Aaaah, the digital video recorder (or DVR for those of you still living in the 20th century). Other than the Clapper and the Internet, it could possibly be the greatest invention of all time. Those of you who have one (and doesn't everyone these days?) know that once you experience the joy of skipping commercials, watching shows at your leisure, and being able to pause live tv...you CAN NEVER go back. Who has time to spend an hour watching what can be a 40 minute show? What do people without DVR do when faced with the dilemma of American Idol and Biggest Loser being on at the same time? It's frightening to think about.
All of that being said, having a DVR has at least one disadvantage. Even though a recorded tv show can be watched faster than on live tv, I think (no, I know) we end up watching more tv OVERALL in our home than we would otherwise. This is obviously because we can record anything and everything we might possibly want to watch. We can record two things at once. We always have a list of shows we love, just begging for our attention. It's really gotten bad lately.
For example, on our unit, we can have a possible 50 shows set to record. We currently fill all 50 of those spots. Out of the 50, 15 are mine, 3 are shared (shows that Brandon and I watch together) and the rest are his. Just because I know you are dying to know (you can tell alot about a person by the shows they record), here are my shows, in no particular order:
Jon & Kate Plus 8; The View; Biggest Loser; Barefoot Contessa; Diner's, Drive Ins, and Dives; King of Queens; Rachael Ray; Paula's Best Dishes; Oprah; Ellen; Cooking for Real; Giada at Home; 30 Minute Meals; 17 Kids & Counting and Rachael's Vacation. (Yes, most of them are on the Food Network.) Our shared programs are: American Idol, The Office, and CSI.
Obviously I'm not opposed to television, but I think too much of it is harmful for many reasons (makes you fat, kills quality family time, brings worldly influences into the home, overstimulates kids, etc.). I do try to make a conscious effort to have the tv off for a good chunk of the day... but it's hard to resist sometimes.
So, what do ya think? Is the DVR a blessing or a curse?
(Oh, and if you want to share what shows you record, I wouldn't hate it.)
8 comments:
I just fell in love with the DVR. I find it a blessing because then I always have something to watch while folding clothes. I really only record 3 shows so maybe that is why it is still a blessing. I record: NCIS, Without a Trace, ER (it is the final season so I had to go back to my roots to see the end). I also think it is a blessing because then I can watch my shows without my kids being around. I am more aware what is said on TV when they are awake mainly because I am not ready to answer certain questions. Another blessing is I can record the favorite kid shows and they can watch them whenever I need a few minutes. One last blessing, the football games I watched with Brian were so much better shorter.
This is really long but I do see the curse of it, but I am not going to let it ruin a good thing right now.
When I was single and lived with friends, we had DVR. I miss it. I really cannot stand how long commercials are. Such a waste of time!
Love DVR’s! I record “Mommy Shows” and watch them when little eyes are not around. My favorite “Mommy Shows” are: Grey’s Anatomy, Scrubs, DHW, Private Practice, and the list goes on, and on and on! Great post Carl!
All my shows are crime related (Cold Case, etc) or on HGTV. Well, not counting Biggest Loser and American Idol, of course! Oh, gotta go make sure they are both recording!
BLESSING! No question. I also record PBS shows for the boys to watch after dinner. I let them watch TV for only 1 1/2 hours a day. (ONLY!, That sounds like a lot.) I find it helps them unwind and settle down before bedtime. Also, then I have an answer ready when they inevitably ask to watch a show during the day. "Sorry, we just watch TV after dinner." I find it helps me be aware of how much they are watching and limit it to quality shows that I really like and not just the best thing available in that time slot.
And for the adults, I also think it is a blessing. I will admit, I like to watch TV. But I always feel like I am wasting valueable daylight hours if I watch it during the day. (Note: I did not feel like this when I only had 1 kid though. Now with 3, I can BARELY keep up, so no more daytime TV)
So I limit myself too, I usually get about 2 hours in per evening with Rog, and then another hour solo while putting Skye to sleep. I completely agree that we religiously watch TV in the evening courtesy of the DVR, but I really think I would watch TV anyway at night, I just like it. And at least I can watch a show I really like, not just whatever is on. Plus, I am COMPLETELY intolerant of commercials now and absolutely refuse to watch them.
Oh - and right now I record the Office, Biggest Loser, Idol,Cash Cab and Last Restaurant Standing. Occasionally I will catch an episode of House.
One more thing - I notice the shows you record are lots of cooking shows. Could this explain the huge disparity between your delightful kitchen and my dismal one???
Hey Nikole! it's Jannali Wood..from the good 'ol 9th ward. So I love your blog your family is so cute! I found it on Brittani's and loved reading them. hope all is well!
Hmmm, I would have to say its a BLESSING. I don't know how I would ever survive without it and it sure helps to have a bunch of fun shows to watch at night when the house is quiet and everyone is fast asleep. But I do see how people could become couch potatoes. Heck, when Stella came home from the hospital and slept all hours of the day, I admit I was completely glued to the TV and I was thrilled to have the option to fast forward commercials and stuff. I guess it's all about limiting the amount of TV that we watch. I will say that I absoluetly can't go back to the olden days now, I am addicted and don't know what I would do without it.
My current list includes: The Bachelor, Prison Break, American Idol, Fringe, Private Practice, Grey's Anatomy, Ellen, Without A Trace, Wheel of Fortune, HGTV stuff, Jon and Kate Plus 8, and every once in awhile I will record a movie or two.
Hi sister, I love the tivo. What will I ever do without it when I become a big girl and move out? My recorded shows include: Gossip Girl, One Tree Hill, Ellen, Biggest Loser, The Hills, The City, Americas Next Top Model, Project Runway, and Sober House.
I'll be the first to admit all I care about is reality TV that has anything to do with fashion, weight loss, or beauty. I'm vain. So sue me. (:
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