Roku Patent Reveals Plans to Insert Ads During Pauses Across Devices

Roku filed a patent for technology to inject ads when devices connected via HDMI are paused, like during a video game or Netflix movie. It would serve relevant ads based on detected content.

The system watches for signals like extended silence, unchanged video frames, or HDMI CEC data to identify a pause and opportunity for ads.

Motivation seems to be recouping ad revenue from users who don't use Roku's apps and cost Roku money on hardware.

No evidence Roku has moved forward yet, but history suggests relentlessly increasing ads likely.

If implemented, could mean significantly more forced ad exposures across traditionally ad-free content like DVDs or games.