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Microsoft patent to cover penalising users who skip TV Ads
Posted on 01/10/05 03:05 by Seán Byrne
Just when one thought it was bad enough to try and introduce a bill to criminalise the skipping of commercials, apparently Microsoft has filed a patent where a user's subscription or rental fee on viewing content can be based on the user's viewing habits. For example, this would allow users to be charged fees for fast forwarding through or otherwise skipping over the commercials on TV, whether it is a recording on DVD, video-on-demand service or even a programme on TV/Cable/Satellite. On the other hand, the patent covers the rewarding of discounts for watching commercial advertising. If you copy, please show appreciation by linking back to CDFreaks.
As advertisers are losing interest in delivering paid advertising to users just for them to skip over the ads, Microsoft's patent aims to solve this issue for media content providers by charging users based on their viewing habits, such as to penalise those who skip all the commercials or to reward those who watch them all. For example, this approach would essentially allow advertisers to only be charged for ads that are actually rendered. Microsoft's patent covers content on devices such as PVR's, DVDs video-on-demand set-top boxes, PCs, TV/Satellite/Cable recording devices or other equipment where users can skip over content. Thanks to drpino for using our news submit to let us know about the following news:
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"Accordingly, media content providers need to provide alternate advertisement revenue models so that advertisers will continue to sponsor advertising messages being delivered with media content for consumer viewing." So the solution, according to Microsoft's patent application, is to charge people when they skip these commercials and possibly charge them less in monthly fees when they do watch the advertisements. The full text patent can be viewed here. |
If content providers start making use of this patent,the worst affected will be those who insist on skipping all commercials as this would mean having to pay the full price. As consumers don't pay for terrestrial TV in the US, then if these content providers take on this technology, it will be interesting to see how they will go about charging consumers for skipping over their commercials, especially since their programmes are mostly paid for through advertising. Please link back to CDFreaks if you copy this, thanks.
For pay-per-view content such as sporting events and movies, chances are that content providers will charge a higher fee for their content and then offer rebates based on how many commercials the user has watched during the programmes. I would not be keen on seeing DVDs take this on as it would mean having to purchase a new DVD player to support the user's viewing habits or otherwise be excluded from discounts.
drpino wrote: is this the future of PVR?
Source: PVR Wire
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on Microsoft
Great 
I want to be forced to sit through 15 mins of trailers for 'Honey I inserted the CD in the Kids' and 'Doom - Revenge of the Martian Bunny Rabbits 
ased on a True Story'.
Please introduce this technology as quickly as possible.
Hey, *I'M* not gonna just sit back and take this. They can't do this if we don't let them. I'm gonna DO something!.
I'M gonna post this mesage of indignation on a website message board!
HA!
(Yeah, That showed 'em. Just glad to do my part. If they ever think of trying this again, I'll bring out the big guns... an online petition!)Why do they bother paying these idiots to come up with new scheems to protect there intellectual property when there are millions of people chomping at the bit to rip there protection to shreds for fun.
How are the hackers ever going to get there college work done when stupid corporations keep releasing crap protection schemes for them to crack.
How to put this politely:
**** that noise!!!
Commercials are a retroactive abortion and impinge on my viewing pleasure. I will NOT be penalized by some shill for the entertainment industry by being forced to watch them.
I've said this once and I'll say it again:
Americans need to stop being the sheep they are, get off their collective asses and make their views known to their elected officials. furthermore, they should PENALIZE those officials at the polls when they fail to represent them.
Only then will this madness stop.
I thought you put in for a patent when you actly make something. Now I can just sit around and come up with just an idea and patent it. Something is wrong with the patent system.
Oh boy, the future looks so bright! I was so excited about Microsoft loading the next version of Windows full of DRM, crippling almost any chance to watch or do as you please with content you purchased. Now they're going to charge you for skipping commercials. I'm so excited I can barely contain myself.
All sarcasm aside, I don't even go to the movies any more BECAUSE I can't skip their commercials. First they charge me $10 for a movie I could buy 6 months down the line for about $15 to own and bring home. Then they try to charge me $5 for two cents worth of corn and some butter. After all that, they force you to watch 15 minutes of commercials. It's no wonder people would rather download new movies and TV shows off the internet for free with all the ads cut out.
Personally, I will never ever buy any device for my home which invades my privacy or tells me what I can and cannot do with my content. I would rather not watch TV again for the rest of my life than let Microsoft or anyone else shove their DRM garbage and ads down my throat.
PS. - If I see one more 1-800-CALL-SAM commercial, I'm going to start stabbing people in the face.
A few good comments from the source website:
"AND they'll probably install cameras next so that we can't leave the room during commercials", posted by Dave
"And then you won't be able to turn the TV off without being arrested. And they'll report all your usage stats to the networks in real time.
