In his intiguing New Scientist patents column, veteran technology journo Barry Fox reveals that Philips could make itself VERY unpopular with TV viewers by its invention of a television advert enforcer that prevents people changing channels or fast-forwarding recordings when the adverts come on!
Barry says that the new system uses Multimedia Home Platform - the technology behind interactive television in many countries and built into many digital TV receivers and recorders.
He reports that, "Philips' patent acknowledges that this may be 'greatly resented by viewers' who could initially think their equipment has gone wrong." Philips' suggested solution to that problem, he says, includes on one hand displaying a warning screen - so people know what's going on - and, on the other, offering them the ability to pay a fee to skip adverts!
We're looking forward to this innovation immensely and bet you are, too. Tell us quite how much over in the HEXUS.community.
