Nielsen and TiVO have signed a monitoring deal to see what the heck people are doing with those things, or something:
- Nielsen Media Research has signed a deal with TiVo that will allow the media-monitoring firm to track consumers' digital video recorder use, according to the companies.
DVRs are computer-based systems that record and store TV programs for future viewing. They are largely used by consumers who want to watch certain programs at a time most convenient to them. The devices also allow users to fast-forward past commercials.
There are currently about 3 million DVR users in the U.S., said Josh Bernoff, vice president and principal analyst at Forester Research. TiVo said it has 1 million subscribers.
....According to a statement released by the two companies, TiVo and Nielsen will collect data on a permission basis, utilizing an "opt-in" panel that allows users to volunteer to be monitored. The new service will collect data on approximately 5,000 to 10,000 TiVo users. [AdAge]
Article comments
1 - TDavid
I can see tracking free public television broadcasting numbers or free TV, but I do not like them playing spykeeper on the TiVO boxes when they are charging for their service. I'm seriously considering ditching the TiVO and using one of our computers as a PVR over this.
I'm sure buried in their TOS there's something in there that gives them permission to do this.
2 - TDavid
BTW, I'm talking about how they knew about the Janet Jackson thing and were out quoting statistics, not the 'opt-in' panel with Nielson mentioned here. The Opt-In thing seems fine to me.
3 - Eric Olsen
I would guess that TiVO keeps track of usage from their own end, the aggregate of which would have been where they got their info. i am not concerned about aggregate stats, but I wouldn't want them keeping track of my own personal usage.
4 - TDavid
My point, Eric, is how or why should they be using the phone home approach for paid customers? The only thing TiVO should be doing is downloading the schedules. They should not be taking advantage of that download schedules window of opportunity to find out what shows we are recording, what sections of shows we are replaying, etc.
How otherwise could they come out and say that was 'the most watched event in TiVO history'?
Aggregate data on feature use that is not specific is fine. Also I think if the service is free then they have the right -- as long as they tell you in advance -- to track activity.
Otherwise it's just another intrusive form of spyware.
5 - trojanhorse
This is only a small part of a grand scheme to track and control everyone and everything. People through out the world are being incrimentally conditioned to accept more and more intrusive technology. These technologies being used in the way they are go against what we think America to be. All must resist now before it's too late.