Aereo on Tuesday grew its countersuits against TV networks to include several more networks. Fox, PBS, Univision, WPIX, and WNET were all targeted under a complaint that wanted the judge to rule that Aereo wasn't violating the networks' copyrights. It had already sued ABC, CBS, and NBCUniversal a week ago.
PBS will air a new Steve Jobs documentary on November 2nd at 10PM Eastern, the network has announced. Titled Steve Jobs: One Last Thing, the special will allegedly take an "unflinching" look at Jobs, who is characterized as "a creative genius whose innovations transformed the lives of millions" but also described as having had a "difficult, controlling disposition." Another recurring theme will be the influences that affected his character and drove him to success.
Viewers discovered this weekend that SyFy has begun blocking Google TV devices from its site. The NBC-owned channel began telling users that video is not "currently available on this device." It joins blocks by other major studios, including NBC itself as well as ABC and CBS. Hulu has blocked Google TV from its free access since before launch.
Several broadcasters have filed a lawsuit against Ivi TV after the startup defied cease-and-desist demands to stop retransmitting broadcast TV signals via the Internet without permission. Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC and PBS have accused the small company of copyright infringement for its web-based streaming service, which provides access to over 20 channels for $5/month.
The outline the early launch plans for ATSC Mobile DTV, the first free over-the-air TV standard meant for portable devices in the US. Washington, DC will be the first city to get coverage and will be supported by 5 stations owned by CBS, Fox, Ion, NBC and PBS when service starts sometime in the late summer. About 39 percent of the US will be covered by the end of 2009 and should include major cities like Chicago, New York, San Francisco and several others.
PBS says that beginning next week, it will be distributing a free, two-hour Frontline documentary on US Presidential candidates John McCain and Barack Obama through the iTunes Store. Called The Choice 2008, it should be posted on October 15th, and remain available through November. PBS describes the series as a personal and political biography of the two opposing candidates, meant to help voters get to know each candidate prior to the election. The documentary should also be available through YouTube and special on-demand TV channels.
