Posted on 05/06/2008 3:45:40 PM PDT by Las Vegas Dave
The Supreme Court of New York last month denied Voom's request for a preliminary injunction to block Dish Network from terminating its agreement to carry its 15 high-def channels.
That's according to court documents obtained by the web site, DBSTalk.com.
The decision leaves Voom's fate on Dish Network in doubt. While Dish Network is now offering Voom in its 19-channel Ultimate HD package, court papers show that the satcaster intended to remove Voom from its lineup entirely before the lawsuit was filed.
Dish contends that Voom has failed to spend $100 million annually on the 15 high-def channels as stated in their affiliation agreement. Based on that contention, the satcaster informed Voom last year that it would move the 15 HD channels to a less watched programming tier.
Voom objected to the plan, saying it would reduce its programming fees and jeopardize its business. Following a series of negotiations, Dish informed the programmer that it planned to terminate the agreement entirely. That's when Voom decided to file the lawsuit and injunction request, which the court rejected on April 23.
The court said Voom failed to show that it satisfied the spending requirement in the affiliation agreement.
It is uncertain if Voom will appeal last month's court decision. The programmer said in court papers that Cablevision is the only other TV provider that carries its 15 channels, adding that DIRECTV's "business plan" does not call for the addition of its 15-channel block.
Without Dish Network, Voom told the court that it could have trouble continuing as a 15-channel service.
EchoStar, the sister company of Dish Network, actually owns Voom's satellite and has an equity stake in Voom's 15-channel programming suite which includes niche channels on subjects such as horror films, international sports and antiques.
The pinged subjects will be those of HDTV technology, satellite/cable HD, OTA (over the air with various roof top and indoor antennas) HD reception. Broadcast specials, Blu-ray/HD-DVD, and any and all subjects relating to HD.
Las Vegas Dave
The VOOM.pdf legal document can be viewed on the first post of the following thread:
http://www.satelliteguys.us/dish-network-forum/134400-now-here-read.html
The satellite corporations certainly have a lot of clout.
I love VOOM. I particularly like Equator, for its travel fare. I have been out of town for a week, and have come back to find my local channels no longer in HD, but in stretch mode. It may be time to dump DiSH.
Hey, a minor sidebar, barely related — I used one of my two converter box coupons, got, uh-oh, can’t remember the brand. Got it at Best Buy. Plan to try it out tomorrow. If there’s no picture (kinda like now with analog) I guess I’ll get a Megawave or something.
Unless you live very close to the transmission towers the (MegaWave) or any other set top antennas including rabbit ears, have limited range.
Make sure you can return to the store before you purchase.
Antennaweb.org will show you the distance and direction to the transmission towers, and offer limited help with an outdoor antenna selection, also tvfool.com, but is much more technical.
Thanks LVD!
However, I will miss VOOM, if it goes. I sometimes watched the Monsters Hi-def movie channel, and the Gallery channel has interesting programs on art and artists as well as operas in HD.
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