I have a standard cable box attached to my TV and, during times of troubleshooting, the rep on the phone has said, Let me access your controller to see if I can determine the problem. I'm just wondering if, since they have such control over the box's performance, can they also 1) determine what I might be watching at a given moment and 2) track what I watch over, say, a 24-hour period. Thanks to all who reply!
Well seeing as they provide the content I'd say it's a safe bet that they know every second of your viewing.
Yes cable companies use this technology to determine what shows the public like to watch, when people watch tv, etc. This helps them decide their programming guide. They strive to get max. number of viewers because companies pay lots of money to advertise with them (commericials) more viewers more people watching commericials more money for advertisers happy cable company. They know exactly what you are watching and when you are watching it and they are using that information to make profits.
