Frequent Flyer programs possibly coming to satellite TV
By Joshua Fruhlinger 
posted October 28th 2004 9:46AM
posted October 28th 2004 9:46AM
UK provider Sky TV is hoping to start a
loyalty program for their subscribers by using a currently-empty smartcard slot in their set-top boxes. Say, for
instance, you're a serious Comedy Central addict. You could be rewarded in a points system for your loyalty,
redeemable for special offers or even premium programming. Other, more evil ideas include reward programs for
those who actually watch advertisements. This not only makes advertisers happy, but it allows sad TV addicts to
feel as though there is a friend out there, somewhere, in the shape of a mop-like device that magically sucks up all
the dust and evil things in life who really cares for them.
What's to stop you earning points during the workday and through the night, by simply leaving the TV switched off, but setting Sky to switch to the appropriate programs via the Personal Planner?
About time they used that second slot for something though!
Think about how ridiculous that would be.
Imagine I was "paid" in any sort of compensation for watching commercials. The only way that the company could enforce that sort of program would be to have the user interact with the set top box during the advertisement (something I could definitely see happening in the future). If there was no user interaction, I could simply leave my TV on to receive all the benefits without watching any advertisements.
Shame Comedy Central is not available on Sky TV in the UK. I would happily pay for US TV channels over here. Imagine being able to watch The Daily Show and Reno 911..........arhhh dreams.
Does Anyone know of a way that you can recieve Comedy Central in the UK ? I am pretty desparate now, since the show i would kill to see is about to be played out over there !