NDS Audience Measurement System (AMS) helps TV operators monitor the way viewers interact with their digital STB and other TV receiving devices when using services such as live TV viewing, time shifted viewing (DVR), and other applications such as the EPG.
It provides accurate input on the status of any devices included in the AMS sample at any given time. As such, AMS provides crucial information used by operators in their advertising sales process, when introducing new applications and content or when negotiating content rights. It can also provide important insight for TV rating providers.
NDS AMS is the most deployed STB measurement system today used by some of the world’s leading pay-TV systems.
What AMS does
AMS provides second-by-second reports on viewer interaction with STBs including linear TV viewing, time shifted viewing (DVR and Video on Demand), EPG navigation, and interactive applications usage. The system is modular which means operators can add features as their needs change.
AMS measures virtually everything you can imagine: STB power up or standby, channel change or surfing, EPG launch, DVR recording or playback (including trick mode), and launch of interactive applications.
On the operational side, AMS allows complete flexibility sending back data over any type of set-top box return path. With AMS the operator has full control of the measurement system configuration determining which homes, what data and when to call back.
What’s in it for operators?
Carrying ad funded channels. Successful TV platforms carry a wealth of channels including premium and ad funded channels. With AMS, operators can ensure that ads on these channels are delivered, viewed and measured correctly making their platform an appealing distribution pipe for ad funded channels.
TV platform advertising sales efforts. Operators can collect reliable and granular data on how viewers interact with advertising. This attracts advertisers that can now be confident about the platform’s reach and have access to more specific data to help target their campaigns.
Pay less for less popular channels. TV platforms can use AMS to assess the popularity of a channel or specific content. This is invaluable when negotiating content rights with owners because you can pay less for less popular channels.
Assess impact of new applications and services. When launching new applications or channels, AMS can help you monitor the usage and success of these services.
Impact of DVRs. DVRs are effective in reducing churn and increasing subscriber satisfaction. However they are also a source of concern for advertisers and content providers who are unsure of their impact on viewing habits. AMS enables operators to obtain accurate data on DVR usage in the field rather than relying on speculations and unmonitored research.
Better operational decisions. TV operators can offer a virtually unlimited number of channels. Many are niche channels appealing to small segments of the population. AMS measures viewing on these channels that are usually too small to be covered by the national rating sample. This helps operators make more informed decisions on which channels to keep and which ones must be removed for better bandwidth utilization.
Direct revenues from AMS. Some operators choose to sell the data generated from their AMS to interested parties such as TV rating providers, content providers, advertisers and research firms generating incremental revenues from AMS.