TiVo Inc. launched one of the first digital video recorder (DVR) devices in 1999.  However TiVo has been facing competition from AT&T and Verizon, who provide DVR as a service through TV cable.  This is why TiVo has filed a lawsuit against both telecommunication companies at the U.S. District Court in the Eastern District of Texas.

TiVo is seeking damages and a permanent injunction from using the feature.  This complaint the same as the one made in a lawsuit against DISH/Echostar.  That complaint was made in 2004.  Initially TiVo was ruled to be awarded $105 million, but DISH/Echostar filed an appeal.  While the appeal was being made, DISH/Echostar designed new software that would replace the old video recording software.

TiVo claimed that DISH/Echostar was still infringing on their patent, but the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office dismissed a request from TiVo to have DISH/Echostar no longer have the ability to re-examine its patent.  DISH will be using the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office dismissal as part of their appeal in court.

DISH has about 14 million subscribers while AT&T U-Verse and Verizon FIOS cable services have a combined subscriber base of 4 million.

Si TV is a Latino cable channel with a complementary online network website.  According to an SEC filing, Si TV has raised $8.75 million in funding.  Si TV plans to raise an additional $6 million in funding.  Si TV previously raised $60 million in funding from EchoStar, Time Warner, Columbia Capital, and Rho Ventures around 2004.

Si TV has about 19 million cable subscribers since they launched.  Si TV has syndication deals with Hearst and Verizon.  Si TV has dropped in web traffic recently from 500,000 uniques last year to about 150,000 uniques per month.  The new round of funding may be used for a website redesign or the acquisition of other online properties.

Si TV is in the midst of launching a new season of TV series Model Latina.  Si TV also issued a statement about the appointment of Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor.

“Latinos that their dreams can become reality through education, hard work and a strong family. At Si TV, a network dedicated to providing positive entertainment for the American Latino community, we take enormous pride in Justice Sotomayor’s landmark appointment. We congratulate her and wish her well in her new role on our nation’s highest court,” stated Si TV CEO Michael Schwimmer.

[via paidContent/Si PR]