Broadcasters To Sue Time Warner Cable For Making It Easier For People To See Their Shows & Ads

from the say-what-now? dept

Mon, Mar 28th 2011 6:30am — Mike Masnick

Time-shifting and place-shifting content you are authorized to access is legal, but so many content providers still hate that. Apparently, the TV broadcasters are up in arms and about to sue Time Warner Cable for offering subscribers an iPad app that lets them watch some TV channels via the device. There are a whole bunch of limitations on this device. You have to be a subscriber to Time Warner Cable TV and to Time Warner Cable's broadband service. You can only use it if you're on your home WiFi connection, and it only offers 30 channels. Since it's limited to the home and only to subscribers, this seems like even less than just setting up another TV in your house. This is certainly less than what, say, a Slingbox would let you do. Variety quotes a TV exec claiming that they have to sue, because they "have a chance to win." As Karl Bode points out in the first link above:

There's a certain genius at work when you think you "win" by suing a company that is putting your content and ads in front of not only a broader audience, but people who are already paying a significant amount of money to view it.

We live in bizarre times.

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Filed Under: place shifting, tv
Companies: time warner cable

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Jay (profile), 28 Mar 2011 @ 6:33am

Why not sue Hulu for offering the shows for free?
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- Marcus Carab (profile), 28 Mar 2011 @ 6:44am
  
  Re:
  Because it's easier and more effective to keep them under your thumb with onerous licensing terms.
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
- This comment has been flagged by the community. Click here to show it
  
  Anonymous Coward, 28 Mar 2011 @ 6:44am
  
  Re:
  Really, Jay? Do you think Hulu is doing that without permission?
  
  Do you ever have anything of value to add to these comments? If so, I haven't seen it.
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
  - Marcus Carab (profile), 28 Mar 2011 @ 6:51am
    
    Re: Re:
    Ah, the old adage... Ask a stupid question, get chewed out by an asshole with a bad temper.
    [ link to this | view in chronology ]
  - Jay (profile), 28 Mar 2011 @ 6:56am
    
    Re: Re:
    I don't see how I have to justify my questions to you.
    
    If you want to see my profiles, You can look through all 1400+. Have fun since some are looking for answers to questions, some are rebuttals to arguments and all show how I feel about the various copyright clauses discussed here.
    
    What's truly astounding is how you, an AC, want to say I add nothing of value to a conversation when you actually throw attacks out for no other reason than to derail the question put forth.
    
    But of course, if someone wants to comment, they're more than free to. If you don't like it, Door's to your left
    [ link to this | view in chronology ]
    - This comment has been flagged by the community. Click here to show it
      
      Anonymous Coward, 28 Mar 2011 @ 7:06am
      
      Re: Re: Re:
      You were asking why you don't get answers to some of your questions here and on Copyhype. Let me be the one to tell you: It's because you sound like a nut job and you aren't saying anything that's worth responding to. Sorry to have to break it to you like this, but I believe in tough love.
      [ link to this | view in chronology ]
      - Marcus Carab (profile), 28 Mar 2011 @ 7:14am
        
        Re: Re: Re: Re:
        I believe in tough love.
        
        Oh I bet you do. It must have taken a lifetime of "tough love" to leave you this maladjusted.
        [ link to this | view in chronology ]
      - Planespotter (profile), 28 Mar 2011 @ 7:15am
        
        Re: Re: Re: Re:
        mmmm... sounds a lot like the average techdirt AC!
        [ link to this | view in chronology ]
      - Jay (profile), 28 Mar 2011 @ 7:30am
        
        Re: Re: Re: Re:
        And you are...?
        [ link to this | view in chronology ]
      - Dark Helmet (profile), 28 Mar 2011 @ 7:35am
        
        Re: Re: Re: Re:
        "You were asking why you don't get answers to some of your questions here and on Copyhype. Let me be the one to tell you: It's because you sound like a nut job and you aren't saying anything that's worth responding to. Sorry to have to break it to you like this, but I believe in tough love."
        
        In that case, let ME be the one to break it to YOU that this is an open forum for discussion and not everyone brings the same level of knowledge on every single aspect of the topics discussed here as everyone else. I, for instance, have some knowledge of the publishing world. I also know security technology. I came here knowing dick about patents, but because the community was nice enough to educate me (on both sides of the debate), I'm now more knowledgeable.
        
        So, the lesson here is that all questions are of value to either the asker or the askee and in the time you spent pretending like anyone cares what you thought of Jay's question could have been better spent answering it if you think it's so silly.
        
