WastedTimes

[aiolos]

What's next, a policeman in every livingroom to make sure we watch all the ads ?

Pretty much everyone who frequently watches DVDs has already experienced what it is like for the DVD player to prohibit the fast forwarding or skipping of the initial ads on the disc, such as the anti-piracy warnings. However, when it comes to broadcast content, it is still possible to avoid the ads by either fast forwarding through a recording or changing to another channel. Now, imagine what it will be like if the broadcaster had the ability to lock your TV to the tuned in channel until the current ad-break finishes.

Well, hard to believe, this is a technique Philips is attempting to patent, which can be taken advantage of by the Multimedia Home Platform, a feature included in most Interactive TVs. If broadcasters, PVR, DVD player and display manufacturers take on this technique, the viewer will be forced to keep the channel tuned for the duration of the ad-break or in some cases pay a fee to change channel or fast forward (for a recording). The technique would work much like the broadcast flag in that the ad-breaks in programmes can carry flags to force the TV, PVR or other compliant playback device to keep the ads playing until the ad-break finishes.

While Philips has admitted that this feature may not be taken lightly by the viewers, they suggest that broadcasters and device makers provide suitable warnings when the flag is being detected and used to avoid consumers wondering why their TV will not change channel all the sudden when the ads start up.

From CDFreaks

[jkf]

This one is really going to create a commotion since they are actually
infringing on the personal rights of the viewer. As most of the broadcasts
in larger cities are piped in through cable or satellite, and not free, the
viewers could demand that their broadcasters provide the TV service for
free, if they are going to be forced to watch the propaganda, and the
sponsors can pay the providers for the service instead of the viewers.
This is a scary thought when you think about it, they can start subliminal
programming or direct brainwashing of the masses with what they want.
This is like taking a step back into history, where fanatics tried to enslave
their subjects by mind control. Very very bad stuff...

[wAsTeD_C]

certain technics on "obligatory" ad watching exist on free tv stations as well, broadcasting nationally(im always speaking for greek channels).
"arranged" ad hours for all big stations are done, in order to ensure that zapping cause of adds: a) does not have as a result the permanent change of channel and b) adds are watched. its even common for the same add to play on 2 or 3 different tv stations the exact moment or with secs of difference just for them to be sure u actually get to see it. as far as the brainwashing goes, thats not something in the history, thats permanent, and its not adds that make it possible, but selective news... we all see what they want us to see.

if i had a choise id like to be able to watch a big american newschannel, one arbic one, one israeli one, and 3-4 europeans, just to take a smell of what might actually be happening...

[jkf]

If this is the trend, the next thing they will attempt to do is ...

To remove the ON/OFF button, so they can decide
when you can watch your television... LOL

[cyberval]

thats pretty much what i just wanted to say...

during that ad break, cant you just turn the damn thing off and afterwards turn it on again...


we dont have that crap here, the TV carriers still broadcast analogue signal, and digital is only available through satellite dishes...

[violetta]

I just don't watch tv and that's it!

[djjayr]

jkf @ Thu Apr 20, 2006 8:23 pm wrote:

If this is the trend, the next thing they will attempt to do is ...

To remove the ON/OFF button, so they can decide
when you can watch your television... LOL

Tell me about it!
Didn't Philips make a feature on their tv's called "Smart Sound"? Where once the commercial ads start playing, the volume automatically turns down?
Commercials are louder than the programs themselves.

[ComputerUser]

NO On/OFF


Wasn't that in the movie 1984 or was it the TV show Max Headroom?

Funny: In Max Headroom - homeless people had tv's that worked in their shopping carts while they were moving. Nuclear TVs? LOL