[Tree of Liberty]

DirecTV and Dish do collect viewing information in aggregate. That's one of the purposes of having the STB plugged into the phone line. Tivo does it also. That's how they were able to tell what the most rewound paused segment was during the Oscars.

[Mr.Crimson]

and what was the most rewound segment?

[Humidston]

We have a receiver in the bedroom and I sometimes hear odd sounds when all's quiet. I suspected as much. Thanks for confirming.