Sky to launch ad-free TV viewing service

Sky has reportedly patented a new technology that allows viewers to record programmes without any ad breaks. While the Sky + personal video recorder allows users to skip through advertisements, even when played at 30 times normal speed, the ads can still be seen by viewers. Sky hopes to offer a service that allows viewers much greater control. One patent, filed in August 2000, allows viewers to “interrupt the recording of programmes so as not to record adverts”. It could also allow viewers to edit shows so that only favourite acts were recorded from music programmes.