        So maybe take a couple of moments to stop being a douche nozzle and contribute, as we welcome you to....
        [ link to this | view in chronology ]
        
        Michael, 28 Mar 2011 @ 8:47am
        
        Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:
        "So maybe take a couple of moments to stop being a douche nozzle and contribute, as we welcome you to...."
        
        I think that's a little unfair. Seriously, I mean any nozzle, by definition, is there to "contribute". Without the nozzle, a douche would simply spray all over the place and not get the job done (a statement that could be describing the problem the douche is there to fix).
        
        Let's not be hasty with our metaphors.
        [ link to this | view in chronology ]
        
        Dark Helmet (profile), 28 Mar 2011 @ 8:54am
        
        Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:
        You know, when you're right, you're right. Maybe I should have referred to him as a douche toxifier?
        [ link to this | view in chronology ]
      - techflaws.org (profile), 28 Mar 2011 @ 11:03pm
        
        Re: Re: Re: Re:
        "It's because you sound like a nut job and you aren't saying anything that's worth responding to."
        
        So that's why you just responded to him? Retarded much?
        [ link to this | view in chronology ]
    - Stuart, 28 Mar 2011 @ 7:58am
      
      Re: Re: Re:
      To be fair though Jay it was a stupid question.
      Hulu is licensed. They have permission. It is a completely different animal.
      
      Kind of like asking why a bank robber got arrested and you did not when you withdrew $40.00 from your checking account.
      
      Not that I agree that suing someone for making you richer is a good idea. Its just that I think you did not give any thought whatsoever to the subject before posting.
      
      Maybe you should have a few less posts and a few more thoughts.
      [ link to this | view in chronology ]
      - Marcus Carab (profile), 28 Mar 2011 @ 8:01am
        
        Re: Re: Re: Re:
        Why is everyone being such a dick about this? He asks one stupid question and everyone starts accusing him of being mindless. Have a look at Jay's comment just before that one. Whether or not you think he's wrong, he seems thoughtful enough to me.
        [ link to this | view in chronology ]
      - Berenerd (profile), 28 Mar 2011 @ 10:04am
        
        Re: Re: Re: Re:
        Technically, TimeWarner has also licensed it. They have a right to broadcast the stations perhaps not over the internet specifically but they have the right. for all we know the license might not even state the medium of which said stations can be broadcast on.
        [ link to this | view in chronology ]
      - pringerX (profile), 28 Mar 2011 @ 10:19am
        
        Re: Re: Re: Re:
        "Why not sue Hulu for offering the shows for free?"
        
        I believe the correct term is a rhetorical question. I'd like to believe that Jay is being sarcastic, given that he is a Techdirt regular. (Love your profile pic by the way!) Also, using an ad hominem attack in a debate is like invoking Godwin's Law. As soon as you resort to it, you have already lost.
        [ link to this | view in chronology ]
      - Jay (profile), 28 Mar 2011 @ 10:29am
        
        Re: Re: Re: Re:
        ...
        
        I want to be clear on this. The question was meant more in irony because of how the broadcasters are taking the path of least resistance to sue someone for making their product more valuable.
        
        It made no sense to sue over an app and if they want to shoot fish in a barrel, they should sue hulu for doing that same thing.
        Note to self: remember to put irony quotes for others...
        
        Regarding the ac, I believe that's the same abrasive one that wanted to launch an abrasive verbal tirade from copyhype. If so, then no, still not interested in ad hominem attacks. If you want to debate, feel free to do so.
        
        Stuart, I have been a guest on this site for some time. I ask questions to come to my own conclusions. I would rather ask a question than say nothing and suffer in silence.
        [ link to this | view in chronology ]
  - Anonymous Coward, 28 Mar 2011 @ 7:04am
    
    Re: Re:
    "Do you ever have anything of value to add to these comments?"
    
