Digital TV allows spying on viewers
Article Abstract:
The launch of BSkyB digital satellite television will give the company access to subscribers' viewing habits. The set-top box has a two way communications channel for use in interactive TV which would allow Sky to download viewing data during the night. This type of commercial information is extremely lucrative for advertisers who want to try and target potential customers. Although BSkyB says the boxes will go on sale without the software to monitor programme choices it is possible for them to install the software remotely. Viewers who want to ensure this cannot happen would need to unplug the telephone line from the side of the box. This will prevent interactivity but still allow the viewing of the programmes. Cable & Wireless will also build individual profiles based on viewers' activities on its on screen websites.
Comment:
Launch of digital satellite television will give co access to subscribers' viewing habits
Publication Name: The Independent
Subject: Retail industry
ISSN: 0951-9467
Year: 1998
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Mutuals head the list for best-value savings
Article Abstract:
A survey of the performance of savings policies in the UK has found that over the last year most pay-outs have dropped, despite the 16% increase in UK equity values. The survey, was jointly done by the actuaries, KPMG, and Money Marketing, a specialist financial journal, and it used official figures from the Office of Fair Trading. The OFT use 14 key measure to compare the relative performance of insurers, covering both charges and investment returns. These showed that the best performers tended to be mutuals. Also the payouts on long term endowment policies can vary considerably between providers. For a 25 year policy with a GB 20 monthly premium there was a difference in payout of GB 48,162 and GB 28,685 between the best and the thirty fourth rated.
Comment:
UK: Survey of performance of savings policies has found that over last year most pay-outs have dropped
Publication Name: The Independent
Subject: Retail industry
ISSN: 0951-9467
Year: 1998
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Coach potato fear of digital television age
Article Abstract:
A monthly price of GB 20 for digital TV is a price that is thought not worth paying by 90% of UK people who at present only watch terrestrial television, according to a new survey by Western International Media, an agency that buys airtime. A special box costing GB 200-300 will be needed to receive digital television. The survey also found that 53% of all people were not keen to have more television channels and that women in particularly were unenthusiastic and concerned about the effects of too much television. Interest in digital TV among those that already have satellite or cable TV was higher at 72%.
Comment:
UK: Monthly price of GBP20 for digital TV is a price that is thought not worth paying by 90% of UK people
Publication Name: The Independent
Subject: Retail industry
ISSN: 0951-9467
Year: 1998
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