Nielsen Co. is looking to roll out a system to better measure how consumers watch video content. This includes game consoles like PS3, broadband streaming and iPads.
Expanding beyond traditional TV ratings measurement came out of a “What Nielsen Measures Committee”. Members of this group include representatives from major TV networks, local TV stations, cable TV networks, advertising agencies and some larger advertisers.
A source from one of the four major networks expressed enthusiasm for the move. For years, networks have complained that total viewing of their shows isn’t being captured by traditional ratings measurements and this should do a great deal to rectify that.
Nielsen wants to set up in September 2013 new hardware and software tools in the nearly 23,000 TV homes it samples. These new tools will record viewership not just from the 75 percent of homes that rely on cable, satellite and over the air broadcasts but also viewing via devices that deliver video from streaming services and from TV enabled game systems.
iPads and other tablets using broadband will be included in the first phase of measurement improvements, though the second phase will be more comprehensive. Nielsen is said to have an internal goal of being able to measure video viewing on an iPad by the end of this year, a process where the company will work closely with its clients.
Source: HollywoodReporter.com
