Ratings (Viewing Figures)

Just wondering what companies the various channels use these days to compile ratings, and how they actually do it.

Is it correct that a selection of homes have a special device connected to their television set which 'sends' the information about what channel is being viewed? Does this differentiate between videotaped programmes and programmes watched 'live' (eg, If someone were to watch Emmerdale and Corrie but video the Channel Four News, would the 'system' know this?)

How do they decide which homes should take part in the exercise? I've never met or heard of anyone who does!

I remember years ago when people with clipboards would stop you in the street and read out the BBC listings, asking which shows you'd watched!

All TV companies use BARB: http://www.barb.co.uk/

All the channels use the same company because that's the only way to get an accurate comparison between channels.

Long before the electronic boxes that BARB now use were installed, our family were briefly part of the BARB panel.

You had to fill in a paper diary daily with what you had watched on which channels and for how long. You then sent the diary off!

These days there are boxes that are connected to the TV that know what channel the TV is tuned to, or what taped programme you are watching (I think - viewing within a week adds to the consolidated figures - though not the overnights that are more commonly quoted these days) When ever anyone enters or leaves the room they press a button, which is personal to them, so that demographic information on exactly who is watching, can be compiled.

I have also seen devices with infra-red people detectors (which assume that people always sit in the same chairs!) - but not sure if they are in use.

Independent of BARB, Sky can also compile information about what shows their boxes have been tuned to - but they can't say if anyone, or how many, were actuallly watching, just that the box was switched on...

seeing as I can't remember ever knowing anyone who takes part in these panels or has one of the barb boxes.. and if its true that sky can only tell that the box was switched on.. I find it amazing that so much attention goes to the overnight figures when really they're bollocks aren't they?.. at the moment theres no way of knowing how many people are watching and when..