Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[TiVo issues 30 for 30 interactive ad challenge to shift how brands buy advertising]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/14/tivo-issues-30-for-30-interactive-ad-challenge-to-shift-how-bran/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/14/tivo-issues-30-for-30-interactive-ad-challenge-to-shift-how-bran/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/14/tivo-issues-30-for-30-interactive-ad-challenge-to-shift-how-bran/#comments The way TiVo sees things, advertisers shouldn't foolishly pay for ads no one is watching thanks to their DVRs, when they could use the same money to pay TiVo -- a DVR company -- for special ads DVR users are more likely to see. At least that's what we're getting from their recently announced 30 for 30 interactive ad challenge, which involves asking advertisers to move money from poorly performing prime-time 30-second TV spots and instead put it towards buying 30 days of ad exposure on TiVo. For those unfamiliar with TiVo's ad offerings, this exposure appears as clever advertisements shown in places such as the pause menu and home screen, or via special placements through fast-forward billboards and interactive tags that appear during regular commercials. While this may be bad news for TiVo's commercial-hating users who bought the device to avoid ads in the first place, depending on the trial's success, we're hoping TiVo could earn enough dough to drop the monthly subscription fee -- that is as long as VOD doesn't make the discussion moot. Sure the concept is crazy enough to make even Joseph Heller proud, but thankfully whatever happens, there's still HBO.

TiVo issues 30 for 30 interactive ad challenge to shift how brands buy advertising originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 14 Oct 2010 14:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>30 for 3030For30ad skippingad spendingadsAdSkippingAdSpendingadvertiseradvertisersadvertisingcommercial skipcommercial skippingcommercialsCommercialSkipCommercialSkippingdvrdvrshdTiVoTiVo effecttivo hdtivo premiereTivoEffectTivoHdTivoPremierevideo on demandvideo on demand researchVideoOnDemandVideoOnDemandResearchVODThu, 14 Oct 2010 14:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Are DVRs actually going to save the network TV model?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/02/are-dvrs-actually-going-to-save-the-network-tv-model/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/02/are-dvrs-actually-going-to-save-the-network-tv-model/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/02/are-dvrs-actually-going-to-save-the-network-tv-model/#commentsStay tuned for the network's latest DVR strategy: acceptance. Armed with the latest Nielsen data, ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox are rushing to tell advertisers that even with a set-top box and its bevy of pauses, fast forwards and 30 second skips at the ready -- we're guessing this doesn't apply to Media Center users on automated setups -- most viewers simply settle in and watch the commercials anyway. The New York Times breaks down the commercial-plus-three ratings system the networks initially opposed that could end up saving shows like Heroes from cancellation -- though a return to the old way of thinking might be worthwhile if it means an end to that show's now pitiable existence.

Are DVRs actually going to save the network TV model? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ad skippingad-skippingAdSkippingcommercial-plus-threecommercialsdvrheroesnielsenratingsMon, 02 Nov 2009 17:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Are DVRs actually going to save the network TV model?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/02/are-dvrs-actually-going-to-save-the-network-tv-model/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/02/are-dvrs-actually-going-to-save-the-network-tv-model/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/02/are-dvrs-actually-going-to-save-the-network-tv-model/#commentsStay tuned for the network's latest DVR strategy: acceptance. Armed with the latest Nielsen data, ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox are rushing to tell advertisers that even with a set-top box and its bevy of pauses, fast forwards and 30 second skips at the ready -- we're guessing this doesn't apply to Media Center users on automated setups -- most viewers simply settle in and watch the commercials anyway. The New York Times breaks down the commercial-plus-three ratings system the networks initially opposed that could end up saving shows like Heroes from cancellation -- though a return to the old way of thinking might be worthwhile if it means an end to that show's now pitiable existence.

