Yesterday, Razer's Edge gaming tablet was crowned CNET's "Best of CES" at the 2013 International CES. However, one company that wasn't taking the loss too gracefully was DISH Network. Can't say that we blame them.
The new DISH Hopper with Sling Whole-Home HD DVR was actually disqualified from the awards program at the last minute. They didn't break rules, try to buy votes or do anything else scandalous. However, CNET is owned by CBS Corp. -- who just happens to be suiing DISH Network over the Hopper's PrimeTime AnyTime and AutoHop commercial-skipping features.
The PrimeTime AnyTime and AutoHop commercial-skipping features are possibly the greatest things to happen to the DVR since the invention of the DVR, which is something that we mentioned on our 2012 DISH Network Hopper Whole-House DVR Review. CBS, on the other hand, sees it as a slap in the face and dangerous to the network's revenue stream.
DISH Network's latest Hopper seems to go one better, adding in built-in Slingbox features, a 2T hard drive, and a new iPad-exclusive feature called Hopper Transfers. (For more information on the new box, check out "DISH Network Beefs up Hopper HD DVR with Slingbox for TV Viewing Virtually Anywhere.")
Even CNET thought the new innovations were great, naming the product as a "Best of CES" finalist and posting a story titled, "DISH Hopper with Sling: HD DVR almost has it all."
Later in the day, CNET seemed to have a change of heart and possibly some type of internal meeting. This statement now sits on the site's Best of CES 2013 page: "The Dish Hopper with Sling was removed from consideration due to active litigation involving our parent company CBS Corp. We will no longer be reviewing products manufactured by companies with which we are in litigation with respect to such product."
Needless to say, DISH Network is not happy. After yesterday's events, Joe Clayton, DISH's CEO and president, issued the following statement:
"We are saddened that CNET's staff is being denied its editorial independence because of CBS' heavy-handed tactics. This action has nothing to do with the merits of our new product. Hopper with Sling is all about consumer choice and control over the TV experience. That CBS, which owns CNET.com, would censor that message is insulting to consumers.
"DISH is not afraid to stand up for consumer rights and we think that Hopper with Sling will do well, despite the network's questionable actions.
"We have had a long, productive relationship with CNET's editorial staff and we look forward to continuing that relationship. We welcome their unbiased evaluation and commentary of our products and services."
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