Disney Says, You WILL Watch the Ads
smooth wombat writes "ABC and ESPN, both owned by Disney, have struck a deal with cable operator Cox Communications to offer hit shows and football games on demand, but with the condition that Cox disable the fast-forward feature that allows viewers to skip ads. This is the first agreement of its kind. It only applies to Cox's video-on-demand service and will not affect viewers using DVRs to fast-forward through ads. The companies will also test technology that will place ads in shows based on ZIP Codes and geographic area, and 'freshen' the ads with new ones every few days."
Janie Crane: "Edison... an off switch!"
Metrocop: "She'll get years for that. Off switches are illegal!"
- from Max Headroom, Episode 1.6, Blanks
I can see the new Star Trek now.
Some dude: "Captain Nestle! The sensors are picking up unusual tachyon emissions on that uncharted planet, planet Ford Escape 8! Shall I set a course with our EA Sports warp drive?"
Captain: "Make it so irresistable, like boating. For more information on boating, call 1-888-555-2104"
[The USS Enterprise car rentals, shaped like a giant bottle of cool, refreshing 7-up, travels to the planet Ford Escape 8]
Some dude:"Captain Nestle! Sensors by Calvin Klein are detecting enormous quantities of awesome! Ford Escape 8 is the best ever!"
Captain:"This is great! Quickly! Call headquarters and buy stock in this planet using the money in my ING bank account, where I [pause] Save [pause] my money"
It would be entertaining, but only if it wasn't serious.
It's been a long time.