TV software is getting loaded with ads, changing what it means to own a TV set.

“The TV business isn’t just about selling TVs anymore. Companies are increasingly seeing viewers, not TV sets, as their most lucrative asset…”

  • @[email protected]
    -6•3 months ago

    This isn’t a new concept and it’s really stupid that Ars is presenting it that way.

    If companies didn’t know this, then they are already out of business. If the viewers didn’t know this… well… I can’t help you.

    • Iapar
      8•3 months ago

      You can help them by telling them? Like the most obvious thing? But if that is to big of a leap for you… well… I can’t help you.

      • @[email protected]
        2•3 months ago

        “Your TV has become a digital billboard.”

        It’s been a digital billboard for at least 40 years of my life. Radio was no different, so be sure to drink your Ovaltine.

        Have you never seen a commercial before? Cheap subsidized hardware? Bloatware loaded on phones? Bloatware on TVs? Games that require 5 mins of ad time? Google’s crippling of Chrome to break ad blockers? Unskippable ads on YouTube? Sponsored ad spots in YouTube videos? All the 3rd party logos on Smart TV boxes? Product placements in movies? Ad placements before the movie starts? The list goes on.

        The entire entertainment industry is based around advertising. Every delivery platform is designed to show you ads first and entertainment second.

        People have problems figuring that out?