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TVM5
Building on our experience gathered from using the TVM4 in the field, in countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia and Italy among other countries, the TVM5 represents the latest generation of TVM series. It contains features to measure all known TV platforms and devices.
Following the design of the TVM4, it is based on the non-intrusive concept and emphasising the need for reliability in measuring both analogue and digital broadcasts TV audiences.
The TVM5 incorporates a number of updated features to minimise panel member tampering, further simplify the installation process and a full off-site remote management system including remote on-line checks, configuration and programming.
Principles of Measurement
With its three sensors, the TVM5 is able to identify in a fast and reliable way the active source on the screen. The magnetic field, the electric field or the audio can be analysed, or used in combination.
Due to the variety of platforms and the need to measure all currently possible and all the foreseeable future services, various methods have been developed. Currently, the TVM5 uses 7 methods to identify the channel and the various states/modes of the other devices to be measured.
The expansion slot and the modular nature of the TVM5 allows for new methods to be added in the future, if required. A number of measurement methods can be added simply by upgrading the software.
The identification of a channel is performed in two steps, first the source identification and then the broadcast identification. The source can be the TV set tuner, SAT receiver, VCR, DVD, etc. The broadcast ID is a channel number/ channel name. Some of the methods described below are used for channel identification, others are used for both (source and broadcast ID) and some are used just to identify a state/mode of a device.
Digital measurement requires no broadcaster co operation:
Banner Reading Technology: The digital channel detection is achieved by a Multi-standard Multimedia Processor, capable of digitalising any video signal in real-time, creating a digital picture stored in its own memory. This digital image allows the meter to 'read' the channel identification banner content of any digital platform broadcaster using an OCR (Optical Character Recognition) technology.
The TVM5 is ready to integrate other digital measurement systems, if required by the local digital environment such as the use of Service Information available from the digital set top box, or any embedded code such as PDC or Teletext codes.
Analogue measurement:
With its three other detection tools, the TVM5 is able to identify the channel on any analogue platform (including scrambled analogue) in a fast and reliable process. The magnetic field, the electric field or the sound can each be analysed, or used in combination.
The Base Unit and Display Unit serve as the user interface. The Transmission Unit collects the data from all the Base Units in the household using short range radio devices (SRD) wireless communication and establishes a connection with the computer center via a landline or GSM/GPRS modem, using a direct or internet connection. All Base Units and Transmission Units include a USB port, used to configure and monitor the units set up software, on a personal computer.
The Display Unit with its compact and stylish design is placed on or near the TV to provide easy interaction with the panel member. The display and a speaker enable voice or text message from the processing center can be sent to the panel member, customised in the local language. A parametrically controlled built in motion detector in the display can assist in reducing the level of uncovered viewing in that it sends an audio or visual message as a reminder to sign-in, should it detect substantial movement within the room.
Panel interference is minimised through the TVM5's active video matrix. This is a set of audio-video connectors on the base unit which permit connections of up to 5 other devices such as DVD, VCR, video cameras, playstation etc. With this multi connector option, there is no need for the panel member to remove or change any cable connections.
The Base Unit itself is very small and is designed to be hidden behind the TV to further reduce any possible panel member interference. Should there be a problem, the TVM5 remote diagnostics option automatically alerts the processing center, who can make the necessary reconfiguration, remotely without a maintenance visit being required.
With its advanced off-site monitoring of the installation process, the TVM5 can be set-up quickly and accurately by technicians that require less training than in the past.
TVM5 has been designed with an internet-based meter in mind, allowing it to be on-line all the time. This implies no waiting for time slots, no appointments necessary and no calling. The meter is always on-line and the processing centre can be anywhere in the world.
Communications may also take place with two-way polling, which is calling initiated from the processing centre or calling can be initiated from the meter. Regardless of where calling is started, there exists the option for communications to be done by landline, mobile network or via the internet (to reduce polling costs).
The Communication and Panel Administration Server System (Compass) is a server within the AGB Nielsen Media Research proprietary software. It manages all remote set-up activities, it retrieves all the data from the TVM5 and allows for the easy management of the system. It is compatible with Pollux and any other TAM production software.