It is all coming, just 20 Minutes Into The Future.", posted by MegaZone
I take great pleasure from recording a movie off TV and editing out every single second of spam. Just did one and an hour show was actually a half hour show after edit. That's pushing 50%. Kind of sick. Who was that guy that said it was our duty to watch the ad's. Can't believe he said that in front of another person.I say ban all ads I cant stand it when your trying to get into a good movie and every 20 mins into the movie they keep cutting the movie to show 5 mins of there dam ads, it just messes the movie up and takes away the excitement.
what the hell is happening to this country?
everything is going to hell in a hand basket!!
[edited by swifty7 on 01.10.2005 10:59]
well the tea and coffee companies are gonna be up in profit cos when the shitty ads come on over here in the u.k the kettle goes on and a drink is made thats how appealing the ads are over here
also another way of hitting back which is really simple is to boycot the products they keep shoving down your throats that would really get the point across.
Quote
Why do they bother paying these idiots to come up with new scheems to protect there intellectual property when there are millions of people chomping at the bit to rip there protection to shreds for fun.
How are the hackers ever going to get there college work done when stupid corporations keep releasing crap protection schemes for them to crack.
End Quote
Now here is a person after my own heart,
In reality our government is supposed to protect us from this kind of crap. But unfortunately Governments corrupt, and money is power. It is therefore apparent that the original role of government protecting the people it represents has unfortunately changed to government protecting the corporations that can donate the most to their election fund. Maybe it time to show those corrupt individuals in our government that the spirit of the people that dumped Tea into Boston's harbor still exists in society today..
Well, I guess I'm going to have to play devil's advocate on this one. Hard to beileve that everyone is against this. Now, I admit there's alot of room for people to screw this up and for this to become a major headache. But this has the potential to be a great idea.
After all, you have to take into account that TV programming isn't free. It never has been free and it wouldn't exist without someone paying for it. I think it's quite amazing to think of the free television that is out there... it's pretty remarkable that in this greedy day and age (and by greed I mean both corporations and free loading consumers) something could continue to thrive as it has without charging. As great and widespread as cable is, they still can't compete with the ratings of free channels. Obviously millions upon millions of people are using the free service.
So it strikes me that since the service is paid for by advertisers... it's incredibly unfair to complain about watching the adverts. After all, without them, you wouldn't have anything to watch. On the other hand, it's entirely unfair to force someone to sit through commercials for products they don't want to see for products they probably don't even want. But it's not right to just allow people to skip the advertisements... because then the advertisers aren't getting what they paid for. And since they're paying for the TV... you see... it's a mutual need.
So we take this system. In theory it would allow people who don't want to watch the commercials to skip them! Great for them. And since they don't want to participate in watching the ads that pay for the shows they're watching... they can pay extra for the convenience. It makes perfect sense to me.
People have gotten so greedy lately that they think they're entitled to everything they enjoy for free. They think television studios spend billions of dollars just so they can have free entertainment, and when it's suggested they actually contribute they're outraged. Everyone wants everything without having to pay for it. It sickens me. I honestly believe that if people would take more responsibility for what they do, corporations wouldn't be forced to go to these measures.
To keep you from going to the bathroom during commercials, you must wear Microsoft adult diapers. If you fail to do so, you must be fitted with a Microsoft catheter and a Microsoft colostomy bag. The Microsoft house arrest bracelet will make sure you are in front of the TV during all commercials.But it's not right to just allow people to skip the advertisements... because then the advertisers aren't getting what they paid for.So I HAVE to sit and read every piece of junk mail that comes through the door just because if I throw it in the bin the advertisers aren't getting what they paid for? This is rediculous forcing us to watch commercials, I mean the point of advertising is to get more people than they would by not advertising. I bet they would be over the moon is 25% of people admitted to watching TV commercials. Its true that here in the UK during Coronation Street (The most viewed show here) the National Power Grid sees up to a massive 50% rise in demand during the commercial break of that show due to people putting the kettle on. The UK has got a bad idea that has been in place for umpteen years and will not change soon... the TV Licence. For those of you who live in the dark ages and are unaware, in the UK it is illegal to own a TV without a licence (you cannot buy a TV without showing your licence) and from that we get government funded TV stations with NO commercials, yup they need to actually show stuff thats worth watching but if there is a good film on or other 1hr+ show, we don't have to worry about commercials.
[edited by TheRabbi on 01.10.2005 14:04]
This is nothing short of George Orwell's novel 1984. What's next, bill one's credit or debit card every time one walks past, an RFID tag/com monitor post, whilst listening to your itunes phone playing music!
Look on the bright side people, it will not be too long before everybody in the world gets totally piss*d off with the greedy companies and corrupt greedy Politicians and then people power will come to it's peak, and those corrupt greedy bastards will be where they belong in jail while the people will redesign the meaning of Government for the people by the people with at last proper safeguards to ensure it stays that way and the corrupt greedy pricks will never again rule the world.
