technology companies don't break the law when they create new and improved devices. We're confident that the rights of television viewers and innovators will be continue to be vindicated in this matter."