Information and Broadcasting Minister Manish Tewari said Thursday that his ministry is planning to install "photonic chips" on all television set top boxes to get real time data on the choice of programmes of people.
"The photonic chips will be installed on set-top boxes. They will help the MSOs (Multi System Operators or cable operators) know where, who has watched what programme. It will help relate the programme to the particular household," said Tewari.
The chips will provide Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC), the audience research measurement body formed by broadcasters, "real time data" on television programme preferences, said the minister.
The data would help in drawing up authentic television viewership ratings.
There has been controversy over the TRPs findings of television ratings agency TAM, a private body, with some accusing it of data manipulation.
Ratings of programmes are used by advertisers to allot their ads to specific channels and programs.
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