More on the TiVo plan to put advertising on when you fast forward through the ads. Will someone create a tool to zip through the TiVo billboard?
Is it becoming TiVo — their way? "Consumers are very distrustful of technologies that seize yet another opportunity to offer up advertising," said Mike Godwin, legal director of Public Knowledge, a public interest group. Whether the fears are founded or not, he said, "it feels like TiVo is taking away some of the prerogatives and flexibility that TiVo TV watchers have become accustomed to."
TiVo officials say that starting in March users will begin to see static images, such as a company logo, appear on their television screens as they fast-forward through commercials. The billboard-like ads — which will last about four seconds for a fast-forwarded 30-second spot — may offer giveaways or links to other ads.
For some ads, viewers could choose to provide advertisers with their contact data so they can get more direct marketing.
A pop-up recording "tag" is also planned: a "thumbs-up" icon would appear during TV show promotions and allow users to instantly place those programs in their recording queue.
Link: Yahoo! News - TiVo Pop-Up Ads Raise Consumer Concerns.
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