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.

I just hate that their isn't a bigger HDD in it.

I can record like 70+ Hrs of SD but only about 12 Hrs of HD

It would be nice to be able to add an External HDD for more space too.

Dish is 40 hours HD, approx 400 SD, and they allow encrypted external HD attachment by USB [ie, the files won't mean anything anywhere except attached to the satellite receiver]. Interestingly, you can plug the satellite HD directly in to your computer and extract unencrypted files. They don't encrypt the internal HD.

This isn't a DVR thing, but more of a digital TV thing. I've noticed that, now that we have a guide, I tend to only watch shows I already know. Back in the day, I would just flip around until I saw something interesting. Now, though, i just skip over all of those that don't have an interesting title in the guide. I feel like I'm probably missing out on some interesting shows because of that.

Thats strange.

Do you know what size HDD is in the box internally?

I don't ever see myself switching from cable, but I'd like to know a few things about Dish, if you can answer.

About how much would it cost for 4 HD Recievers w/ the DVR included?

If that doesn't make sense, I'll lay it out.

We have 4 HDTVs, 1 for the living room, 3 for the bedrooms. I want a HD DVR for each. If it is a lot cheaper than cable then I may switch, considering you get so much more recording time.

Don't use somebody else's DVR. Build your own out of a computer and use a TB size HD. Problem solved

I think mine is 320G [VIP 622], and I think the 822 is 500G.

What exactly do you need to build this? Somehow you have to get it to take a cable in, right?

My PC is set up for OTA HD, so that's an option if the DVR is getting full or there are more than three must sees on at the same time [or overlapped], most often when KU is playing in prime time, Monday's already chock full as it is.

Vista media center records 3 programs at the same time. You will just need to purchase the 2 additional tuners for your PC

So you use an Antenna then, I see.

I love this stuff and have been using it ever since the 360 came out. All you need is a tuner card ( or 3) in your computer and a wireless extended connected to any tv you want to stream or watch recorded TV on. I am using 3 xbox 360s ash extenders

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.

Threw it away 2 years ago when I figured out cable by law has to transmit QAM over basic cable for free. Picked up an HD Homerun and now get all my HD for free over basic cable

There are some cable cards out there, but Cable and Satellite are loathe to release their premium content to a device directly connected to the internet for obvious reasons.

And for me, cable runs to my roof, but is lopped off at the stanchion. I've never had cable at this house.

I picked up a $40 4'x2' old timey roof antenna from Home Depot, RCA I believe. Anchored it to my prior satellite stanchion, when I got the new super dish. Everything is 95% reception or better, most never drop off from 100%.