    Yes, because your comment is just so valuable. Hypocrite.
    [ link to this | view in chronology ]
    - This comment has been flagged by the community. Click here to show it
      
      Anonymous Coward, 28 Mar 2011 @ 7:08am
      
      Re: Re: Re:
      What do my comments have to do with the value of his comments? Nothing. Nice strawman.
      [ link to this | view in chronology ]
      - Marcus Carab (profile), 28 Mar 2011 @ 7:13am
        
        Re: Re: Re: Re:
        He wasn't attempting to say anything on the value of Jay's comments - he was calling you a hypocrite. Nice reading comprehension.
        [ link to this | view in chronology ]
        
        This comment has been flagged by the community. Click here to show it
        
        Anonymous Coward, 28 Mar 2011 @ 7:23am
        
        Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:
        From reading your posts, Marcus, I'd be impressed to learn that you can even tie your own shoes.
        [ link to this | view in chronology ]
        
        Trails (profile), 28 Mar 2011 @ 7:24am
        
        Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:
        Obvious troll is obvious. Everyone ignore pls.
        [ link to this | view in chronology ]
        
        Marcus Carab (profile), 28 Mar 2011 @ 7:29am
        
        Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:
        He's more than just obvious, he's notorious. And while combatting his protohuman-grade logic can be frustrating, messing with his clearly unbalanced psyche can be fun. It's like playing chess against one of the dumber monkeys: the game isn't going to make much sense, but damned if you wouldn't watch a video of it.
        [ link to this | view in chronology ]
        
        Atkray (profile), 28 Mar 2011 @ 9:12am
        
        Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:
        I like fishing in a barrel with a shotgun,
        not a lot of sport involved,
        but on a hot summer afternoon it sure is fun.
        [ link to this | view in chronology ]
        
        vivaelamor (profile), 28 Mar 2011 @ 3:16pm
        
        Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:
        "And while combatting his protohuman-grade logic can be frustrating"
        
        The funny thing about these sorts of trolls is that if you're responding to every one of their posts in an entirely reasonable manner then all they can do is waste more time by responding to you. The more incessantly reasonable you are, the more pointless their antics become because the only 'positive outcome' they can get is by confusing other people. The time they waste of yours is paid for by their own time and the longer the conversation goes on the worse it is for them because they have to put more effort into making stuff up while you have to put less effort into pointing out their errors.
        
        Of course, it's still no fun to have your time wasted even if they're wasting theirs, but hopefully they eventually find something more constructive to do. If it's frustrating to respond to them then it must be doubly frustrating for them to have the added effort of making stuff up.
        [ link to this | view in chronology ]
        
        Marcus Carab (profile), 28 Mar 2011 @ 7:25am
        
        Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:
        That's rich coming from the guy who thinks "strawman" is a magic word that makes the voices go away.
        [ link to this | view in chronology ]
        
        Anonymous Coward, 28 Mar 2011 @ 7:32am
        
        Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:
        "That's rich coming from the guy who thinks "strawman" is a magic word that makes the voices go away."
        
        So i take it, you cannot tie your own shoes then? Very well.
        [ link to this | view in chronology ]
        
        Marcus Carab (profile), 28 Mar 2011 @ 7:35am
        
        Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:
        What a confusing and improperly punctuated response...
        
        But look everyone, TAM has a supporter! And they say no two snowflakes are exactly alike!
        [ link to this | view in chronology ]
        
        The eejit (profile), 28 Mar 2011 @ 8:19am
        
        Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:
        Nice persona software you have there. Did it cost you $500k/persona?
        [ link to this | view in chronology ]
        
        Planespotter (profile), 28 Mar 2011 @ 7:27am
        
        Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:
        Well at least you can get to read all his posts and see what he believes all kept nice and neat in his Profile, opposed to cowards like you who can throw out any old garbage day in day out without having to be held accountable...
        
        Do you think that the majority of the readers take many contributions by ACs seriously? Some are worth reading, others... meh!
        [ link to this | view in chronology ]
      - Anonymous Coward, 28 Mar 2011 @ 9:12am
        
        Re: Re: Re: Re:
        You're complaining about his comments not having value when your comments have even less value.
        [ link to this | view in chronology ]
        
        Anonymous Coward, 28 Mar 2011 @ 9:12am
        
        Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:
        (heck, your comments even have negative value, they're a waste of my time).
        [ link to this | view in chronology ]
  - Anonymous Ass, 28 Mar 2011 @ 9:13am
    
    Re: Re:
    U NO CONTRIBUTE ORIGINAL IDEA HURR DURR
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- Shawn (profile), 28 Mar 2011 @ 10:15am
  
  Re:
  As far as Time Warner is concerned they believe they have the rights to allow their subscribers to access the content they have payed for using a display device that access this content over the network connection that they pay for. Jay's question is actually much more on point than the people bashing him.
  
  just saying
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Anonymous Coward, 28 Mar 2011 @ 6:52am

If Time Warner is actually willing to fight this lawsuit, it will likely be another meaningful loss for TV broadcasters. This is possibly the most restrictive plan I've seen recently (one that won't benefit a lot of people because of the fairly large restrictions). Because of these restrictions, I would be surprised if Time Warner actually will lose the case, thereby further receding the control that broadcasters are trying to impose.

