How do networks know how many viewers tuned in to a show? Do they know if a show is recorded on a VCR/TIVO?

Answer 1

The general ratings you see reported are Neilsen ratings and those people are specifically chosen, like a thousand of them, with special receivers and the like.

But specific to TiVo - TiVo chooses a random sample of TiVo users monthly and sucks from the box information about what shows were watched, which taped, which parts of those shows you FFWD through, etc. They report some of this information on their web site and in their monthly newsletter (http://www3.tivo.com/tivo-tco/top25.do?show25=seasonpass) The FFWD and skipping information is sold to clients - advertisers, networks, etc.

There was a recent report where TiVo said how often users watch live TV versus recorded and how often commercials are skipped. Interesting stuff.

Answer 2

TIVO is doing a thing about checking to see what commercials people fast forward through. More shows will start having products inserted into the show instead of putting them in commercials because folks aren't watching so many commercials anymore.

Answer 3

I wonder too if they count all the shows I have recorded on my DVR. I suppose they have some kind of mechanism that monitors whenever the signal from a viewer's TV comes in. Good question though...

Answer 4

With your permission some networks can put a chip in your t.v. that tells them what you are watching and when.

Answer 5

nielson. they do not know if its being recorded