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Are DVRs actually going to save the network TV model? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ad skippingad-skippingAdSkippingcommercial-plus-threecommercialsdvrhdheroesnielsenratingsMon, 02 Nov 2009 17:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Survey finds DVR usage eating into DVD viewing, not TV]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/31/survey-finds-dvr-usage-eating-into-dvd-viewing-not-tv/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/31/survey-finds-dvr-usage-eating-into-dvd-viewing-not-tv/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/31/survey-finds-dvr-usage-eating-into-dvd-viewing-not-tv/#comments
Content owners have long since looked down upon the almighty DVR, but a recent survey suggests that they actually have little to worry over. In fact, over 90% of individuals surveyed by Knowledge Networks admitted that they "typically watch TV during the prime-time hours of 8:00PM to midnight," which is a rate similar to that of four years ago. According to the company's David Tice, "increased DVR usage seems to come at the expense of watching purchased video," hinting that the decrease in home video sales could be linked to the ability to watch one's favorite shows at any time of the day. 'Course, this evidence here does clash somewhat with other numbers, but we aren't shocked at all to hear that people would rather watch something instantly on their DVR instead of going to the video store.

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Survey finds DVR usage eating into DVD viewing, not TV originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 31 Oct 2008 07:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ad skippingAdSkippingadvertisingcommercialsdatadvdDVRhdmarketingother formatsotherformatsresearchsurveyFri, 31 Oct 2008 07:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Verizon delivers fast-forward-disabled HD VOD content from ABC]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/29/verizon-delivers-fast-forward-disabled-hd-vod-content-from-abc/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/29/verizon-delivers-fast-forward-disabled-hd-vod-content-from-abc/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/29/verizon-delivers-fast-forward-disabled-hd-vod-content-from-abc/#comments
My, my -- this is just gross. In an awkwardly positive release, Verizon is gleefully announcing the launch of ABC video-on-demand content on its fiber-based FiOS TV service. Unfortunately, that very content is of the "fast-forward-disabled" variety. If you'll recall, we've seen ABC lock up its VOD content on other carriers before, but we're still dismayed that the suits up there at Disney-ABC Television Group won't provide on demand entertainment that's, you know, on demand. If there's a silver lining, FiOS TV users nationwide will be able to catch all of ABC's hit shows a day after they air in high-definition, which sure beats watching commercials in SD.

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Verizon delivers fast-forward-disabled HD VOD content from ABC originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Oct 2008 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abcad skippingAdSkippingadvertisingcommercialdisneydvrfast forwardFastForwardfiberfiosfios tvFiosTvhdverizonvideo on demandvideo-on-demandVideoOnDemandvodWed, 29 Oct 2008 09:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Research affirms that DVR owners do indeed blaze by commercials]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/05/research-affirms-that-dvr-owners-do-indeed-blaze-by-commercials/http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/05/research-affirms-that-dvr-owners-do-indeed-blaze-by-commercials/http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/05/research-affirms-that-dvr-owners-do-indeed-blaze-by-commercials/#comments
You know those situations where everyone knows something yet no one is courageous enough to just blurt out the obvious? Pardon us, but yes, people do actually use their DVRs to skip commercials. In case our word isn't good enough for you, research firm Oliver Wyman has just completed a study which found that 85% of the 1,000 global participants used their DVR to skip at least three-quarters of all commercials. Furthermore, most viewers stated that they would not be willing to "watch advertising even when it underwrites free content," and they wouldn't want to pay extra (in addition to the DVR cost, we presume) to remove ads. Really though, we ad skippers are simply keeping those lucrative media marketing firms on their toes, and trust us, they have / will continue to find ways to circumvent our circumvention. Full release after the jump.