Perhaps that was TW's plan from the beginning - test float a really restrictive program just to see if someone would push back (thereby creating some precedent in the courts for different media distribution possibilities).
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Anonymous Coward, 28 Mar 2011 @ 6:58am

You can only use it if you're on your home WiFi connection

Since it's limited to the home and only to subscribers

Another case Mike where you are selective with your opinions to try to make a point. If it's on WiFi, and WiFi is somehow not secure enough to stop people from getting on it, how can it be limited to subscribers? What stops the guy next door from jacking the TV stream?

Is WiFi limited to your house only? If it is, why do all the people caught pirating stuff point to their wireless unit and say SODDI?

Remember, most of the broadcasters have deals in place with the cable companies that pay them based on the number of subscribers. The last think they want is their programming being blasted out for free over WiFi.
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- Anonymous Coward, 28 Mar 2011 @ 7:05am
  
  Re:
  "If it's on WiFi, and WiFi is somehow not secure enough to stop people from getting on it, how can it be limited to subscribers?"
  
  Maybe it requires a password to use online. and have you ever heard of https to mask passwords?
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
  - Anonymous Coward, 28 Mar 2011 @ 7:07am
    
    Re: Re:
    If it's wireless, someone can capture it. Heck, maybe the guy gives it out to his friends in his building, so they can use it when they like, etc.
    
    SODDI. Not just for piracy.
    [ link to this | view in chronology ]
    - Anonymous Coward, 28 Mar 2011 @ 7:56am
      
      Re: Re: Re:
      You could also use knives to kill people, but knives haven't been banned.
      
      What I'm saying is that access to wifi does not immediately entail piracy. Its like saying access to porn increases the likelihood of rape.
      [ link to this | view in chronology ]
      - Anonymous Coward, 28 Mar 2011 @ 8:15am
        
        Re: Re: Re: Re:
        No, but in Mike's world, when it comes to piracy, WiFi is wide open and broadcasts everywhere. When it comes to this case, WiFi remarkably restricts itself to "inside the home". I want to know how WiFi units know the difference and control their transmissions based on the source. Mike seems to think they are magical this way.
        [ link to this | view in chronology ]
        
        Rekrul, 28 Mar 2011 @ 9:09am
        
        Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:
        I want to know how WiFi units know the difference and control their transmissions based on the source.
        
        They don't, and yet somehow people manage to have private accounts on millions of web sites, email servers and other services that only they can access. You're right, restricting access to only authorized users is magic!
        
        After all, it's not as if such a TV app would come with any kind of restrictions, or require a user to create a secure account before being able to watch streaming channels.
        
        I'm sure that sending the completely unencrypted streams to a specific IP address is the only form of security they'll use...
        [ link to this | view in chronology ]
        
        Anonymous Coward, 28 Mar 2011 @ 9:14am
        
        Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:
        Rekrul, you just missed the point. If WiFi (and all that) is so secure and all the stuff so restricted to one user, why can Mike and his merry band all claim SODDI when it comes to piracy?
        
        Either it is restricted to the home and doesn't go outside, or it is wide open and subject to hacking and illegal access. You don't think that this TV app won't be equally hackable? Come on.
        [ link to this | view in chronology ]
        
        Berenerd (profile), 28 Mar 2011 @ 10:14am
        
        Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:AC HAS NO BRAIN
        Perhaps for a moment, try and think of this rationally and not as a "BASHBASHBASHBASH MIKE" senerio, you might realize the two items are very different.
        
        Sure, if an AP is unsecured, anyone can get on and pirate things. Even if an AP is secured, it can be broken into. When you add in the password and encryption into the deal not every joe shmoe is gonna have access to it. Those that do gain access either have permission or are up to something nefarious and are quite smarter than the home user and wouldn't care to break into their system to watch...TV... Seriously, did you get your education from a crackerjacks box or fruitloops?
        [ link to this | view in chronology ]
        
        Christopher (profile), 28 Mar 2011 @ 4:08pm
        
        Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:AC HAS NO BRAIN
        Just ignore the Anonymous Coward from now on. His logic fails are super-legendary at this point, and I really don't understand why there hasn't been an IP ban put into place on this idiot.
        [ link to this | view in chronology ]
        
        vivaelamor (profile), 28 Mar 2011 @ 5:39pm
        
        Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:AC HAS NO BRAIN
        "I really don't understand why there hasn't been an IP ban put into place on this idiot."
        
