April 20, 2006
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Royal Philips Electronics (Philips), maker of televisions, DVD players, and other home consumer products have recently filed a patent for a possible future device that would force TV viewers to watch commercials. Yes you read that correctly. Philips is proposing the idea that a hardware device can be implemented on your television, or set-top cable box, that would not allow a viewer to change the channel once commercials begin to play. This possible device would also prevent you from using devices like digital-video recorders to fast-forward through those commercials, thus guaranteeing to the TV advertisers that they are getting the most bang out of their buck. Can you say “anti-TiVo“?
However, don’t worry TV viewers, according to the rest of the patent doc, for a small monthly fee, you would be able to unlock this feature. I guess this would be helpful for anyone who actually wants to channel surf or maybe check up on the latest Sox score, but hey that’s me. I personally can’t wait for the next technology device that will force TV viewers to stay seated on their couches when commercials appear…who really needs to use that toilet? Do that while the show is on…
I don’t think I need to point out how blatant and a clear smack in the face this is to the common consumer. Even though Philips know that consumers probably wouldn’t be happy with this kind of technology, the company thinks simply letting us know that such a product could come out would make it all better. Personally, I’ve found this bit of news upsetting and disturbing.
Honestly, how are companies like Philips and Sony think they’re going to convince people to switch over to the latest digital technology when the abilities and uses for such devices become ever more restrictive? How are you going to convince my parents to ever switch to even a HDTV set?! The price sure isn’t helping!
For further info on this story, please go ahead and take a look at the following news stories and links.
Comments (5)
OYYY VEYYY.
o.O nooo my precious tv!.. -runs and hugs tv-
Hey whats up? Random props. got your link from the “proposed flags” deal. If you like flash animation go to my site to watch The Ultimate Showdown.
It’s a good thing I don’t watch TV anymore. I even get aggravated when I have to read the Interpol and copyright warnings at the beginning of DVDs–you can’t forward through those either.
Did I ever tell you about the time I was in a commercial for Nike?