Audio Video News

What if your DVR could record from other DVRs over the web? That was the provocative premise of TVCatchup, a U.K. startup. It sounded good to be true. And it was.

TVCatchup's network DVR recorded from FreeView digital broadcast channels up to its limit of 10GB online storage. If you didn't program your own machine to record something at broadcast time, you would still have the option to record it from another user for viewing within 24 hours. The arrangement was reminiscent of BitTorrent file sharing. Here are some screen shots on Automated Home.

TVCatchup was supported by ads and purported to be fully legal but some broadcasters took exception. As a result, TVCatchup suspended operations, giving this explanation on its site:

Dear Member

In recent days, TVCatchup has become aware of the Broadcaster's (BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Five) increasing concerns over the free personal recording functionality that this website offers.

On 15th February, our hosting was terminated without warning and we presume this was at the request of such Broadcasters.

Given that this will no doubt happen again, TVCatchup has therefore voluntarily suspended its services whilst the concerns of the Broadcasters are addressed.

We apologise to all for this temporary interuption to service.

This page will provide a service update as matters progress.

TVCatchup.com
16th February 2008