Just remember the longer the corrupt greedy bastards continue as they do today the sooner the changes will come!
And History shows time and time again, the downfall of rich greedy arrogant pricks like this.
Go People Power!!!!
A lot of people are paying $40 - $80 per month for television programming. Broadcast TV is free, but cable-only stations are greedy.
maybe i should immegrate to canada....my country usa has crossed line & become too greedy even by american standard.
i hope those who voted bush are very happy.
america, f^$# yeah!
I don't watch much TV anyway. I guess I'll watch less now. America, land of the free...right.
For every article I hear like this, stripping away rights that have been fundamentally ours for years, I feel like pirating another movie, music CD, or Xbox game.
I've also been looking at other countries. You need a sponsor and need to know a bit of Canadian French in order to emmigrate there, fyi. I believe you can marry a Canadian citizen to ease the process though. I've also been looking at Ireland and New Zealand or Australia.
**Quote The UK has got a bad idea that has been in place for umpteen years and will not change soon... the TV Licence.**
Bad idea? 10 quid a month is not bad for 5 advert free TV stations i reckon.
Actually I don't care if MS wastes money in trying to patent this. There is no real way to enforce this. What are they gonna do? Sit in your house and write you a citation for skipping over a commercial. There is no way to regulate this. You cannot monitor what viewers watch in broadcast television, nor can you monitor what they watch on satellite. Maybe with cable if your cable box they put a transmitter into. But even then all your cable box is doing is converting the signal from data to the TV. So I think MS is full of it this time. Actually I've thought that long time ago. its kinda funny, they have to have their legal department doing something though in order to get paid. Just kinda rediculous. As I said there is no fear in this patent. 1st we are Americans and can watch what the hell we please. They are trying to go against the constitution on freedom of speech and press pretty much. We already pay our fees on our bills for cable, satellite, and such. So we are already paying to watch the commercials. Even if we don't watch them. Anyways this is my opinion of how M$ wants to make money. CHARGE THIS .!..
-dave
-dave
**** microsoft!!! They are way the **** outa touch and its only a matter of time till consumer say **** that I don't want restrictions if I'm paying top dollar. Then all the DRM companies shit there pants and licence there shit so that its only flushable one time....**** that I'm pissed!!! Gates that ****ing ass clown 
[Strong language removed][edited by Seán on 02.10.2005 02:21]
Smart guys!!!! They saw a way to make money (something they don't have at all, I guess....) and easy it is.
Enter a patent, and after approval if you don't like/want to watch endless advertisement periods of time...you have to pay them...and you are free!!!! We should grant them a medall and a statue at every corner.
And don't get smart yousefl because it is patented, so you don't even consider that you also can make money out of it.
Second step---- triple or even more periods of advertisement and you will gladly pay them.
Ok, you can try to cut them. Smart guy---- by than they will have passed a law that will prevent you from doing it.
So, you have two solutions: whatch AAALLLL the advertisements or pay Microsoft (your blessed savyour!!!) and you are free from supporting it.
We are closer to the perfect world!11
TV Licence... an interesting idea.
If you don't pay for TV, you're forced to watch it riddled with commercial breaks. Pay a monthly/yearly licence of a buck or two, the channels remove all ads.
Hmm. Trial balloon, anyone?If I get credit for watching commercials, I will just hook up a little TV in the closet and leave it on all the time. It will appear that I am watching 24/7 and will garner the most available credit.
in the UK you have to have a TV Licence or you will be taken to court, and we still have to watch the commercials so i say you lot got it easy.
Um, NO.
In the UK we pay for a TV license which pays for the BBC. All of the channels of which are totally Ad Free.
We pay the license and get 3 or 4 channels with ZERO adverts on them. If you then want to watch other channels that are not paid for by that license then you pay for those channels by watching the adverts in them (in theory).
If you also look at the quality of shows on the BBC you will see that some of them (yes some are complete crap) are extremely good.
They have to answer directly to us because we pay them so the quality of the shows goes up. If you look at the other channels they have to answer to the advertisers because thats who pays their bills so the quality isn't as good
jab1981 is the only person who doesn't have his head up his arse.
I'd also like to point out that $40-$80 per month you pay DOES NOT go to the tv companies, it obviously goes to your cable provider to pay for the equipment, infrastructure and people's salaries.
There's nothing more I can add that jab1981 hasn't already said except for if you hate this idea of paying for ad exclusion or being fined, then simply BUY THE DVD.
Oh wait, you don't want to pay money for something you thought that was free as in beer?
TV is free as in software, not beer people.
[edited by Rhelic on 03.10.2005 21:40]
[edited by Rhelic on 03.10.2005 21:40]
If you could pay for ad exclusion I don't think you want to.
If movie go-ers who pay to watch are charged $8 a person for 2hrs, I highly doubt the average consumer will be willing to pay $2 per 30min show to go ad free. That ads up to a lot of money by the end of the month.
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