Hardware experts and programmers. How could one implement a solution to block tv ads?

[Threepwood]

Through either hardware, software or a combination of the two.

I want any ideas please.

Optimally it should come between the reciever and the television set, blocking advertising in real time. Even if it just displays a blank screen, that's brilliant.

I don't think I really know enough about broadcast signals or anything to come up with a decent solution.

You would obviously have to make it recognise the difference between programming and advertisments, but I don't really see how it could be done.

If someone made such a thing, I would buy it. I hate advertising.

 

[.Froot.]

I suppose it is possible, but it falls under the same category of virus recognition. Except that in this case the broadcast stream would have to be processed by a program and a common link found between informercials so that it can be blocked out. Possibly voice processing could be used but it all uses resources. It is of course, not infallible, as once again with viruses, not alll virus recognitions are correct.

 

[stoke]

The TIVO looks for the disappearance of the TV station logo.
SABC and MNET also hide the logo during ad time ... really nice of them hey.

 

[Yotch]

There was a design for such a device several years ago in Elektor - it also scanned the picture for the TV station logo from what I remember.

http://www.elektor.com/magazines/2004/july/tv-commercials-killer.57016.lynkx?tab=1
You should be able to find the complete set of 2004 Elektor magazines on isohunt if you are interested.

 

[chiskop]

I use a non-tech solution: close my eyes and scream.

 

[Glordit]

I use a non-tech solution: close my eyes and scream.

lol, that one way of doing things!

I see in EU & Japanese T.V Stations have not have Logo's for a while already, they simply just mention the T.V station or have the logo for a short while a the begining of the program.

Too bad SABC forced that on us

 

[BT6LW]

it is really easy - if volume level increases by 10 dB then it is an advert

 

[Gnome]

it is really easy - if volume level increases by 10 dB then it is an advert

Yep, it's the most annoying thing ever

 

[Threepwood]

it is really easy - if volume level increases by 10 dB then it is an advert

I know, I always wondered why they do that. It infuriates me. I guess the AD Blocker could detect this volume increase.

TV stations beware, your days of advertising are numbered.

It'll probably be even easier (to block ads) when people start watching IP TV.

There was a design for such a device several years ago in Elektor - it also scanned the picture for the TV station logo from what I remember.

http://www.elektor.com/magazines/2004/july/tv-commercials-killer.57016.lynkx?tab=1
You should be able to find the complete set of 2004 Elektor magazines on isohunt if you are interested.

Thanks for that link.