Aereo is a premium service that allows subscribers to view (and record) broadcast TV content. It literally assigns subscribers to miniature antennas that pick up the publicly accessible signals and broadcast them to play on a variety of devices. The company believes that this setup complies with laws and regulations in the United States.
Broadcasters on the other hand disagree, and have sued Aereo to stop the service form proliferating any further. So far, they have been unsuccessful in their efforts, with district courts backing Aereo and the refusal by the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals to reconsider the case.
While the broadcasters have had no joy stepping on Aereo, they have had success in similar cases against Film On X in L.A. and Washington district courts. Film On X also uses antennas and provides digital streams to users.
Broadcasters consider the rulings in favor of Aero and against Film On X as evidence that circuit courts are issuing conflicting opinions, which is grounds for the U.S. Supreme Court to step in and examine the issues.
The broadcasters must file a writ of certoriari by October 15.
(via: Variety)
Written by: James Delahunty @ 10 Oct 2013 5:53
