Internet TV case: Justices skeptical, concerned

Videojournalists set up outside of the Supreme Court in Washington, Tuesday, April 22, 2104. The court is hearing arguments between Aereo, Inc., an internet startup company that gives subscribers access to broadcast television on their laptops and other portable devices, and the broadcasters. - photo by The Associated Press

W Supreme Court TV On TV — Videojournalists set up outside of the Supreme Court in Washington, Tuesday, April 22, 2104. The court is hearing arguments between Aereo, Inc., an internet startup company that gives subscribers access to broadcast television on their laptops and other portable devices, and the broadcasters. - photo by The Associated Press

WASHINGTON — Grappling with fast-changing technology, Supreme Court justices debated Tuesday whether they can protect the copyrights of TV broadcasters to the shows they send out without strangling innovations in the use of the internet. The high court heard arguments in a dispute between television broadcasters and Aereo Inc., which takes free television signals from the airwaves and charges subscribers to watch the programs on laptop computers, smartphones and even their large-screen televisions. The case has the potential to bring big changes to the television industry.

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