MySpace, MTV to Plant Ads in Pirate Video

By Geoff Duncan November 3, 2008

MySpace, MTV to Plant Ads in Pirate Video

Social networking titan MySpace has announced a new partnership with MTV Networks and technology firm Auditude to try to wring a profit out of videos uploaded by MySpace subscribers in violation of copyright. Instead of issuing takedown notices for material distributed without permission, the system will try to identify pirated video clips via fingerprinting technology, then re-distribute them with embedded ads. The idea is that, instead of slapping fans with takedown notices for exhibiting enthusiasms for their favorite shows, the ad-enhanced versions of the uploaded videos leverage fans’ participation in the online video world and enable the legitimate content owners to benefit from the content.

“Auditude is opening the floodgates for users to program video on MySpace and ensure copyright holders get paid,” said MySpace’s president of marketing and sales Jeff Berman, in a statement. “In one fell swoop, Auditude and its partners are empowering consumers and building a better business model.”

As part of the trial, Auditude will launch an “Attribution Overlay” that identifies content and informs viewers of details about shows they’re watching online. Content owners will be able to use the overlao to embed information about the content in the clip, and lets the clip be associated with additional content or links to buy the show or related products.

The program will launch with Auditude handling a mix of current and archived shows, including MTV’s Punk’d and True Life, as well as Comedy Central faves The Daily Show,The Colbert Report, and Reno 911.

Auditude’s fingerprinting technology is similar to software already being employed by YouTube to identify uploaded content and give content owners the option of having infringing materials taken down or serving an ad along with it.

If the program succeeds, the broader video and television may warm up to online video: if they can look at user-uploaded video clips as a marketing opportunity rather than lost viewership, they may be more willing to let users post video clips and show their enthusiasm for favorite programming…of course, they may not be so keen on user postings that show copyrighted content in a less-than-positive light.

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Geoff Duncan writes, programs, edits, plays music, and delights in making software misbehave. He's probably the only member…

Smart Home

Eve MotionBlinds Upgrade Kit and Blinds Collection join the Matter lineup

The Eve MotionBlinds Upgrade Kit being installed.

Eve is a prominent name in the smart home world, with the company responsible for a variety of devices covering everything from smart plugs and security cameras to smart light switches and motion sensors. Its catalog is growing even more enticing today, with the Eve Blinds Collection and MotionBlinds Upgrade Kit gaining Matter support.

The MotionBlinds Upgrade Kit will likely appeal to more customers, as it costs just $200 and works with most existing setups. Installation is as simple as removing your shades, placing the MotionBlinds Upgrade Kit through the roller rod, then reinstalling the unit on your windows. Blinds with a roller between 1.5 inches and 2.0 inches are compatible with the upgrade kit.

Smart Home

Philips Hue lights have a rare discount, but there’s a catch

A TV with ambient backlighting from Philips Hue.

One of the cool things about Philips Hue lighting is how much freedom it gives you over creating the perfect ambiance in your home. One of the cool things about buying Philips Hue products over at Best Buy right now is how much freedom Best Buy is giving you over what you buy to save money. Right now, when you buy two or more select Philips Hue smart lighting product in Best Buy's offer builder, you can save 15%. Tap the button below to start building your own bundle and see all of the products available. While they don't include the best smart light bulbs that Philips produces, you'll be amazed by the versatility of the lightstrips. Or keep reading for an overview of some of the top picks from the bundle.

What you should purchase from the Philips Hue offer builder
The place to start with this deal is the and the if you don't already have them. These are the devices that take your movies, music, and games and syncs them to your lights.

Smart Home

Samsung’s futuristic Jet Bot AI+ robot vacuum is $400 off

The Samsung Jet Bot AI+ Robot Vacuum cleaning the floor.

For families who need a lot of help in keeping their floors spotless, the Samsung Jet Bot AI+ is an investment that you'll want to make. It's pretty expensive at its original price of $1,300, but a $400 discount from Samsung pulls it down to $900. It's still not cheap, but this futuristic robot vacuum could be the only device that you need to keep dirt, debris, and pet hair away from your sight. You're going to have to complete your purchase for it as soon as possible though, as there's no telling when the offer expires.

Why you should buy the Samsung Jet Bot AI+ robot vacuum
The Samsung Jet Bot AI+ checks all the boxes in the features that are recommended by our guide on how to choose a robot vacuum. It's equipped with powerful sensors and object recognition technology that allows it to avoid furniture when it's cleaning your floors, while LiDAR technology allows it to create accurate maps of the rooms in your home so that it can properly navigate and clean more efficiently. The robot vacuum also features a five-layer filtration system that allows it to release clean air, and when it's done, it goes back to its Clean Station where it empties its contents.