Peoplemeters
The TVM series of peoplemeters represents state of the art technology using a multi-engine approach to television audience measurement. Building on our rich experience from both the laboratory and the field, our research has shown that using a single measurement technique (such as just "listening" to the audio coming from the TV set, and the different devices connected to it) is not 100% reliable and is therefore the cheaper way to approach and perform television audience measurement. We also offer such an entry-level solution.
The TVM peoplemeters incorporate a number of updated features to minimize panel member tampering, further simplify the installation process and offer a full off-site remote management system including remote on-line checks, configuration and programming.
TVM peoplemeters consist of three main components: the Base Unit, the Transmission Unit and the Display. The Base Unit and Display Unit serve as the user friendly interface. The Transmission Unit collects the data from all the Base Units in the household using short range radio devices (SRD) wireless communication and establishes a connection with the computer centre via a landline or GSM/GPRS modem, using a direct or internet connection. All Base Units and Transmission Units include a USB port, used to configure and monitor the unit setup software on a personal computer.
The Display Unit is placed on or near the TV to provide easy interaction with the panel member. The display and speaker enable voice or text message from the processing center and can be sent to the panel member, customized in the local language. A parametrically controlled built in motion detector in the display can assist in reducing the level of uncovered viewing in that it sends an audio or visual message as a reminder to sign-in, should it detect substantial movement within the room.
With its sensors, the TVM peoplemeters are able to identify in a fast and reliable way the active source on the screen. The magnetic field, the electric field or the audio can be analyzed individually, or used in combination, to perform channel detection.
Due to the variety of TV platforms and the need to measure all current and foreseeable services, various measurement techniques have been developed. Currently, the TVM peoplemeter uses seven methods (tools) to identify the channel and the various states/modes of the other devices to be measured. This is the multi-engine approach.
The identification of a channel is performed in two steps; first is the source identification and second is the broadcast identification. The source can be the TV set tuner, SAT receiver, VCR, DVD, etc. The broadcast ID is used to identify the channel number/name. Content can also be sampled to collect a signature to be matched at the centre.