Why doesn't this effect Directv? Don't they have a dvr?
As a condition for DirecTV working with TiVo for a new DirecTiVo box, TiVo agreed NOT to sue DirecTV for patent infringements relating DirecTV's own DVR product, as TiVo has Dish, Echostar, AT&T, and Verizon. DirecTV does
NOT pay any license fee to TiVo relating to DirecTV's own DVR product. Ultimately, all TiVo wants from everybody is either a deal to develop a co-branded TiVo product, or that they pay a license fee for what TiVo believes is the other party's use of TiVo patents, which means they contend that every DVR in the U.S. violates their patents, or ye shall be sued.
The funny thing is, DirecTV has really (intentionally?) dragged its feet on implementing the new DirecTiVo box. In fact, odd statements were made during DirecTV's own Quaterly just about a week ago when asked about the forthcoming DirecTV box, along the lines of ". . .well, we have already developed a lot of what the TiVo has in our own [next generation] DVR product. There really won't be much difference between the two--of course the TiVo interface . . ." Keep in mind the DirecTiVo box has been pushed backed for release more than once, and is now SUPPOSED to be launched by the end of this year (or early next year).
IMHO, DirecTV has never wanted this box, and still favors it own DVR products as they make more money with them. DirecTV is just sitting pretty taking its own sweet time with the DirecTiVo box because TiVo agreed NOT to sue DirecTV.
Furthermore, Tom Rogers (TiVo CEO) has plainly said that he will seek patent lawsuits against any pay-TV provider who offers DVR's who will not agree to a license agreement with TiVo. He confirmed that AT&T and Verizon weren't even remotely interested in partnering with TiVo (they wouldn't even talk), so he sued. When asked why he hasn't sued the manufacturers, specifically Motorola and Scientific Atlantic, as they are the ones who actually build and provide software for their DVR product, talky Tom clammed-up, then stammered a bit trying to answer the question, which he never did, then ignored the question all together and rambled on about something else.
Believe me, EVERYONE in pay-TV industry is waiting to see how the Dish/TiVo patents suit ends. TiVo sees victory and will use its win against Dish as leverage against all DVR providers, or they may see the same fate as Dish.