Continue reading Research affirms that DVR owners do indeed blaze by commercials

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Research affirms that DVR owners do indeed blaze by commercials originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 Aug 2008 18:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ad skippingAdSkippingadvertisementadvertiseradvertisinganalysisAppointment TVAppointmentTvdatadvrhdhd dvrHdDvrmarketingreportResearchTue, 05 Aug 2008 18:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Report shows millennials more savvy about emerging TV technologies]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/27/report-shows-millennials-more-savvy-about-emerging-tv-technologi/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/27/report-shows-millennials-more-savvy-about-emerging-tv-technologi/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/27/report-shows-millennials-more-savvy-about-emerging-tv-technologi/#comments
Let's be honest -- we all understand that the younger set is entirely more likely to dig (i.e. understand) emerging technologies compared to those who've been around for a few more decades, but a new survey commissioned by Hallmark Channel confirms everything you've been assuming. Reportedly, just 31-percent of millennials (primarily in the 18 - 34 media target) found "new television technologies" to be complicated versus 55-percent of baby boomers. Furthermore, nearly half of those in the former category use their DVR regularly while just a quarter of boomers do so. Humorously enough, a staggering 87-percent of the millennials surveyed said that they "regularly fast-forward through commercials," and we can certainly raise our glasses to that. Laugh while you still can, young ones -- one day you'll be calling your kids to get the remote working with your 19-year old BD-UP5000.

[Image courtesy of Chris's Picasa Gallery]

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Report shows millennials more savvy about emerging TV technologies originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 27 Mar 2008 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ad skippingAdSkippingbaby boomersBabyBoomerscabledatahdinternetMillennialsppvresearchsurveyvodThu, 27 Mar 2008 08:27:00 EST<![CDATA[IBM files patent app for non-skippable DVD advertisements]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/29/ibm-files-patent-app-for-non-skippable-dvd-advertisements/http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/29/ibm-files-patent-app-for-non-skippable-dvd-advertisements/http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/29/ibm-files-patent-app-for-non-skippable-dvd-advertisements/#commentsWhile we've seen a slew of patent applications revolving around DVR-based ad skipping, IBM is apparently looking to get in on the action with DVDs that feature non-skippable advertisements. As David Freeberg noted, we too are pretty surprised that such an idea isn't already patented, but nevertheless, the theory in and of itself is a double-edged sword. At first glance, hearing that we'd be forced to watch plugs -- which could be stored on the DVD itself or retrieved via the internet -- on our flicks doesn't exactly incite fits of jubilation, but as Freeberg points out, this could be used to offset or at least subsidize the actual cost of DVDs. Additionally, we could envision marketers licking their chops at the chance to insert modern, relevant ads into films via the web, but the actual impact on the consumer still seems murky. 'Course, there's no telling whether or not this patent will be granted, but it opens up some interesting avenues, nonetheless.

[Via ZatzNotFunny]

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IBM files patent app for non-skippable DVD advertisements originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Nov 2007 04:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ad skippingAdSkippingadvertisementadvertisementsadvertisingdvddvd adsDvdAdshdibmotherspatentpatent applicationPatentApplicationThu, 29 Nov 2007 04:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Time Warner readying modified fast-forward functionality for DVRs]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/13/time-warner-readying-modified-fast-forward-functionality-for-dvr/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/13/time-warner-readying-modified-fast-forward-functionality-for-dvr/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/13/time-warner-readying-modified-fast-forward-functionality-for-dvr/#comments
While Time Warner Cable (partly owned by Time Warner, parent company of AOL, which owns Engadget) won't go down as the first cable company to modify the oh-so-lovable fast-forward feature, at least the latest hamstringing won't affect those willing to pay up. Dubbed "Look Back," the newfangled DVR feature will reportedly come "without a monthly fee," and will only allow customers to skip ahead and back in predetermined chunks of time; moreover, it will be limited to programs that are watched back before midnight of the day they air. The firm plans to test it out this October in South Carolina before "gradually introducing it around the country," and it was also noted that this -- along with the "Start Over" feature that functions exactly as it sounds -- would not require viewers to "remember to record programs," but alas, it also eliminates the ability to keep a library of stored content onboard. Ah well, so long as we diehard DVR users can keep on coughing up the dough required for a fully-functional FF button, we've no real qualms with this option joining the fray.