        I would suggest that IP bans rely on a) people having static IPs (not as much of an issue as it was with dialup, admittedly). And b) services like Tor being blocked.
        
        Both are problematic. Even static IPs tend to be changeable unless assigned and while blocking Tor should be relatively simple, there are countless open proxies out there for people who are inclined to abuse them.
        [ link to this | view in chronology ]
        
        Mike Masnick (profile), 28 Mar 2011 @ 10:42am
        
        Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:
        No, but in Mike's world, when it comes to piracy, WiFi is wide open and broadcasts everywhere.
        
        When have I ever claimed this?
        
        Why do you lie?
        [ link to this | view in chronology ]
    - Anonymous Coward, 28 Mar 2011 @ 8:16am
      
      Re: Re: Re:
      My cell phone is wireless, so I guess others can now use my cell phone signal too.
      [ link to this | view in chronology ]
      - The eejit (profile), 28 Mar 2011 @ 8:27am
        
        Re: Re: Re: Re:
        Actually, there's an app for that. WiFi is considered 'open' if it is set to broadcast its SSID.
        [ link to this | view in chronology ]
- Planespotter (profile), 28 Mar 2011 @ 7:11am
  
  Re:
  Maybe teh nextdoor neighbours have also drilled a hole in teh wall with a very small camera on it pointing directly at the subscribers TV and also fitted high quality microphones to the wall to capture teh TVs audio!!
  
  OMG! But...but... !
  
  *deliberate teh!
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
- Trails (profile), 28 Mar 2011 @ 7:21am
  
  Re:
  You believe they're suing because someone might "jack the stream"?
  
  Sorry, even discounting your "Lawnmower man"-grade jargon, that's preposterous. Even if the wifi is unencrypted (certainly likely to be some users on unencrypted wifi), the content can be, and most likely will be. Cracking HTTPS is no small feat, it usually requires a very sophisticated attack against core internet infrastructure. The attacker must actually compromise hardware upstream from the user.
  
  As to handing out passwords, etc..., they are ways to deal with that too: one active session per user at a time, detect ipad identification(serial number or whatnot), lock to itunes account, etc...
  
  Really, what you're talking about re: people who's ip is "identified" for uploading content is very different. It's about uploading, not intercepting downloads or spoofing identity. It's apples and oranges. What you're positing makes no technical sense.
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
  - Anonymous Coward, 28 Mar 2011 @ 7:30am
    
    Re: Re:
    Trails, they point is that when it is convenient for Mike, WiFi is incredibly insecure, easily hacked, and easily used by anyone (justification for piracty, I think). On the other side, when it suits him better, WiFi is "limited to the home".
    
    My point isn't to get into a complex technical discussion, I am only trying to point out the absolutely absurd contradiction in Mike's post.
    [ link to this | view in chronology ]
    - Planespotter (profile), 28 Mar 2011 @ 7:35am
      
      Re: Re: Re:
      Sooo... although the actual story "Broadcaster to sue TW for allowing streaming of their content+ads" is real and worth discussing, you just want to hijack the post to attack Mike?
      
      Nice ;)
      [ link to this | view in chronology ]
      - Anonymous Coward, 28 Mar 2011 @ 7:42am
        
        Re: Re: Re: Re:
        No, it isn't to "attack Mike", it's to point out that much of the basis of the story (and his objections to it) are based on ignoring his own posts and opinions in the past about WiFi, because they wouldn't suit his attempt to slam the "broadcasters".
        
        What is "Nice" is that you don't seem to care when Mike talks out of both sides of his mouth.
        [ link to this | view in chronology ]
        
        Anonymous Coward, 28 Mar 2011 @ 7:57am
        
        Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:
        Open wifi is easy for anyone to use and view non-encrypted content that passes through it. But it's not easy for people to view encrypted content that passes through it. Why is this difficult for you to understand? There are situations when Wifi can be secure, but it's not always secure if no one makes an effort to secure it.
        [ link to this | view in chronology ]
        
        This comment has been flagged by the community. Click here to show it
        
        Anonymous Coward, 28 Mar 2011 @ 7:58am
        
        Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:
        The Kool-Aid drinkers aren't known for their insight.
        [ link to this | view in chronology ]
        
        Berenerd (profile), 28 Mar 2011 @ 10:18am
        
        Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:
        Sadly you poo eaters are even worse.
        [ link to this | view in chronology ]
        
        Garrett, 28 Mar 2011 @ 8:00am
        
        Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:
        Dude, no. I can see where your train of thought is coming from, ie people "hacking" into a random wifi signal to download things. But that has to do with random (possibly) unsecured signals and how tracing a connection back using JUST an IP is not always accurate.
        
