The SlingBox, Space-Shifting and the Future of Broadcasting

Adam Thierer writes:  "I've been wondering how long it would be before a major copyright spat developed over the SlingBox and its incredible "space-shifting" technology. For those of you who have never heard of it, the SlingBox is a set-top device that allows consumers to retransmit their home television content to themselves no matter where they are at in the United States. ...¶... [Capitol Broadcasting President Jim] Goodmon told B&C that the SlingBox likely violates program copyright laws and perhaps retransmission consent agreements as well. Retransmission consent involves the complicated agreements / contracts brokered between television networks and local broadcasters and then local broadcasters and cable or satellite systems. In Goodmon's opinion, the SlingBox potentially runs afoul of these retransmission agreements by enabling out-of-market viewing of network and syndicated content. ..."  Link:  PFF Blog.