Seeking Nerdvana

Just when you thought PVRs could save us from incessant television ads, Microsoft has patented a Tivo-like system for commercial breaks.

It inserts fresh advertisements into old recordings on personal video recorders, to ensure you see today's ads even if you're watching a recording from last week. It remains to be seen whether you'll be prevented from skipping or fast forwarding them - but chances are you'll be forced to watch every ad, or else go old-skool and duck off to the toilet like we used to do during the ads. Although the appeal for TV networks and advertisers is obvious, I don't see why any consumer in their right mind would buy such a device. Then again, looking at the DRM-infested junk that so many people buy these days, Microsoft could have a winner on its hands.