TiVo adds interactive ads--just like the old days 5 years ago

The jury's still out on TiVo's plans to insert ads during fast forwarding, but they've come up with another NAB-friendly ad hook that rolled out today: instantly respond with your TiVo to certain advertisements. TiVo tagged ads will pop up a widget—even when fast forwarding—that if selected will point you to an enhanced on-screen ad interface for obtaining ever more information. Kind of reminds one of early-days "Web-enhanced" TV, like DirecTV's early efforts or those of Wink (among others), which, you know, obviously completely took off with consumers who just couldn't wait to buy items instantly directly off TV commercials they were doing their best to tune out. Smells a bit like a broadcaster appeasement if you ask us.

[Michael Virgilio @ Dec 19th 2005 1:02AM]

Uhm. Where have you guys been? I first noticed this interaction on GM (Saturn and Chevy specifically) commercials just as the 2005 model year was starting up last year. You'll see the ad, press SELECT, and what you're watching will pause right where it is and take you to a screen with more info, and/or other video content to watch - other related commercials or info, etc. Then of course you can go back to what you were originally watching when you're done browsing the interactive ad.

[michael @ Dec 19th 2005 1:02AM]

Cool, i like that.

[Johnny @ Dec 19th 2005 1:02AM]

Michael Virgilio has it right — the interactive ads have been around for a while. They aren't being "added" now. According to the article, the real news here is that TiVo has implemented the capability to release your contact information to the advertiser. So if you want a brochure for the new Chevy, you can just ask for it from your TiVo. I'm sure people will be throttling TiVo's servers for the opportunity to get more junk mail.

[dobber @ Dec 19th 2005 1:02AM]

This feature has been on Sky (satellite) in the United Kingdom for years now and comes up all the time in adverts and also TV programs. Just press the red button for more info or to order info packs. It also allows you to watch more than one screen at a time and select from different features all on the same channel.

Not exactly a new feature.

[anonymous @ Dec 19th 2005 1:02AM]

Michael Virgilio and dobber, take a look at the headline.


What people think of this feature? Is the technology making enough money to support the feature? And the obvious one, who does Tivo sell the marketing info to.

[carson @ Dec 19th 2005 1:02AM]

Lets point out the real problem shall we NO F#@$%ING TIVO TO GO FOR THE MAC jimdamnit people WTF???? also the ads are lame.

[Gene Quagmire @ Dec 19th 2005 1:02AM]

The ads while fast forwarding are most offensive.

[Renee @ Dec 19th 2005 1:02AM]

I would much rather they keep this system instead of forcing the ads on us. It's not like you have to opt out of these ads - if you do nothing, you don't have to see them. Ads during fast forward is ok if you can still see where to stop. As long as they don't mess with the 30 second skip, I'm cool.