        In this case, its a direct connection between a specific app on a specific device through a specific router following specific IPs and encrytion. Just because it uses wifi as part of that chain doesn't mean what you think it means. You could write your router password in soap on your window, but without your specific ipad, no one is watching anything.
        [ link to this | view in chronology ]
        
        Anonymous Coward, 28 Mar 2011 @ 9:16am
        
        Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:
        You don't think that someone can clone the software, change their MAC address, etc? Remember, the SODDI excuse is that anything can be hacked. Why is WiFi suddenly so secure in this case, but not others?
        [ link to this | view in chronology ]
        
        Berenerd (profile), 28 Mar 2011 @ 10:20am
        
        Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:
        Ok, so going by this extreme, why bother with WiFI and just hack the content provider's system where the originals are stored because anyone can hack anything.
        [ link to this | view in chronology ]
        
        athe, 29 Mar 2011 @ 12:55am
        
        Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:
        Do you not understand the difference between router (wifi) layer security and application layer security? Just because someone can hack onto your router doesn't mean jack for application security.
        
        Seriously, get to understand the differences in security that people are talking about, then come back and talk to us...
        [ link to this | view in chronology ]
        
        Planespotter (profile), 28 Mar 2011 @ 8:08am
        
        Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:
        nope... just because something possibly could happen doesn't mean it will.
        
        I don't see any relevance in your aguing that they wish to sue TW over streaming content because somneone else on wifi might be able to view the content by accessing an improperly secured router or access point. Given that TW wish to monetise their offering I'd imagine that they will secure the stream to a device in one way or another, it's going to an iPad remember, nothing to say it isn't tied to teh iTunes account.
        
        To me this is simply a money grab on the part of the broadcaster, someone who has paid once for the priviledge to air their content has found a way to monetise it again and offer it as an addition product with offeruning the broadcaster any more money... poor 'ickle content manufacturer, nasty mean TW.
        [ link to this | view in chronology ]
        
        Planespotter (profile), 28 Mar 2011 @ 8:10am
        
        Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:
        "addition product with offeruning the broadcaster any more money"
        
        Should read, "additional product without offering the broadcaster any more money".
        
        *apologies... too much coffee.
        [ link to this | view in chronology ]
        
        David Liu (profile), 28 Mar 2011 @ 8:14am
        
        Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:
        It would help your case if you had something to point to and source. Otherwise you're all fluff and no substance. You even undermine yourself with "justification for piracy, I think". Come back when you actually know for sure what you're talking about.
        [ link to this | view in chronology ]
        
        BigKeithO (profile), 28 Mar 2011 @ 3:21pm
        
        Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:
        This isn't a difficult concept, you are completely wrong.
        
        Ipad app - most likely requires login information and encrypted data.
        
        Wi-fi - an internet connection. If you jump on someone else's wifi you can use whatever program you want using their IP (P2P, bittorrent, etc).
        
        Can you really not see the difference?
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    - Trails (profile), 28 Mar 2011 @ 8:03am
      
      Re: Re: Re:
      Wifi is potentially incredibly insecure, easily hacked, and easily used by anyone.
      
      Wifi is not limited to the home. (I haven't heard Mike make this claim, if he has, pls link as I'd be interested to see statement in context).
      
      Regardless, there is no contradiction. There are ways to lockdown the data even assuming unsecured Wifi. The means to do this are at the discretion of TW, and one can safely assume they will be used(because there is reason to use them and no reason not to).
      
      What you are presenting as a contradiction is in fact only a contradiction if you do not understand the underlying technology you speak of. Having a correct understanding of the technologies, I can assure you there is no contradiction.
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    - techflaws.org (profile), 28 Mar 2011 @ 11:10pm
      
      Re: Re: Re:
      Your point is bullshit.
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  - Garrett, 28 Mar 2011 @ 7:38am
    
    Re: Re:
    Agreed. I can be 99% certain in assuming that when setting the app up, it creates a profile all the way back up the chain....IPs, MAC addresses, serial numbers. This is probably why a TW broadband subscription is needed as well.
    
