Philips tries to block ad-blocking

According to reghardware.co.uk, Philips is attempting to patent a technique that would prevent viewers from skipping through ads embedded within recorded programmes or even channel surfing during broadcast ad breaks - or force viewers to pay some cash if they want to avoid the ads. Nice job Philips.

“A viewer may either watch the advertisements or pay a fee in order to be able to change channels or fast forward when the advertisements are being displayed,” Philips’ potential patent states.

Philips’ application - spotted by New Scientist magazine - was originally filed in December 2003 but only recently made available online. The filing outlines how digital flags would be transmitted with the adverts - a TV, PVR, DVD recorder or other receiver would detect the flag and ensure the ads are shown no matter what.

Source: reghardware.co.uk