Movies and TV DVR Introspection - Page 2

**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.

bishop_74 · 01-31-2009, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baby Lee

Yeah, I know you can plug in multiple tuners, but I'm rarely in a position where there are more than 4 shows that airing at the same time and ONLY at the same time, and on those occasions there are always torrents.

Also, since my PC is in the back bedroom, viewing is a 22" LCD experience, as opposed to a 60" CRT experience.

I watch all my HD wirelessly to my TVs via extenders. That way I have my centralized DVR and can stop my show in one room and resume it in another. No cable holes in my rooms either. I can literally put the TV anywhere there is a power outlet

**Baby Lee** · 01-31-2009, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bishop_74

I watch all my HD wirelessly to my TVs via extenders. That way I have my centralized DVR and can stop my show in one room and resume it in another. No cable holes in my rooms either. I can literally put the TV anywhere there is a power outlet

Are these extenders an XBox 360 thing, or a wireless router thing, because I've never had a gaming console or wireless. I do have a Bluetooth emitter for my Keyboard and Mouse, that also extends to my headset and cell phone.

**Baby Lee** · 01-31-2009, 01:43 PM

More back to the topic, does the fact that you sit down to a list of shows recorded, as opposed to a night of prime time programming, alter your choice of what to watch, what you look forward to, how much attention you pay, marathons versus watch as soon as recorded, etc.

bishop_74 · 01-31-2009, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baby Lee

Are these extenders an XBox 360 thing, or a wireless router thing, because I've never had a gaming console or wireless. I do have a Bluetooth emitter for my Keyboard and Mouse, that also extends to my headset and cell phone.

I see. You will definately need to get your hands on a witless router (A or N bands are the best), and purchase an extended for each TV you want to watch from your computer. You can use a 360, but they have other devices on the market for 100-200. Look up media center extenders on eBay or the interwebs.

01-31-2009, 12:51 PM
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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01-31-2009, 01:43 PM	#18
Baby Lee Supporter Join Date: Aug 2000 Casino cash: $6838598	More back to the topic, does the fact that you sit down to a list of shows recorded, as opposed to a night of prime time programming, alter your choice of what to watch, what you look forward to, how much attention you pay, marathons versus watch as soon as recorded, etc. __________________ We need the kind of courage that can withstand the subtle corruption of the cynics - E.W.
Posts: 95,642