Time Warner readying modified fast-forward functionality for DVRs originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 13 Aug 2007 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adad skippingadsAdSkippingadvertisementadvertisementscablecommercialdvrhd dvrHdDvrtime warnertime warner cableTimeWarnerTimeWarnerCabletwcMon, 13 Aug 2007 16:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Time Warner readying modified fast-forward functionality for DVRs]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/13/time-warner-readying-modified-fast-forward-functionality-for-dvr/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/13/time-warner-readying-modified-fast-forward-functionality-for-dvr/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/13/time-warner-readying-modified-fast-forward-functionality-for-dvr/#comments
While Time Warner Cable (partly owned by Time Warner, parent company of AOL, which owns Engadget) won't go down as the first cable company to modify the oh-so-lovable fast-forward feature, at least the latest hamstringing won't affect those willing to pay up. Dubbed "Look Back," the newfangled DVR feature will reportedly come "without a monthly fee," and will only allow customers to skip ahead and back in predetermined chunks of time; moreover, it will be limited to programs that are watched back before midnight of the day they air. The firm plans to test it out this October in South Carolina before "gradually introducing it around the country," and it was also noted that this -- along with the "Start Over" feature that functions exactly as it sounds -- would not require viewers to "remember to record programs," but alas, it also eliminates the ability to keep a library of stored content onboard. Ah well, so long as we diehard DVR users can keep on coughing up the dough required for a fully-functional FF button, we've no real qualms with this option joining the fray.

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Time Warner readying modified fast-forward functionality for DVRs originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 13 Aug 2007 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adad skippingadsAdSkippingadvertisementsadvertisingcablecommercialsdvrhdlook backLookBackmarketingtime wanertime warner cableTimeWanerTimeWarnerCabletwcMon, 13 Aug 2007 16:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Cox disables ad skipping on ABC and ESPN VOD content]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/08/cox-disables-ad-skipping-on-abc-and-espn-vod-content/http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/08/cox-disables-ad-skipping-on-abc-and-espn-vod-content/http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/08/cox-disables-ad-skipping-on-abc-and-espn-vod-content/#commentsThe constant battle between impatient television viewers and disgruntled providers got a shot of adrenaline today, as Walt Disney's two biggest channels have inked a deal with Cox Communications that is sure to simultaneously appease marketers and enrage customers. Reportedly, Cox will now begin to "disable the fast-forward feature that allows viewers to skip ads" in both ABC and ESPN video-on-demand, meaning that users who choose to view older programming via Cox's VOD channels can smash the FF button 'til their heart's content and get nowhere. Of course, users who actually set their DVR to record said content at its normal airing time are still free (for the moment, at least) to blaze right on through those annoying blips commercials, which means that you should probably become a lot more disciplined in your DVR scheduling if you belong to Cox. The worst (or best, depending on perspective) part is the precedent that this sets, as now the door is gaped wide open for more and more providers to grab the reigns of our DVRs and dictate just how far we push the notion of timeshifting. [Warning: Read link requires subscription]

[Via TechMeMe]

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Cox disables ad skipping on ABC and ESPN VOD content originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 May 2007 22:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abcadad skippingadsAdSkippingadvertisersadvetisementsbusinesscommercialcoxdealdisneydvrespnhdtvmarketingpartnershippvrvideo-on-demandvodwal disneyWalDisneyTue, 08 May 2007 22:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Cox disables ad skipping on ABC and ESPN VOD content]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/08/cox-disables-ad-skipping-on-abc-and-espn-vod-content/http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/08/cox-disables-ad-skipping-on-abc-and-espn-vod-content/http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/08/cox-disables-ad-skipping-on-abc-and-espn-vod-content/#commentsThe constant battle between impatient television viewers and disgruntled providers got a shot of adrenaline today, as Walt Disney's two biggest channels have inked a deal with Cox Communications that is sure to simultaneously appease marketers and enrage customers. Reportedly, Cox will now begin to "disable the fast-forward feature that allows viewers to skip ads" in both ABC and ESPN video-on-demand, meaning that users who choose to view older programming via Cox's VOD channels can smash the FF button 'til their heart's content and get nowhere. Of course, users who actually set their DVR to record said content at its normal airing time are still free (for the moment, at least) to blaze right on through those annoying blips commercials, which means that you should probably become a lot more disciplined in your DVR scheduling if you belong to Cox. The worst (or best, depending on perspective) part is the precedent that this sets, as now the door is gaped wide open for more and more providers to grab the reigns of our DVRs and dictate just how far we push the notion of timeshifting. [Warning: Read link requires subscription]

