Time Warner Cable hid some discouraging news in an otherwise exciting announcement of their new service, Look Back.  Time Warner Cable subscribers will be able to view already-aired programming easier with the new, free service.  The unhappy reality of that service, the one that was not overly stated, was that viewers will be unable to fast-forward through commercials.  The fast-forward function available in other services is disabled in their DVR system.

This loss of feature in the service is not a complete surprise.  Advertisers and cable companies have been struggling with how to continue their business model if fewer and fewer viewers are actually watching the paid advertisements.  The introduction of TiVo has made skipping over obnoxious toothpaste ads and that AFLAC duck a snap. Cable companies have realized this and are now taking action by offering their own or network DVR units with certain limitations. 

The Look Back service will require subscribers to have a TWC-supplied cable box.  Look Back will be available in October for South Carolina residents before being distributed throughout the U.S.