TiVo users win ruling

U.S. government regulators on Wednesday approved technology allowing TiVo subscribers to send copies of recorded shows over the Internet.

The idea was opposed by Hollywood and pro sports teams who believe it will lead to mass redistribution of movies and games. But in its unanimous decision, the FCC said there were enough protections already in place to prevent that.

TiVo allows subscribers to digitally record shows from their televisions. The new technology would allow a subscriber to download those broadcasts to their computer and then send copies of recorded shows to their offices, homes, or from different rooms within a home. A recording also could be sent to a few friends as long as they are on the subscriber’s registered account.

Above, Bob Poniatowski, TiVo product marketer, demonstrates how to use the technology at TiVo’s offices in Alviso, Calif.

Banking

CapFed earnings increase

Topeka-based Capitol Federal Financial announced Wednesday that its profits were back on the rise. The company reported earnings of 13 cents per share for its third quarter, up from 11 cents per share for the same period a year ago.

The bank, which operates four branches and a loan processing facility in Lawrence, said its net income rose to $9.48 million because of changes in the bank’s interest rate environment.

Shares of Capitol Federal, which is the state’s largest residential lender, were down 18 cents to close at $31.70.

Economy

U.S. factory orders up

America’s factories saw orders grow stronger in June, a spot of good news for manufacturers and for the economic recovery.

The Commerce Department reported Wednesday that orders placed with U.S. factories rose by a solid 0.7 percent in June from the previous month. The performance exceeded economists’ expectations for a 0.5 percent advance.

Manufacturing

Sauer profits improve

Sauer-Danfoss Inc. announced Wednesday that its profits soared during the second quarter.

The manufacturer of hydraulic and electronics systems posted earnings of 46 cents per share, up from 24 cents per share during the same period a year ago.

The company operates a plant in Lawrence’s East Hills Business Park.

Health care

Government won’t force lower prices for Norvir

The government refused to intervene Wednesday against a rapid price increase for an important AIDS drug, deciding not to override patents on Norvir in an effort to force a lower price.

Patient groups and some members of Congress had pushed the National Institutes of Health to take the unprecedented action, accusing the drugmaker of price gouging. But the NIH decided Wednesday that such an extraordinary step could have too broad an effect on the entire pharmaceutical market.