There’s a new technology out there, just patented, that allows broadcasters to prevent TV viewers from changing the channel during commercials.

Ugh.

Apparently the technology (it’s a chip, I’m guessing) would be part of the television itself, or the set-top unit.  Although I don’t understand why any TV or cable box manufacturer would want to put such a thing into their product, because it certainly is not going to be popular with consumers.