broadcast vs. timeshift / web video
TiVo and downloaded video are very convenient, but I've been thinking about some possible benefits of watching actual broadcasts:
1. You don't get a rewind/pause and you know it, so it forces you to actually focus on the program for a continuous block of time.
2. You get up and walk around every commercial break (which is like every 10 minutes).
With tivo/web:
1. You don't have to focus on it because you can ignore it and rewind or pause and use IM or go to some other website , so ADHD is multiplied by over 9000. It may take days to finish a 1 hour video.
2. You are less likely to get up and stretch.
I haven't watched broadcasts in months, but I haven't literally thrown away my TV yet.
5 Comments
Farhad2000Getting up and stretching?
The Terrorists Won.
SarzyIf it takes you days to finish a one hour video... maybe you're watching the wrong shows?
NetRunnerI find I can focus on Tivo'd shows just fine, if I want to. Some shows I make a point to just watch, others (mostly news/politics stuff) I let play while I websurf.
You've got a point about the getting up/stretching thing though.
jimnmsThe only thing I miss out on by fast forwarding through the commercials is the ads for new shows. I missed out on a few new shows that started over a year ago, so now I'm playing catch up.
I do pay attention to whatever I'm watching, knowing I can rewind if I miss something doesn't make me pay less attention to it. I'm just the opposite, if I need to do something that will take my attention away from the show, I pause it so I don't have to rewind it after I'm done.
If I have to use the bathroom or go to the kitchen or something, I can pause it and take my time. I don't miss having to rush to the bathroom and hope I get back before the commercial break is over.
jwrayThe trouble with TV is that it's hard to make a 30sec advertisement shine without filling it with mindless action. Subtlety is lost on the 30sec format.
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