DVR Universe Estimates

In May’07, Nielsen began reporting DVR Universe Estimates in both national and local markets. Like Cable and ADS Universe Estimates, DVR UEs are derived through a process that integrates data from National and Local Nielsen samples. Estimates that are related to media consumption are computed using this sample-based methodology and are commonly referred to as “Media Related” Universe Estimates.

 Click here for the full report (PDF updated 5/08)

Time Shifted Viewing Technology

Nielsen Media Research uses a new device, the Delta Time Attachment, to collect and credit playback viewing data. The device is an attachment to use with the A/P Meter for collecting viewing data from a Digital Video Recorder. This new attachment for the A/P Meter distinguishes live viewing from playback viewing by calculating the elapsed time between time of record and time of playback to derive the original time that the content aired.

This combination of A/P Meters, Encoders, and the Delta Time Attachment enables Nielsen to credit playback viewing using final distributor codes, content codes and passive signatures, as well as time of record, and time of playback. Any DVR playback that is within 25 seconds of recording will be considered live. Any playback that is more than 25 seconds delayed from the recorded time will continue to be considered playback.

Household/Person Weights and Intabs

Timeshifted viewing does not change the procedures for weighting. Weights for Households and Persons playing back timeshifted viewing content will be the same as the household and persons weights on the day of the playback record. In order for timeshifted household tuning to be credited, the household must be intab on both the day of playback record and the day of actual playback.

Credited Viewing

Playback viewing will be credited back to the date and time of playback record. If the viewing of timeshifted content exceeds specified playback based on type of market, this viewing will be dropped. When computing Live Plus estimates, a household or person that views a program for a given quarter-hour (5 or more minutes qualifier is used) either Live and/or plays back the programming for that quarter-hour multiple times, the household or person will only be credited once.

Data Streams

There are three separate national reports, one for Live, one for Live plus Same Day viewing, and on for Live Plus 7, which includes 7-day playback. Overnights for Live and Live plus Same Day are issued the next afternoon. Final weekly data with the playback information is aggregated for seven days, then combined with Live plus Live & Same Day data and released eleven business days after the report week ends.