The little black and white square in the top right hand corner of the screen on ITV?

As you will be aware ITV is split into different regions. Local regions often run there own ads rather from the national ad centre in London. The square is placed on the screen 30 seconds before the ads are due to start in order that local networks can have there ads ready to broadcast without a loss of transmition

White Corner Tv

Unfortunately Sky+ does not stop recording the ads.

Would be great if it did, but then the sponsors would be unhappy

We just have to fast forward through the interminable drivel until we get to the program again.

It tells there is a break coming up.

Do you remember Jigsaw? You won't if you are under about 35 but they turned it into a character called Dot.

It's to let the NETWORK know that they're going to a break - and if you can see it, your set could do with adjusting - if you can see it you could get a slightly bigger picture and exclude that sign.

They are "cue dots" used for the benefit of broadcasters to indicate a transition/changeover (such as a commercial break) - Full explanation here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cue_mark#Cue_dots_in...

You've answered your own question. It's just to say that there's a break coming up. Nothing subliminal about it... just a break coming up.

Nope it wouldn't be for skyplus, i just have free view and it does it.. i think its just to let you know that a break is coming :)

Always wondered

GOOD question :)

as everyone seems to be getting the thumbs down for what is blatantly obvious here goes

it is a portal into your front room so that the government can spy on you

its to let the viewers know there is a break coming...