    And after all that, its just an encryted data stream to the device. Not "blasting" out programming from your router.
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- pixelpusher220 (profile), 28 Mar 2011 @ 7:44am
  
  Re:
  "how can it be limited to subscribers?"
  
  Because the content is still only available through a TWC connection? you're making an unfair comparison.
  
  Mike's statement is perfectly valid. If someone doesn't get TWC for internet access and TV then they can't get stream the shows over a non TWC internet connection. WiFi hacking won't change that fact at all. The content would still only be available over that TWC connection.
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- Anonymous Coward, 28 Mar 2011 @ 8:21am
  
  Re:
  What is this the day of the idiots?
  
  Anyone can stream TV content through WiFi they don't actually need Warner Bros to do it.
  
  Doubt?
  http://www.videolan.org/doc/streaming-howto/en/streaming-howto-en.html
  
  Just buy a TV card or a TV with WiFi enabled.
  http://www.pcworld.com/article/192042/new_wifienabled_tv_from_toshiba_sports_led_backlight _1080p.html
  
  Now for the topic, this one is just marvelous it doesn't matter who win all corporations loose LoL
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- btr1701 (profile), 28 Mar 2011 @ 9:31am
  
  Re: WiFi
  > What stops the guy next door from jacking
  > the TV stream?
  
  If that were the concern, one would think the broadcasters would have mentioned it in their complaint.
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- Joe (profile), 29 Mar 2011 @ 4:19am
  
  Re:
  You should have followed the doc's advice and gotten that rabies shot.
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Anonymous Coward, 28 Mar 2011 @ 6:59am

The issue is ad revenue. Neilsen ratings don't reflect programs streamed to devices, so the network's pricing for advertisements isn't accurate.

Of course, rather than stay behind the times, the networks should be putting pressure on Neilsen to change their rating mechanisms. This is only going to get worse for them as more people drop traditional set top box viewing.
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- Anonymous Coward, 28 Mar 2011 @ 7:03am
  
  Re:
  You don't think that the networks are trying to maximize their ratings by putting pressure on Nielsen already?
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- rangda (profile), 28 Mar 2011 @ 7:40am
  
  Re: ad revenue
  I agree that the issue is ad revenue, however I'm not so sure the networks want the current system to change (even if they think they do). If Neilsen started tracking how many people actually watch ads on a channel (instead of what channels people watch) ad revenue might plummet.
  
  As an example if I'm going to watch something on TV (a rarity these days) I'll DVR it specifically so I can skip the ads. Even sports, I'll start watching a game 90 min into it so I can skip all of the ads. I have to assume that other people do this.
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  - Anonymous Coward, 28 Mar 2011 @ 4:00pm
    
    Re: Re: ad revenue
    I did... before I started download all my shows commercial-free anyway.
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pixelpusher220 (profile), 28 Mar 2011 @ 7:00am

A certain type of genius...
That would be Charlie Sheen correct?

Duh!
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Anonymous Coward, 28 Mar 2011 @ 7:01am

You give Time Warner too much credit. They just want something to advertise so they can make people think they are giving them something new, when in fact they are just giving them something they are already paying for. Just another junk item like "look back" and "start over". Not really worth much.
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Anonymous Coward, 28 Mar 2011 @ 7:02am

We need to disbar the FCC and remove the govt imposed monopolies that broadcasters wrongfully benefit from. Public airwaves rightfully belong to the public, not to corporate interests, and anyone should have a right to transmit, receive, record, copy, distribute, modify, and distribute modified content from and on those signals. These corporations are no more entitled to broadcast on these frequencies than I am and the government has no business selling my broadcasting rights away for me.
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- This comment has been flagged by the community. Click here to show it
  
  Anonymous Coward, 28 Mar 2011 @ 7:10am
  
  Re:
  Let's overthrow the government while we're at it! That'll show 'em!
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  - Anonymous Coward, 28 Mar 2011 @ 7:30am
    
    Re: Re:
    You're adorable!
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    - Chargone (profile), 28 Mar 2011 @ 8:16am
      
      Re: Re: Re:
      sad part is, from my outsider's perspective anyway, that is actually supposed to be the correct responce on the part of american citizens to a government that has become opressive and is stripping their liberties in the interests of the elite few.
      
      of course, it'll never Happen, at least not in a useful way, because those in a position to enact it are those who benifit from it not happening. meh *shrugs*
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  - Anonymous Coward, 28 Mar 2011 @ 7:58am
    
    Re: Re:
    Strawman alert.
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    - Chris Rhodes (profile), 28 Mar 2011 @ 8:25am
      
      Re: Re: Re:
      I don't even think that was a strawman, since he didn't claim that overthrowing the government was the OP's argument, nor offer any argument to knock it down. I'm not sure what that was, honestly. Maybe a bizarre slippery slope?
      
