TV Ratings System

[donaldsgal]

How does it work? We have a DVR device (same thing as TiVo), and we wondered about what happens when we record a first run show but watch something else - like record American Idol but watch LOST - who gets the ratings from our tuning in? The show we watch, the show we record, or both?

Clearly not the most important question in the world, but one I've been wondering about for a while because I want to support my favorite shows in case the ratings start to dip. Thanks!

 

[bicker]

Ratings aren't based on the full population, but rather only on a sampling of the population. You have to agree to be part of the Nielsen survey, so if you haven't signed an agreement, then what you were watching wasn't counted for the ratings.

I am interested in the answer to your question, though, for reasons I'm not allowed to discuss.

 

[Tina]

As far as I know, you only get counted if you're selected by Nielsen to participate and they count what you write in your booklet.

 

[bicker]

DVR owners don't use a booklet.