Under a license from
Swiss Broadcasting Corporation, aMap collects viewership
data using Telecontrol VIII data collection units
sourced from Telecontrol AG, and wireless connections
using GSM modems.
aMap uses Telecontrol VIII data recording units to
collect TV viewership data from TVs in the sample
homes. The Telecontrol unit is connected to the television
receiver and it automatically registers/stores the
information about the channel to which the TV set
is currently tuned. This device can store up to approximately
seven days’ viewership information.
A GSM modem is connected
to each Telecontrol unit. The central server calls
up each of the Telecontrol units in sample homes to
pick up the data stored therein. aMap's technology
architecture enables instant data collection from
the sample homes as often as desired. It also enables
conducting of instant opinion polls about the programs
being telecast. The collected data is instantaneously
incorporated into the aMap reports.
At present the central server calls up all the sample
homes between 2:00 AM and 4:00 AM IST (Indian Standard
Time) to collect the data. In case the data from some
of the homes/ units can not be collected in the first
attempt, the server dials that home again after 5
minutes, and makes the third attempt after 1.30 hours.
After 3 trials, the server gives up. If non-collection
of data is caused by the problems with cellular connection,
the data can be collected later at any time over next
seven days.
The system generates a list of sample homes from
which the data could not be collected. These failures
are investigated on the same day. The possible causes
of failure in data collection are
The Telecontrol system can respond to every possible
use of a television screen, including viewing videos,
playing TV games and using Teletext. Moreover, the
design of the Telecontrol unit and its interactive
system can be adapted to the psychological requirements
of the panel household members, a key reason for its
very high degree of acceptance and the widespread
willingness to enter information.
Telecontrol system,
developed over last 24 years, is being used for TV
Audience Measurement in the following countries:
|
Countries
|
Households
|
|
Austria
--------------- |
1500 |
|
France
---------------- |
2300 |
|
Germany------------- |
6600 |
|
Mexico---------------- |
220 |
|
Portugal ------------- |
550 |
|
Puerto
Rico -------- |
640 |
|
Switzerland
--------- |
1870 |
|
Spain
----------------- |
2800 |
|
Ukraine
-------------- |
1200 |
|
USA ------------------- |
200 |
| |
