Methods and apparatus to detect and rectify false set top box tuning data

A method to remove false tuning data, the method comprising:

• identifying, by executing an instruction with a processor, in return path data a first group of set top boxes classified as likely to exhibit machine events in tuning data of the return path data more frequently than a second group of set top boxes represented in the return path data;
• determining, by executing an instruction with the processor, whether the first group of set top boxes includes a machine event based on a pattern of the tuning data in the return path data of the first group of set top boxes, the pattern based on comparison of (i) the tuning data in the return path data for respective ones of a third group of set top boxes identified as also associated with corresponding meters that are to report panelist exposure data, and (ii) the panelist exposure data obtained from the meters, the meters separate from the third group of set top boxes;
• and
• improving an accuracy of return path data by rectifying the machine event.

A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising computer readable instructions which, when executed, cause a processor to at least:

• identify in return path data a first group of set top boxes classified as likely to exhibit machine events in tuning data of the return path data more frequently than a second group of set top boxes represented in the return path data;
• determine whether the first group of set top boxes includes a machine event based on a pattern of the tuning data in the return path data for respective ones of the first group of set top boxes, the pattern based on comparison of (i) the tuning data in the return path data for respective ones of a third group of set top boxes identified as also associated with corresponding meters that are to report panelist exposure data, and (ii) the panelist exposure data obtained from the meters, the meters separate from the third group of set top boxes;
• and
• improve an accuracy of return path data by rectifying the machine event.