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Are you a TV viewer in a non-TV household? (cord-cutting question)

A

arnoldevns

Nielsen is now reporting that the percentage of TV households is dropping. To be clear, Nielsen's current definition of a TV household is a home with at least one TV hooked up to cable, satellite or antenna that can get at least 1 station. It's now estimated that nearly 5% of homes nationally are not TV households under this definition. In the Austin market, the total is about 10%. This does not mean these homes don't have TVs, just that their TVs are not hooked to an antenna or cable/satellite service. They may be hooked up to Netflix or other streaming services, but that does not count for Nielsen's definition of TV household.

So the question for you all: are any of you in this category of a "non-TV" household by Nielsen's definition? If so, what do you watch?
 
I think Nielsen needs to update its definition because technically U-verse is neither a cable or a satellite service. It is an Internet delivered service streaming channels to set top boxes. And as the cable companies upgrade to full digital they are becoming Internet delivered streaming services, too.
 
fredcantu said:
I think Nielsen needs to update its definition because technically U-verse is neither a cable or a satellite service. It is an Internet delivered service streaming channels to set top boxes. And as the cable companies upgrade to full digital they are becoming Internet delivered streaming services, too.
Click to expand...

Many of the major cable providers are looking at IPTV for future distribution, as it is more bandwidth efficient. The old RF based distribution system is going by the wayside. The holy grail is fiber direct to each home, but that infrastructure will take some time to build.
 
To be clear, Nielsen considers u-verse and Fios cable tv systems. Roku or other types of streaming boxes and services, like Netflix, no.
 
Just to clarify: Uverse uses IP, but it is delivered over AT&T lines. It's really a cable system. It's more like distinguishing between Analog and Digital. They transmit using internet technology, but it's not delivered "over the internet."
 
Just because AT&T owns the lines doesn't mean it's not part of the Internet. IIRC-- U-verse uses a nationwide distribution of channels with local channels inserted in each region. That national distribution of an IP service isn't going to happen without using the Internet.
 
I started this thread just to see if anyone here fit the category. Clearly that does not appear to be the case.
My view is that Nielsen needs to alter what it considers a TV household. I might be inclined to go with a home that has a TV - period.
Then again, that would exclude a small number of folks who watch lots of TV shows on their ipad or laptop via Netflix or itunes.
Point is, this is a growing issue that will ultimately have to be addressed as we shift our thoughts on what constitutes "television."
 
I blame lack of A-La-Carte offering by the cable cos. Along with issues with HDTV like clipping, and reception problems. I cut the cord in 2010.

I fit that category, I have 2 TV's in my household hooked up to DVD recorders and VCR's, and Netgear streaming box. My parents have Direct TV, and I recorded off Direct TV there and play back the DVDs here at home. I just refuse to pay for channels I don't watch.

I signed the petition for http://www.mycablemychoice.com a group that wants to mandate A-La-Carte cable TV.

I intend to start that at the local level as part of the cable TV franchise agreement next year, when I run against Mayor Castro in 2013, and if elected by the citizens of San Antonio.
 
tested said:
I started this thread just to see if anyone here fit the category. Clearly that does not appear to be the case.

My view is that Nielsen needs to alter what it considers a TV household. I might be inclined to go with a home that has a TV - period.

Then again, that would exclude a small number of folks who watch lots of TV shows on their iPad or laptop via Netflix or iTunes.

Point is, this is a growing issue that will ultimately have to be addressed as we shift our thoughts on what constitutes "television."
Click to expand...

From what I've heard on his podcasts, I believe Sam Seder fits your category - but he lives in New York. I suspect the folks on this board tend to be OTA, cable, and/or satellite viewers.

You may be right that Nielsen needs to update its definition of a "TV household." I guess the question is, what constitutes a "TV?" Does a TV/DVD combo qualify? Does it only qualify if it's also hooked up to a non-DVD programming source? Does it count if that source is Nexflix, Amazon, or Roku?

I suppose for Nielsen's purposes, their current definition makes sense. After all, they're in the business of finding out how many folks are watching or recording a particular show, as it's broadcast in a particular time slot. Even though it's become much more common, folks watching pre-recorded or on-demand programming aren't really relevant to them.
 
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