Wired News had in interesting article on its site about a reporter who cut his cable service and relied on the Internets and DVDs for entertainment. iTunes was certainly the first alternative, but after a week of downloading shows, he realized that his iTunes bill was higher than his cable bill. Also, because he had a family, he found that what little “family time” they did have it was gone now that all family members were watching their shows on their computers.Â
After I read the article, I started to think about my own TV habits, and found that I do like watching shows on my computer (no commercials!) and DVDs (no commericals!). Also, I find that there are fewer and fewer shows that interest me. I think I’m down to “Lost” and “Battlestar Galactica” on my “can’t miss” list. Everything else is greeted with a shrug.Â
I know Ml is not a fan of TV, so she’s excused for the day. ;-) But how about everyone else? Do you find that your TV viewing habits are starting to change?
–PK
J
December 22, 2006 at 8:05 amI like my crap TV, meaning “What Not To Wear”, and a couple of cooking shows. Other than that, I can pretty much take it or leave it. So many evenings now when there’s nothing I want to watch, and I just read my book. I guess that’s why I’m doing ok on my book challenge!
Eric Grubbs
December 22, 2006 at 8:07 amI haven’t had cable for four years and I don’t really miss it. VH1 Classic is amazing and Comedy Central is really great, but that doesn’t justify the cost. Luckily, the rabbit-ears get ABC clear as a bell. So, I’m in luck as a huge LOST fan.
For the time I used to spend channel surfing, I spend it reading, writing and watching DVDs (I’m a huge Netflix fan).
jefito
December 22, 2006 at 8:13 amTiVo. It’s all about the TiVo.
Lalapunci
December 22, 2006 at 8:26 amWe cut the cord on cable tv a long time ago and rely on rabbit ears and dvd rentals for our entertainment. Yeah, I know, I am on the trailing edge of technology and cheap. But hey, the rabbit ear thing is free and the dvd rental is about $20 or so per month. We also choose the times we want to watch a movie.
Py Korry
December 22, 2006 at 8:27 amJ: I’m with you on crap TV, but for me those are shows I can take or leave.
Eric: Since I’m down to “Lost” and “Battlestar,” I could probably cut the cable. But I think my daughter might run away from home if I did that.
Jefito: I don’t know why I just don’t break down and by TiVo. I think it has to do with not having any space to put the damn thing.
Beenzzz
December 22, 2006 at 9:28 amI still watch regular tv and DVD’s. I like the commercial breaks because it gives me time to change the laundry from the washer to the dryer. By the time I get that done, the show is back on. 🙂
Andrew Cory
December 22, 2006 at 10:40 amComcast had a deal running where I could get all the non-premium channels for US$10/month– as long as I signed up for Cable internet. I think I do get US$10/month enjoyment out of random shows on the History Channel, the Colbert Report, and BSG…
Py Korry
December 22, 2006 at 11:38 amWell, as long as you get the Daily Show, Colbert Report, and BSG, what more do you want? Oh yeah, the War, er, History Channel.;-)
lalunas
December 22, 2006 at 12:33 pmYeah, I don’t watch much, because nothing really excites me. The few shows I have latched onto always end up being cancelled. We have increased the amount of channels we get, and you would think that would offer up a better selection of show. It does not. Some times I find myself watching the spanish channels, because they play classic movies. I don’t understand much of the dialog. But what the heck.
Shelliza
December 22, 2006 at 7:39 pmI don’t watch much TV, other than the evening news, some cooking shows and Sesame Street with my son. Honestly, I could go without a TV in our house. Growing up, my father called the TV an “idiot box” and I was allowed to watch too much TV. Instead, I read whatever I could get my hands on. Whenever time allows it, I would rather curl up with a good book than watch TV.
Gina
December 22, 2006 at 8:45 pmI enjoy watching PBS, and Lost is one of my favorite shows ever. Yet, I had almost given up on network television when along came “Ugly Betty,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Brothers and Sisters,” “Men in Trees,” (yes, I’ll cop to watching it!) and “Heroes.”
I seem to be watching more tv than I have in a very long time, even though I didn’t really think I would ever be interested in more than one or two shows at the most. It probably helps that Hubba-hubba works at night, so I have nothing to do but be on the computer, read, talk on the phone, or watch tv!
Ml
December 26, 2006 at 6:25 amGuess what?? I actually watched tv yesterday! Watched Food 911 on Food Network 🙂
Taylor
December 29, 2006 at 11:43 amwe don’t have cable in my apt. right now, and I miss it… if only just to have on in the background sometimes. I don’t really watch that much tv (I usually watch movies when I do watch it), but it’s nice for those times when I’m just in the mood to be lazy.