US-based audience measurement specialist Rentrak has been granted a patent for the system it uses to measure the status of set-top boxes (STBs).

Rentrak says the method - which identifies when TV sets are off, but the set-top box is on - is a 'crucial' component of its 'massive and passive' ratings service, due to the fact that STBs are often left on when TVs are switched off. The company’s approach 'includes more than 10,000 statistical models to identify specific viewing situations.'

Vice Chairman and CEO Bill Livek says of the award: 'This is great news for Rentrak and the video industry. This patent recognizes the fact that only Rentrak has the intellectual property and years of experience to precisely measure TV viewing everywhere.'
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