• by Wayne Friedman , August 18, 2017

Many TV analysts say “viewing” metrics are really just “tuning” — not people actually focusing their eyes on the screen.

TVision Insights’ technology measures “eyes on the screen.” Microsoft Kinect devices are installed on panelists' TVs and sensors can track eye movements of multiple people in a room. Other technology can detect audio, which can determine programming on TV.

For the second quarter of this year, the company said, CBS had the highest index overall for "attention" in three of five dayparts. In a prime-time period -- 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. -- CBS earned a 109.5 attention index.  ABC was next at 106.1, NBC at 104.5 and Fox with 98.4.

The top five broadcast shows were: NBC’s “Running Wild with Bear Grylls,” a 142.5 index; NBC’s “Hollywood Game Night,” 139.6; ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy,” 132.3; CBS, “Ransom,” 132.1; and CBS’ “Superior Donuts,” 128.2.

The top cable TV shows were: TLC’s “My Big Fat Fabulous Life,” 184.2; A&E’s “Born This Way,” 168.9; E! “Second Wives Club,” 156.8; Animal Planet's “Alaska: The Last Frontier: The Frozen Edge,” 152.5; and TBS’ “The Detour,” 151.1.

The top OTT programs were: Netflix’s “House of Cards,” 133.8 index; Hulu’s “Casual,” 132.9; Netflix's “Grace and Frankie,” 121.5.

The research was collected from April 1, 2017 to June 30, 2017, from 7,500 individuals in Boston, Chicago and Dallas. All demographic data was self-reported by the respondents.