The current TAM scenario is very different
from what it used to be just a few years ago. The digital
era poses new challenges with an endless stream of new
devices and services that depart more and more from
the old and simple analog TV set. In other words, today
complexity is a reality in the TAM world, and therefore
it requires measuring techniques and devices that can
live up to the challenge.
UNITAM’s exclusive pattern correlation
TAM technology allows moving the "complexity"
out of the field and into a centralized point from which
it can be easily managed. A sophisticated software system
allows measuring all kinds of exposure to TV content
by comparing sets of signature streams generated by
identical devices in different locations. Thanks to
its sophisticated cutting-edge technology, UNITAM peoplemeters
work as a simple “electronic ear” that records
a trace of all content watched on a TV set (or any other
type of display device, e.g. a computer) to which it
is connected. In fact, because all that is needed is
a sample of the audio signal associated with the measured
content, connecting a UNITAM meter to the TV set and/or
its peripheral devices is as simple as plugging an A/V
or SCART cable and declaring the type of device in a
straight-forward process.
Therefore, complexity in the field is
virtually eliminated, while a centralized sophisticated
pattern-correlation system solves the problem of content
identification, in any kind of platform and without
requiring any cooperation from third parties. Furthermore,
the generality of UNITAM’s techniques and methods
guarantee its essential future-proof characteristic;
the same panel system will still be operative in virtually
any possible future scenario, just as long as TV broadcasts
will continue to carry one or more associated audio
channels…
Besides solving the traditional problem
of content identification in real-time TV broadcasts,
UNITAM’s proven core technology (CTS) provides
also novel and exclusive TAM services like “Broadcast
Auditing” or “Film Tracking” that
can be immediately added to the operator’s product
line.
UNITAM PeopleMeters
UNITAM peoplemeters are easy to install
hardware that just "listen" to the audio coming
from the TV set and the different devices connected
to it. They include six audio ports to which the audio
outputs of those devices are connected through bypass
cables that sample the audio signals without disturbing
them in any way. The setup of a UNITAM meter involves
little more than connecting these cables and declaring
which device is connected to each port. No settings
of any additional parameters are required in most cases.
Click here
to learn more about UNITAM Peoplemeters
Polling System
UNITAM meters use 1-800 lines to call
base and download the viewing data. This approach offers
many advantages over the traditional "called meter"
paradigm. A significant portion of the panel turnover
for some operators is due to "less than perfect"
ring suppression technologies; mostly caused by the
variety of phone line installations usually found in
most panels. Ring suppression also poses some challenges
for the installer who must find the point of entry of
the household's phone line to connect the communication
device.
UNITAM's polling system is a two-tier
solution. A “poll server” application at
the front end receives the calls and handles the data
to a back-end “poll master”. This architecture
allows the deployment of multiple poll servers offering
the following advantages:
Remote
Polling support: Poll servers can
be deployed at different locations optimizing polling
costs.
Fault Tolerance:
Even in centralized operations, the two-tiered architecture
provides fault tolerance and load balancing.
Advanced logging:
Poll server and master create detailed logs that provide
all the information required for management and troubleshooting
purposes.
Modem Sharing:
UNITAM's polling system also allows sharing the use
of modem pools with other applications within the system
(e.g., line testing).
Click
here
to learn more about UNITAM's Polling System
Content Tracking System
UNITAM provides content identification
through its proprietary Content Tracking System (CTS).
CTS is a universal TAM measurement technology
developed by “Media Instruments”
as a response to challenges posed to the TAM industry
by digital media distribution and broadcasting. It was
created as a solution to measure digital platforms in
the UK panel (CTS produces more than 20% of BARB's panel
viewing). CTS is at the core of UNITAM in an upgraded
version that covers all existing platforms (including
the analogue terrestrial realm). UNITAM flexible and
versatile pattern correlation engine is the result of
continuous development efforts in a concept-expanding
approach, leveraging on the UK experience.
The powerful CTS engine enables UNITAM
to provide a wealth of cutting-edge services out of
the box that enable a TAM operator to expand its product
line with new and exciting services, turning challenge
into opportunity.
What a TAM operator obtains by implementing
UNITAM is:
Protected Investment
UNITAM includes a universal, future-proof technology
that ensures compatibility with upcoming TV broadcasting
platforms
Flexibility
The meter’s "intelligence" resides in
base software (centralized) therefore upgrade to its
functionality is immediate. The powerful CTS engine
is capable of using the same data in various ways to
provide different TAM services.
Simplified
Operations
Extremely easy-to-install meters plus its revolutionary
RMS (“Remote Maintenance & Setup) technology
allows “centralization” of field force.
Panel Friendly
Technology
UNITAM meters are 100% “silent” and non-intrusive,
plus its versatile user interface contribute to stimulate
a positive attitude in the panel members towards cooperation
In a nutshell, UNITAM is an innovative,
cutting-edge tool for audience measurement created by
TAM specialists that encapsulates the increasing complexity
of panels in an effective, “all-inclusive”
TAM solution designed to enable operators to focus on
what they do best: Producing Reliable and Accurate
TV Audience Data.
