Damage and contempt sanctions ordered by a Texas federal judge last Friday, in favor of TiVo versus EchoStar Technologies, comes in to the tune of $200 million. According to the judge, this is the amount for the harm caused by the satellite operator's infringement of a crucial DVR patent. The total now being faced by EchoStar in TiVo payments is around $400 million since the legal dispute arose last July. Approximately $97.4 million is being sought by TiVo against both Dish and EchoStar for their estimate of the profits the satellite companies made from the DVR technology in play on their nets. According to judge David Folsom of the U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of Texas, "TiVo's [original] suggested disgorgement of nearly $1 billion is unreasonable under the circumstances of this case. TiVo's suggested sanction seeks to punish EchoStar for its actions. While the Court can appreciate the impetus behind the desire to see EchoStar punished, the Court cannot approve such an award." This statement could seriously change should both Dish and EchoStar continue to use the technology IF their appeals are turned down. TiVo stated they are delighted the case is finally closed and they are the winners, while both Dish and EchoStar state they are certain they will win on their appeals. And the hits just keep on comin'....