Clap-o-meter

One of the first appearances of a clap-o-meter was in 1956, on the British TV game show Opportunity Knocks, developed and presented by Hughie Green.

[3] In 1989, Green unsuccessfully attempted to sue the New Zealand Broadcasting Corporation for copyright infringement over a similar programme.

[citation needed] This was apparently the case on Opportunity Knocks, where the clap-o-meter was not used to actually determine the winners and was disclaimed with the phrase "Remember, folks!

A studio audience can be polled by a simple show of hands, or for more visual impact by having them hold up different coloured cards indicating their vote.

These options are more accurate than a clap-o-meter but lack the element of excitement generated by frenzied applause.

In recent years, phone voting has become the main method of deciding popularity in talent shows.

Original "Audience Reaction Indicator" used on British TV game show "Opportunity Knocks"
The original "Audience Reaction Indicator" used on British TV game show Opportunity Knocks