It seemed like just a few short weeks ago, we were knee-deep in news that was coming out of the 2013 International CES. In the middle of all of the product announcements, there was a bit of a scandal surrounding the Best of CES awards.
In case you aren't familiar with the program, Best of CES is produced annually by the CNET website, in conjunction with the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). The editors typically vote on the best products to come out of CES, with one being crowned Best of Show. It seemed like DISH Network's Hopper with Sling Whole-Home HD DVR was on track to be this year's winner -- until CNET's parent company, CBS, decided that they didn't like the pick.
CBS is currently one of the networks involved in litigation with DISH Network, over the Hopper's PrimeTime Anytime recording and Auto Hop commercial-skipping features. [For more info about both of those features, check out our DISH Network Hopper Whole-House DVR Review.] As a result, CBS asked CNET to not only change the decision, but disqualify DISH from the program and from the possibility of any future reviews.
A scandal ensued and even one CNET writer resigned from the popular website.
Apparently, the CEA didn't appreciate the publicity and just announced plans to give DISH's Hopper with Sling Whole-Home HD DVR the Best of Show award, which it will share with the previously announced winner, the Razer Edge gaming tablet.
"The CNET editorial team identified the Hopper Sling as the most innovative product of the show, and we couldn't agree more," said Karen Chupka, senior vice president of events and conferences for CEA. "The Hopper with Sling and the Razer Edge both represent the best of the exciting, innovative technology introduced at the 2013 CES. We are pleased to recognize both products as Best of Show."
Last week, the CEA joined several leading tech groups in filing an amicus brief in support of DISH Networks in the suit over the Hopper.
"We are shocked that the 'Tiffany' network which is known for its high journalistic standards would bar all its reporters from favorably describing classes of technology the network does not like," said CEA President and CEO Gary Shapiro. "We believe that the DISH Hopper DVR is fully covered by the Supreme Court's ruling in Sony Corp. of America v. Universal City Studios Inc. The simple fact is making television easier to watch is not against the law. It is simply pro-innovation and pro-consumer."
The CEA also says it will soon seek out a new partner to run the Best of CES awards program.
"CES has enjoyed a long and productive partnership with CNET and the Best of CES awards," stated Chupka. "However, we are concerned the new review policy will have a negative impact on our brand should we continue the awards relationship as currently constructed. We look forward to receiving new ideas to recognize the 'best of the best' products introduced at the International CES."
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