How does Max see things from inside a television set?
The networks can see out through any television tuned to their channel via something called the “two-way sampler.” It appears to have been implemented to help test and evaluate commercials, but it makes a dandy snooper-scope. Max, with his near-total control of Network 23’s resources, finds it easy to tap into for his own purposes. It’s not entirely clear whether the viewing public is aware of the sampler, or aware that it can be used surreptitiously. They seem to know about it for interactive shows and voting, but at other times Max and the networks seem to be spying without anyone being aware of it. Those who encounter Max and have conversations with him are often surprised that they can talk back to the TV. At least once the sampler is referred to as being a secret – at least, the spying part.