      1. Abolish the FCC.
      2. ???
      3. Anarchy!
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      - vivaelamor (profile), 28 Mar 2011 @ 3:58pm
        
        Re: Re: Re: Re:
        "I don't even think that was a strawman"
        
        I would say it's reductio ad ridiculum built on a straw man.
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- nasch (profile), 1 Apr 2011 @ 9:34pm
  
  Re:
  Public airwaves rightfully belong to the public, not to corporate interests, and anyone should have a right to transmit, receive, record, copy, distribute, modify, and distribute modified content from and on those signals.
  
  I'd rather be able to reliably listen to my favorite radio station, rather than wondering if my neighbor will suddenly decide to start broadcasting his favorite polka tunes on the same frequency. IMO restrictions on broadcasting makes the spectrum more useful. I'm sure there are improvements that can be made, but removing all the rules is not one of them.
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Christopher Gizzi (profile), 28 Mar 2011 @ 7:34am

Reasonable Response
Forgetting that consumers actually want this convenience, Time Warner is doing the reasonable thing for everyone involved.

The networks are adding their shows on Hulu at no cost to the consumer. The stations are offering their content over the internet for free, as well. Time Warner doesn't get anything but their internet fees which people would likely pay for without these services. Therefore, they face a risk that people will cut the cord and go internet only.

Except if they offer their channels on mobile devices they can help add value to their cord option and keep customers paying. I know several TW customers in NYC who want this type of offering - otherwise, they can just go to any Starbucks and stream shows over their internet and have food and coffee while doing so.

So Time Warner's streaming plans help everyone and it's a reasonable response. Consumers get yet another way of viewing content. Time Warner doesn't lose business from cord cutters.** And the networks can still show ads for their channels and content.

** And cord cutting *WILL* happen. It's just a matter of time. It's what people want and as traditional broadcasting revenue shifts around, so will the availability of content. The viewers have the dollars and networks/advertisers chase them. If people have to give their money to some other venue to get what they want, the traditional producers & deliverers will run after them and offer the services they want to pay for.
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Robert P (profile), 28 Mar 2011 @ 7:47am

Xfinity and ABC do this better
Comcasts Xfinity app for the iPad does a marginally better job than the description of Time Warner's app in that you can watch a lot more shows. Same other restrictions apply (be a subscriber, be on your home wifi). I wonder why they're upset with Time Warner and not Comcast?

Meanwhile, ABC is just doing it themselves with their own app, which also works great (and as far as I know requires no subscription, no "your own wifi", etc.) They do show commercials that can't be skipped. I haven't played this aspect of it yet, but I understand you can also watch a TV show live (it's supposed to sync itself with the broadcast) so you can do even more stuff, like take surveys or vote on characters or something. That seems like the right way to go (for ABC). Get people interested in doing other things with the show, they then watch it live and so are exposed to the commercials.
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Wifezilla (profile), 28 Mar 2011 @ 7:50am

You have content creators, distributors (networks), advertisers that foot the bill and then the consumer. As the barriers from creators to consumers crumble, the distributors, instead of adding value to the consumer (like ease of access to content), have tried to become road blocks and force consumers to continue to come to them. What they are really doing is contributing to their own demise as consumers actively seek other ways to get content. Instead of a road block, they are just a shrinking speed bump...or more like a flattened squirrel.
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Anonymous Coward, 28 Mar 2011 @ 9:43am

This page really should be titled "Techdirt comments section exceedingly bitchy today; people are self-absorbed".
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VancouverDave, 28 Mar 2011 @ 9:49am

"There's a certain genius at work"
Sounds more like "weapons grade stupidity".
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Anonymous Coward, 28 Mar 2011 @ 9:51am

Anyone who's spent a a significant amount of time in front of a TV knows that TV executives are a few plums short of a fruit pie. Two examples off the top of my head: Cartoon Network branching out into live-action shows and Firefly being cancelled.
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Ed C., 28 Mar 2011 @ 9:19pm

Running a Mega-Corp...for Dummies
If winning in business becomes about winning lawsuits, it's obvious lawyers are really the ones in charge. They're the ones "winning".
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