Nielsen, the Big Brother-esque media group that measures television consumption, is currently asking panel members to carry around teeny-tiny audio devices that react to "digital signals of audio media" to measure the amount of television being watched outside the home.

What does this mean for you? Once these numbers come out, Nielsen, which is responsible for all media ratings (when's the last time someone cited TNS' numbers?), will be able to tell you how much television we're sneaking in when away from our living rooms. The hours you waste watching Adult Swim at the office on your MacBook? Suddenly quantifiable!

And of course, you know what network whines all the time about not being able to accurately determine their viewership:

For NBC Universal's CNBC, the effort could have a salubrious effect: The business-news network has long claimed it doesn't get credit for its audience, who watch its programs on trading floors and places of business.

But it's not just CNBC that might've just shoved a ratings foot in its blabber mouth.

At NBC, Jeff Zucker is launching half the network's shows on Hulu this fall. So if you plan on keeping Knight Rider around till even mid-season, you better start dedicating your lunch hour, board meetings, and Facebook stalking afternoons to delivering a Phelps-size online ratings boom.