"LOST" Biggest Hit with DVR Viewers

"LOST" may have cooled off in the ratings as opposed to the previous two seasons, but as Variety reports, a lot more people than it is reported in the Nielsens actually watch the drama thanks to DVR playback.

The Nielsen ratings normally take into account only the time-delayed DVR viewing of "LOST" that occurs by 3:00 a.m. the night following the original broadcast.

"LOST" is however the leader when it comes to the so-called "live plus 7 day" averages, posting a surprisingly large jump to 13.8 million total viewers and 6.2 rating in the 18-49 demo (vs. 11,7 million and 5.0 rating).

Only 15% of American homes own DVR equipment for which reason this 24% spike in "LOST" ratings is very impressive.

An average owner of a DVR is normally wealthier and more educated than a typical viewer, and also more likely to time-shift TV.

Millions more viewers are believed to be watching the drama via alternative platforms: ABC.com Video Player, Apple's I-Tunes, DVDs, etc.

Other shows that gain most viewers via DVR playback are "Heroes," "The Office" and "24."

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