This article examines a 15-year period in TV ratings history, 1984-1999, and a key ratings battle that ensued against the giant Nielsen by four competitors: Audits of Great Britain, R. D. Percy, Arbitron, and System for Measuring and Reporting Television. The result of these contests led to significant product differentiation, including a new method, called the Peoplemeter, the new A/P meter technology for an era of digital television, and research into a more truly passive methodology as well as to changes in sampling size.