Movies and TV DVR Introspection

**Baby Lee** · 01-31-2009, 12:51 PM

At first I loved the surface appeal of the DVR, I can choose to watch whatever I want, whenever I want, and no ads.

But I've also noticed that the parameters and limitations of the DVR [as well as all the non-TV accessible obligations, naturally], have led me to erect a new hierarchy of television viewing preferences, and thought people might like discussing the issue.

First off, HD shows get much more attention from me than non-HD, because; 1) they look gorgeous, and 2) they take up 10x a much space on the DVR. So a shitty episode of CSI Miami usually takes precedence even over a great episode of South Park or Top Gear. I still have episodes of Simpsons and Family Guy from last March.

Often when I'm busy, I burn through shows I can follow with minimal attention, as opposed to those that focus on tight narratives [Lost] or visuals [Ugly Betty, Pushing Daisies]. So I'll put an episode of Without a Trace, or L&O SVU, and just catch the plot points while concentrating on chores or studies. This is also how I burn through The Daily Show and manage to keep up. Since Colbert relies more on sight gags [The Word], and airs nightly, there was a point in time when I was 60+ episodes backlogged.

A show as good as Pushing Daisies or Lost, comprise my 'must watch with full attention and must watch right away.' OTOH, I notice how little I really care for a show like Ugly Betty or Prison Break when I see that 6-8 space hogging episodes sit there unwatched.

I've also noticed that for some new shows that sound haven't gotten a buzz around them yet, I'll record the first few episodes and then go check the ratings. If, like The Bionic Woman, the consensus is its a turd, I'll just erase them unwatched and delete the pass.

So how has the DVR changed how you watch, beyond the obvious. What shows are your guilty little red-headed step children? What are your must watch intently and immediately, what are your burn off shows. What have you been turned on [or off] to through means different from the pre DVR culture.

01-31-2009, 12:51 PM	Topic Starter
Baby Lee Supporter Join Date: Aug 2000 Casino cash: $6838598	DVR Introspection At first I loved the surface appeal of the DVR, I can choose to watch whatever I want, whenever I want, and no ads. But I've also noticed that the parameters and limitations of the DVR [as well as all the non-TV accessible obligations, naturally], have led me to erect a new hierarchy of television viewing preferences, and thought people might like discussing the issue. First off, HD shows get much more attention from me than non-HD, because; 1) they look gorgeous, and 2) they take up 10x a much space on the DVR. So a shitty episode of CSI Miami usually takes precedence even over a great episode of South Park or Top Gear. I still have episodes of Simpsons and Family Guy from last March. Often when I'm busy, I burn through shows I can follow with minimal attention, as opposed to those that focus on tight narratives [Lost] or visuals [Ugly Betty, Pushing Daisies]. So I'll put an episode of Without a Trace, or L&O SVU, and just catch the plot points while concentrating on chores or studies. This is also how I burn through The Daily Show and manage to keep up. Since Colbert relies more on sight gags [The Word], and airs nightly, there was a point in time when I was 60+ episodes backlogged. A show as good as Pushing Daisies or Lost, comprise my 'must watch with full attention and must watch right away.' OTOH, I notice how little I really care for a show like Ugly Betty or Prison Break when I see that 6-8 space hogging episodes sit there unwatched. I've also noticed that for some new shows that sound haven't gotten a buzz around them yet, I'll record the first few episodes and then go check the ratings. If, like The Bionic Woman, the consensus is its a turd, I'll just erase them unwatched and delete the pass. So how has the DVR changed how you watch, beyond the obvious. What shows are your guilty little red-headed step children? What are your must watch intently and immediately, what are your burn off shows. What have you been turned on [or off] to through means different from the pre DVR culture.
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