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View Full Version : Are live TV viewers distorting the TV ratings vs. DVR users


tenthplanet
11-17-2006, 01:52 AM
Consider what the average non recording (be it Tivo, another DVR or even a VCR) viewer does channel surfs; changes channels during commercials and no guarantee that they watch the commercials.
Now consider the recording viewer. They are invested in the program and have taken the time to make sure the program is recorded so they can watch it. Sure, they may shoot through the ads at high speed sometimes but we know they are in front of the TV actually watching and may actually slow down the ad if something looks interesting. And the ratings only reflect same day DVR viewing when they do take in to account.
Especially with a number of TV Dramas being off ratings wise I have to think the channel surfers are throwing the numbers off.
If we don't face this problem there will be nothing but stunt television (Reality shows, endless CSI and Law and Order knock offs, and still more award shows. Increasingly advertisers have gotten wary of the so called Sweeps periods. It's up to the recording viewers to let advertisers know what you really watch so you'll have something to watch.
You didn't buy that big tv just to watch DVD"s.................

MickeS
11-17-2006, 02:20 AM
No. DVR users are factored into the numbers.

Lee L
11-17-2006, 09:01 AM
They definitely take DVR viewing into account. Neilsen reports this to the nets as part of their ratings. IIRC they give more weight to people who watch DVRed shows withing one week of the OAD. I read that The Office has something like 20% of its veiwership watching delayed.