And marketers wonder why people hate them...

Philips has patented a TV that bars viewers from changing channels during commercials, in addition to disabling the ability of DVR viewers to fast forward through adverts. Unless you feel like paying extra money to be able to do those things. As Mile from Techdirt says:

Yes, this is a “feature” that not a single person in this world would want—except perhaps folks like former TV exec Jamie Kellner, who once said that people who went to the bathroom during commercial breaks were “stealing” TV...What will they work on next? A couch that won’t let you stand up and walk away during commercial breaks? Or how about a toilet seat that won’t open during commercials?

It’s completely obvious, but I’m going to say it anyway: Imagine what good could come about if all of the time, energy, and money put into developing these ridiculous attempts at kidnapping people in increments of 30 seconds was actually put into providing something of real value. 

<< Back to main