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OpenTV Like TiVo on Steroids

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the bold-statements-and-little-market-share dept.

Davis Freeberg writes "Davis Freeberg and Thomas Hawk recently interviewed OpenTV about some of the more progressive programming that they are offering to viewers outside of North America. Specifically, they have created a PVR that allows users to not only choose from 4 - 8 video angles, but even more importantly consumers can choose what audio feed they would prefer. Recently they miked up some drunk hooligans during a rugby match in Austrailia and cable customers could choose which commentator they prefered. Of course this functionality doesn't come without a cost. In exchange for interactive games, karaoke and multiple HDTV streams, they collect data on the viewing habits of their users and then digitally insert 30 second ads based upon the demographics of their customers. While I'm not sure if this is good or bad, I do believe that this will be the future of television advertising. While we haven't seen this type of a privacy policy introduced in the U.S. yet, I'm sure that the PVR industry has taken notice of the willingness of Aussies to give up privacy rights for the ability to time shift televison. "

4 of 182 comments (clear)

  1. Need to know... by SpinyNorman · · Score: 5, Funny

    Is the drunken Australian hooligan audio feed available for all TV shows?

  2. No Problem by kevin_conaway · · Score: 5, Interesting

    If I'm subscribing to their service, they already know what I'm watching because they're pushing it through the wire!

    I see no harm in using that data to show ads that are relevant to the genre of programming I'm watching. To me, it seems better to advertise athletic gear and sports drinks during a football game than tampons and depends undergarments.

    Context sensitive advertising seems to be the way to go as long as its not overly intrusive. They have a right to make money after all and if people aren't willing to pay with their dollars, then they'll have to pay with their eyeballs.

  3. Re:I like the idea by $RANDOMLUSER · · Score: 5, Funny

    Are you available this Friday evening?

    --
    No folly is more costly than the folly of intolerant idealism. - Winston Churchill
  4. Re:Go for it! by Dare+nMc · · Score: 5, Funny

    > Who cares if an advertising company has on record my TV viewing preferences?

    And when you have over yor girlfriends parrents, and try to explain why you keep getting all these S&M, and Viagra comercials.

    oh wait, this is slashdot. I mean when your parents are over, and you get X-rated, kleanex, and hand lotion adds.