Cable boxes identify bargain and lemon commercial slots

Second-by-second data allows analysts to get a closer look at viewing habits

WASHINGTON — Advertisers who shell out big bucks for an ad that runs during a popular television show might be buying a lemon, a new study finds. In the future, detailed data collected from digital cable boxes may help advertisers bargain-hunt for the best deals, researchers suggested August 3 at the Joint Statistical Meetings.