Abstract: A method for detecting a commercial advertisement in a video program includes estimating a timing of the commercial based on historical timing of the commercial within the program. The program is displayed on a first display device. An alert is displayed on a client voting mechanism associated with the first display device when the estimated timing of the commercial indicates that a beginning of the commercial is imminent. An indication that the commercial has begun is receiving from the viewer of the first display device using the client voting mechanism. The indication of the beginning of the commercial is sent from the client voting mechanism to a client viewing mechanism associated with a second display device. A display of the second display device is switched from the program to an alternative task when the indication of the beginning of the commercial is received.