Another one bites the dust. Advertisers are becoming powerful enough to force consumers to watch advertising regardless of technology designed to remove it. Also, take note of the information gathering part of this article.
By March, TiVo viewers will see "billboards," or small logos, popping up over the TV commercials [from the same advertisers] as they fast-forward through them, offering contest entries, giveaways or links to other ads. If a viewer "opts in" to the ad, their contact information will be downloaded to that advertiser - - exclusively and by permission only - - so even more direct marketing can take place.
By late 2005, TiVo expects to roll out "couch commerce," a system that enables viewers to purchase products and participate in surveys using their remote controls.
Perhaps even more significant, says the paper, is TiVo's new role in market research. As viewers watch, TiVo records their collective habits - - second by second - - and sells that information to advertisers and networks. For advertisers it's an extraordinary boon, a quicker and more effective way than they've ever had of measuring the effects of their TV commercials.
Where will all this end? Perhaps with all of us required by advertising law to sit down in front of a special TV a few hours per day to watch a basic consumer commercial set. Eye clamps and genital stimulators are only a short step away after that.
Thanks! You do an awesome job!
What truly sucks about this is that DirecTV finally had a DVR deal I couldn't pass up... $49 for a new receiver w/TiVo, including installation. Since I still have a 1st gen receiver, I figured this would be a great way to get a new one, and be able to stop using VHS tapes to timeshift stuff I want to watch.
The day after I call and sign up, this news comes to light. Not happy. But at least I can start to get rid of my VHS tapes, and make more room for books and dvd's.
Wait a sec...doesn't this defeat the WHOLE PURPOSE of TiVo?! that you can skip the commercials and just focus on the entertainment? Yeeikes!!!
I've been hearing some people bitch about movies that show commercials before the movie (not counting trailers, of course). Seriously, I don't mind the movie ads so long as they take place BEFORE the film. If they start showing ads (not counting product placements) during the flick, then I'll be pissed.
Speaking of movies: I call DIBS on reviewing National Treasure. when I get back from my micro-tour of New England, I'm checking out this Nick Cage flick.
Me like the Nick Cage action flicks!
In the past several days I have ran across several accounts of aggressive advertising practices. I have no problem with aggressive advertising, what is troubling is the government legislation attached to said aggressive marketing. For some reason, the government suddenly has great interest in helping large business be more effective in marketing to the public. All these things tend to be hidden under the guise of copyright protection, moralality, and combating indecency. However, no matter how you slice it, this all comes down to taking away reasonable rights of consumers, and placing a lot of control in the hands of big business.
looks like the copyright bill passed the Senate, but with some provisions removed, like that little bit about making it illegal to edit out commercials.