TV-over-the-Internet startup Aereo has filed for bankruptcy, bringing to a close its long-running copyright battle with US television networks. The filing comes at a time when there actually had been a bright spot on the policy horizon for Aereo. The FCC is set to consider whether some types of online streaming should be considered cable systems.
Aereo was created to use a system of using tiny, dime-sized antennas to send broadcast TV signals over the Internet. By renting one antenna and separate storage space to each customer, the company hoped to remain within the bounds of copyright law, despite not having permission from the television networks for its transmissions.
The fight was waged in federal courts around the country. The US Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit ruled in Aereo's favor, but the decision was overturned this summer by the Supreme Court. Aereo ceased doing business shortly thereafter.
http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2014/11/after-long-court-fight-aereo-files-for-bankruptcy/
Letter to Aereo customers: https://aereo.com
(Score: 2) by Appalbarry on Saturday November 22 2014, @02:38AM
Somewhere around 1978, in the age when 8-track tape was king, I worked for a stereo store that had as a sideline, a "service" that allowed people to make one off "personal copies" of commercial tapes.
We had a high speed duplicator, and blank cartridges of various lengths, and would even set the original and blank up on the machine for you.
The claim was that as long as the customer pushed the big "Start" button, it was legal.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Saturday November 22 2014, @04:02PM
"Rent-a-antenna" -- big NONO!
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Saturday November 22 2014, @11:41PM
And every time they did the law was flipped on them to not apply.
This is just the big networks owning the govt to keep new players out.
They never had a chance. The deck was stacked against them.
It's all a big club. And aereo wasn't in it.