Showtime Networks Inc., which was the first premium network to launch Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound on its HDTV signals in 2000, has now brought the audio technology to every one of its standard definition and HDTV channels throughout all time zones. The result is 32 Dolby Digital 5.1 enabled channels triple the number of Dolby Digital 5.1 enabled channels of all other premium networks combined.

Thomson Multimedia (RCA) and EchoStar Communications Corporation announced that they have signed an agreement for Thomson to manufacture DISH Network compatible satellite TV receivers. Thomson anticipates commencing production by mid-year 2002.

SONICBlue, the parent company behind PVR (personal video recorder) manufacturer ReplayTV, says it is now shipping their controversial 4000 series recorders despite a law suit from a few of the major TV studios. This summer the ReplayTV 4000 won an Emmy award for technological advancement but this fall was slapped with a suit over their products ability to exactly fast forward through commercial breaks.

This time the major networks are pissed. ABC, NBC and CBS filed suit in California today against SonicBlue, the new parent company of ReplayTV, according to Yahoo.com and Reuters. This main issue is the new ReplayTV 4000 PVR has taken skipping commercials to the next level. In the past, Replay and TiVo units could fast forward though commercials much like you could if you had recorded it on your VCR. With the ReplayTV 4000, you can now accurately skip commercials. The suit also sites Replay’s ability to record "perfect digital copies" of TV shows and then distribute them over the internet.

Personal TV recorders have been exploding in popularity in the past year. Panasonic and ReplayTV have just announced their latest product, a Pansonic ShowStopper that has been incorporated into a 27-inch TV. Retailing for $799.95 and featuring a 30-hour ShowStopper, the PV-SS2710 is currently available in consumer electronics retail stores throughout the U.S.