September 29, 2005

Rent My DVR - Another Sueable Business Model Arrives

In this day and age of lawsuits over downloaded material, it amazes me that people are coming up with new business models to get sued over. I'm talking about the new televison recording service called Rent my DVR.

In a nutshell, you go to the RentMyDVR.com and request a TV show. If someone records it for you, you'll pay about 25 cents and use Rent My DVR's client to download the show. Is this legal? According to the Rent My DVR website, they claim:

Q. What does the TV networks have to say?
A. According to fox networks it is OK to ask a friend or co-worker to tape video shows for you. We at www.rentmydvr.com are all friends. See "ask fox question 8."

8. Can I get tapes of FOX Network Primetime Shows sent to me?

ANSWER:
The FOX Network does not provide nor sell videos of any of shows, specials or movies that air on the Network.

Our recommendation is to ask co-workers, friends, family and neighbors for anyone who may have taped off-the-air the show you are looking for.

I'd have to say that using a blurb from Fox's website to justify this is a bit lame and of course Fox didn't say charge your friends for the recording.

Our recommendation is to stay away from the service because we have a feeling the attorneys are about to pounce on this one.

At RentMyDVR.com