Advances in technology are making observation techniques more useful and cost effective. For example, AC Nielsen upgraded its U.S. Television Index (NTI) system by integrating its People Meter technology into the NTI system. The People Meter is a technology-based rating system that replaces handwritten diaries with electronic measuring devices. When the TV is turned on, a symbol appears on the screen to remind viewers to indicate who is watching the program using a handheld electronic device similar to a TV remote control. Another device attached to the TV automatically sends prespecified information (e.g., viewer’s age, gender, program tuned to, time of program) to Nielsen’s computers. Data are used to generate overnight ratings for shows as well as demographic profiles of the audience for various shows