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TV People Meter: Monitoring What You Watch

Posted by michael on from the judge-judy-and-matlock dept.

bj3g2j writes "CNN has an interesting article about the People Meter that is built by Arbitron. It seems that the device is portable and picks up on signals sent from the TV (and/or radio) to determine what people are watching. This is supposed to improve the accuracy of tracking viewer habits. The best quote is that 'it includes a motion detector to verify someone is actually wearing it.' Lots of motion while sitting on the couch? Interesting concept in light of the recent ruling in California."

8 of 155 comments (clear)

  1. Are your eyes open? by Innominate+Recreant · · Score: 5, Funny

    Will this device make sure that your eyes are open during the commercials, so that you won't be accused of stealing?

  2. Depends by teslatug · · Score: 2, Funny
    Lots of motion while sitting on the couch?
    It depends on what you're watching ;)
  3. Arbitron Haiku by small_dick · · Score: 5, Funny

    Porno flick tonight
    Young couple in love
    Motion sensor pegs.

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  4. New fasion by Mulletproof · · Score: 3, Funny

    Wow. Quite literally "Spy Wear"

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  5. Interesting point in the article... by phillymjs · · Score: 4, Funny

    There was also more information on viewing and listening by young males -- a key demographic group for advertisers -- who are notoriously sloppy about recording their habits in diaries, Mocarsky said.

    Maybe once this thing comes into wide use, geek-oriented shows will get the ratings they should be getting and we won't constantly have to bemoan their cancellation.

    ~Philly

  6. Why I like this. by gnovos · · Score: 3, Funny

    It's very simple, I want this in my TV because I want to skew the results as easy as I can. I want the "Star Trek Marathon watching" demographic to skyrocket.

    --
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  7. I'm gonna sue! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    I have copyrighted all of the electronic emissions
    eminating from my house. I charge for this information.
    These guys are building circumvention technology
    and I am gonna sue under the DMCA!

    Man, we really need copyright protection built
    into all digital devices!

  8. It's not so much what I watch... by DarkHelmet · · Score: 3, Funny
    It's the motion detector that scares me. Especially when it senses that I'm home alone. Especially when it senses excessive hand motion when I watch Robot Wars and Mick Foley's new co-host is on the screen.

    I'm afraid they'll discover me for the loser I am. I just hope none of these Spyware people read this. They might program a lockout onto the TV just for me and then I'd be pissed.

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