Verizon files new patent: Your TV will be watching YOU while you watch TV

I just came across this article and I did a search through to see if anyone has mentioned anything in regards to this on ATS, so my apologies mods if this is not supposed to be here.

"The new generation of HDTV’s and cable receivers sold to the public contain features that are not very publicized by tech companies: Cameras, mics and sensors that have the ability of recording everything that is happening in the living room. Not unlike the telescreens in George Orwell’s novel 1984, TV’s will soon be able to watch and even thoroughly analyze everyone present in the devices’ vicinity"

This article is on the site, vigilantcitizen.com... -developping-tvs-that-watch-you/ from Dec 10th 2012 and although I understand that there are devices that are capable of watching us, such as the X-Box Kinect, Wii and any other infrared type sensors but the fact that more people aren't outraged by this is beyond me.

Nov 29th, 2012 Patent
Patent

So basically it is a system that contains audio and video sensors coupled with facial and profile recognition software made to target advertisements based on information such as the number people in the room, their sex, their race, what they are doing, the language spoken...

Combined, this would mean that your TV or set-top box would effectively be watching and listening to you while you snuggle up on the couch with your partner to watch the latest episode of Homeland. If the cuddling went a bit further, the chances are the technology would pick up the noises and start playing ads for “a commercial for a contraceptive” or “a commercial for flowers,” as outlined in the patent.

My question is how the hell is this actually passing as acceptable in our society? Has this been going on already with the whole Analog to Digital transition? I work for one of the biggest TV companies in Canada, not to name any specifics but there are a lot of questions as to why the government is offering these free digital terminals which is costing the companies quite a bit of money.. And as we know, the gov rarely does anything without a self-profit gain. Any optinions?

Your TV will watch you - only if you're dumb enough to buy one.

time to ditch the TV and buy some guns.

they have a version of this for marketing research but the people have to sighn up. They watch people as they watch certain shows to see thier reactions. However, If they do this i dont think it will last very long. Think of how much fun the pervs, frat boys, girls gone wild, and husbands like mine, will be nasty just to freak the Verizon people out! LOL to be in that job to monitor the tv's. Too Funny! and NO i would NOT be buying one. Just becuse of my perv hubby!

reply to post by RooskiZombi


I believe this has been happening for a while; so what else is new!

reply to post by RooskiZombi

their sex

Oh yeah.
They might get an eyeful if it's watching.

Might as well repost to get peoples attention on the subject, but if you search Verizon TV then you'll see this has been reported on ATS many times already.

reply to post by RooskiZombi


I thought this had been going on for awhile. Our sky tv decoder has a microphone in it, I tryed talking to it once to tell them their programs were crap but nothing happened. A bit of tape over it might do the trick.
I thought it was the same with computers, the little camera above the screen, sure I read somewhere ages ago that they could watch and listen to you when your on the computer. I put a bit a paper over it. So now they can only hear me looking at the computer.

reply to post by RooskiZombi


In Soviet Russia.......

But seriously, yet another reason to do away with the TV I guess. I enjoy relaxing on the couch and watching a few of my favorite shows, but if it means being monitored, I'd rather sacrifice that luxury.

reply to post by ZeussusZ


I think enough people have done the same thing to move the tech companies into coming up with cameras and imaging hardware that can be mounted behind the actual screen so that it can look through it at you.

If they want to watch me read ATS, cracked.com, and play flash games?? whatever floats their boat I guess.

hmmm

they say homegrown porn is currently the most popular form

this would be a great way for them to cash in and not have to pay for talent

not sure how many people want to watch old fat men spanking their monkeys

reply to post by RooskiZombi

Just to clarify. That is a patent application. Not a patent.

I actually did not know that they were allowed to Big Brother us like this. I imagined the idea was possible, but the fact that many peOple are repsonding with this already being in effect is really disturbing.
Is there any actual evidence that this is real?
Why are people still watching TV then?!

ARGH