A few days ago, the RIAA sued XM Satellite Radio over its portable satellite radio receiver, the Inno, due its ability to record the radio as well split up the recording up into individual songs. On the 19th, XM radio had released a statement to its subscribers explaining that their handheld receivers are fully legal and compared their usage to a TiVo. The statement started off explaining about how their service provides more music, channels and programming than other networks and their range of music.
Then it
went on to mention how the music industry wants to get rid of this new technology by filing a good-for-nothing lawsuit to stop eliminate these recording features and deprive the listeners of enjoying these extra features. Finally, XM mentioned how consumers always been able to tape off the radio since the days of reel-to-reel and all the sudden the music industry is not happy with consumers being able record from satellite radio. Unlike pirates that copy music without paying the artist, XM mentioned that a portion of the subscription fee goes to the artists as royalties. XM aims to seriously fight their case in court with high hopes in wining. Thanks to DamnedIfIknow for letting us know about the following news:
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The music industry wants to stop your ability to choose when and where you can listen. Their lawyers have filed a meritless lawsuit to try and stop you from enjoying these radios. They don't get it. These devices are clearly legal. Consumers have enjoyed the right to tape off the air for their personal use for decades, from reel-to-reel and the cassette to the VCR and TiVo. The full article can be read here. |
In my opinion, I cannot see how much different the recording features on an XM radio are to that of a TiVo, particularly since a TiVo can also automatically record individual programmes, such as a TV episode series. The receiver can also be compared to Napster's unlimited subscription service as songs recorded on the receiver cannot be transferred elsewhere and expire once the consumer cancels their subscription. This basically means that XM may have some luck with this case.
Source: About - Electronics & Gadgets