[Via TechMeMe]

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Cox disables ad skipping on ABC and ESPN VOD content originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 May 2007 22:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abcadad skippingadsAdSkippingadvertisersadvetisementsbusinesscablecommercialcoxdealdisneydvrespnespn hdespnhdhdmarketingpartnershippvrvideo-on-demandvodwal disneyWalDisneyTue, 08 May 2007 22:45:00 EST<![CDATA[TiVo's StopWatch to offer up precise viewer statistics]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/02/01/tivos-stopwatch-to-offer-up-precise-viewer-statistics/http://www.engadget.com/2007/02/01/tivos-stopwatch-to-offer-up-precise-viewer-statistics/http://www.engadget.com/2007/02/01/tivos-stopwatch-to-offer-up-precise-viewer-statistics/#commentsTiVo's transformation from a ad-skipper's best friend to an ad agency's biggest asset is nearly complete, as the firm's StopWatch system is aimed to provide "second-by-second" viewing data which Nielsen has refused to offer thus far. While the company went public about its intentions to become an ad-friendly platform awhile back, it looks like the time has come for its voyeuristic service to go live, as it begins marketing a system to carefully watch its 4.5 million or so customers whiz through commercials and schedule season recordings. This indeed marks the "first time a syndicated ratings service has detailed live and time-shifted viewing data on a second-by-second basis," which advertisers should absolutely drool over. Notably, Starcom has already signed on as TiVo's first taker, and with the amount of critical data now available to media agencies, we hardly believe it'll be the last. So the next time you crank up your TiVo and cruise on by every single costly commercial on your favorite recorded drama, take comfort in the fact that Big Brother is taking notes on a moment-by-moment basis.

[Via PVRWire]

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TiVo's StopWatch to offer up precise viewer statistics originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Feb 2007 10:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adad skippingadsAdSkippingadvertisersadvertisingcommercialfast forwardFastForwardmediaNielsenratingsstatisticsstatsstopwatchtivoviewersThu, 01 Feb 2007 10:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony offers up interactive DVR advertisements]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/09/24/sony-offers-up-interactive-dvr-advertisements/http://www.engadget.com/2006/09/24/sony-offers-up-interactive-dvr-advertisements/http://www.engadget.com/2006/09/24/sony-offers-up-interactive-dvr-advertisements/#commentsSince advertisers -- and broadcasting companies -- aren't exactly fond of folks cruising through those ads while watching a recorded show through their DVR, and can't seem to get legislation to make it illegal passed just yet, a few companies have resorted to clever tactics to get those spots viewed. KFC offered up a "secret message" that could only be seen if witnessed in slo-mo, and TiVo has been testing fast-forward-proof banner ads to get the idea across even when blasting through the commercial breaks. Now Sony is getting in the act, by teasing viewers with an interactive plug for its Bravia TVs that shows "alternate endings" tailored to both men and women. It should be noted that only viewers watching through a DVR / TiVo will have the, um, luxury, of being able to pick and choose which endings to see. Sony apparently hopes to draw more attention to that fresh new LCD lineup by making stagnant ads a bit more lively, but we think they should be focusing on ramping up production on those sure-to-be-sold-out-everywhere PlayStation 3s.

[Via PVRWire]

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Sony offers up interactive DVR advertisements originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 24 Sep 2006 09:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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