How will Nielsen Audio improve its PPM system when it makes promised enhancements later this year?
For one thing, it will increase its “code density” to help improve the system’s sensitivity in challenging environments.
This was one of the proposed changes listed by Nielsen Audio Chief Engineer Arun Ramaswamy in the national client webinar Tuesday on which we reported.
According to an attendee’s notes from that presentation, Nielsen told clients that it has been working for more than a year on its Critical Band Encoding Technology, or CBET.
To refine its measurements and credited listening, it said, it will also allow for higher code amplification levels, “with industry acceptance.” It promised not to compromise audio quality for stations, and said its planned improvements would be implemented in a “non-distortive, non-subjective” manner, and implemented across its system.
Also planned is a new encoding monitor, according to the attendee notes. This new in-station monitor, Nielsen promised, will feature modern network and monitoring interfaces, a “quality of encoding” indicator and a cell modem for remote communications. Ramaswamy told attendees that it will use the same detection logic as the PPM.
Meantime, it also said it will be working with the Media Rating Council “to further understand the relationship between the PPM system technology, the potential for increased detection of codes in audibly challenged environments, and the proper crediting of such listening.”
The company said it should have more to tell clients about the CBET rollout in September.
