According to this article, DVR usage on network television has been both a curse and a blessing. Major TV networks (like NBC, CBS, CW) have reported that DVR usage has caused ratings for shows to drop when the program airs, which worried the networks.
However, playback on the DVR of the same program are remarkably high once the networks receive the ratings of playbacks. For example, NBC's "Heros" has a demographic of 18 to 49 year olds but the program is recorded more than watched during it's airing time. Once the network receives those playback numbers they total in the ratings to see how well the show has done.
One thing about the DVR is that it gives the user to control television programing, including commercials. Advertisers are worried about DVR users skipping their commercials when the DVR is in play. Ironically, the same rules apply to advertisers likewise when advertisers get their ratings from DVR playbacks.
I honestly didn't think that DVRs would be such a problem for the networks. You would think when someone records a TV show that episode would count double for ratings because it could be viewed at any time. I honestly can't wait until I build my own DVR!
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I never thought of this being a problem. I understand the network and advertisers being worried, but when it comes to commercials I don't care. In my house hold, the commercials are always muted so no one listens to them anyways. Therefore, it won't make any difference in my house hold; a DVR is like our dream come true! Too bad we don't have one yet.
ReplyDeleteLikewise to what Kat said. Who would've thought DVR to pose problems to any network? I would like to think the same as to what you said, about DVR ratings counting for double since viewers would be able to watch their episode of choice at any time- is that really true? DVR is a great! I have one and it comes in handy so much, especially for commercials.. no one ever likes the commercials.
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