Online VCR settles Hollywood lawsuit

RecordTV.com, the Web service that had briefly offered consumers the ability to record TV shows and play them back online, has settled a copyright suit with the Motion Picture Association of America.

Like iCraveTV, a service that offered live versions of TV programs online, RecordTV ran afoul of the studios' attempt to retain control of how their work is distributed online. Recording movies and streaming them online without permission violated copyright law, the studios said. The small company agreed to pay $50,000 in attorneys fees, but no other damages are pending. It agreed not to record or show any of the works owned by the big studios without first gaining permission.