New Scientist => Invention: The TV-advert enforcer
This might just be the greatest, healthiest invention ever made by mankind.
Philips has filed for a patent that would allow utilization of a “commercial-flag” in television broadcasts that could be deciphered by your TV and VCR and prevent you from changing the channels or fast-forwarding.
Personally, I think something like this would lead to millions of people turning off the damned TV and getting a life. (They could take up blogging, for example.) People would be more active, loose weight and just generally eat more granola.
Presumably version 2 of this device will prevent the TV from being turned off and physically restrain you from leaving the room or taking your eyes off the screen.
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