Abstract: A display interface device and method for determining a currently tuned-to channel of a set-top converter box having an electronic display that indicates the currently tuned-to channel via seven-segment display elements in response to drive signals provided thereto by the set-top converter device. The display interface device includes an electrical connection to the electronic display and a controller. The controller receives the drive signals over the electrical connection and generates information representative of the currently tuned-to tuned channel for use by downstream components. The information representative of the tuned channel may be output as an ASCII value representative of the currently tuned-to channel. The display interface may be part of a viewership metering system when used in conjunction with a viewership collection meter to determine viewer habits.

Abstract: A signal strength meter for use in determining an optimal position of a magnetic pick-up device. The signal strength meter includes a vertical synchronization processing circuit, and audio processing circuit and a power and control circuit. The signal strength meter receives vertical synchronization and audio signals radiated from a television set, as well as an audio test signal directly provided by a pattern generator. The signal strength meter determines parameters such as a phase stability of the vertical synchronization signal detected by the pick-up device, a level of the audio signal detected by the pick-up device, an audio phase measurement of the audio signal sensed by the pick-up device with respect to an audio test signal input directly to the signal strength meter, and an audio noise floor measurement.

Abstract: A tuner interface device and method for determining a currently tuned-to channel of a set-top converter box having an electronic tuner that is addressable over a bus within the set-top converter box. The tuner interface device includes an electrical connection to the electronic tuner and a controller. The controller monitors communications over the bus for a unique identifier of the tuner and for commands to change channels that follow the unique identifier. When the unique identifier is received and it is verified that the commands to the tuner are to change a channel, the controller generates information representative of the new tuned-to tuned channel for use by downstream components. The information representative of the tuned channel may be output as an ASCII value representative of the currently tuned-to channel. The tuner interface may be part of a viewership metering system when used in conjunction with a viewership collection meter to determine viewer habits.

Abstract: A system performs audio matching to determine the channel to which a television set is tuned. In one embodiment, the system feeds two audio signals to primary and secondary windings of an audio transformer, and employs an output signal taken from a center tap on the primary winding to determine whether the audio signals match. In another embodiment, the system detects transitions of the two audio signals, produces a pulse for each transition, and compares the pulses to determine whether the signals match.

Abstract: A system performs audio matching to determine the channel to which a television set is tuned. In one embodiment, the system feeds two audio signals to primary and secondary windings of an audio transformer, and employs an output signal taken from a center tap on the primary winding to determine whether the audio signals match. In another embodiment, the system detects transitions of the two audio signals, produces a pulse for each transition, and compares the pulses to determine whether the signals match.