Now that the lifetime subscription option when you buy a new TIVO has Digital Video Recorders is back in the news headlines, some people are wondering if this is the time to finally take the plunge, and pack away that old VCR. Growth of DVRs has been increasing rapidly, helped in no small part by the increased availability of free all in one set top boxes from cable companies and strong showings from satellite television providers as well. But the real reason for the growth is more likely word of mouth, and going over to a friends house and seeing one in action. Since the concept of recording a show to view later is so mundane, many people don’t realize just how live transforming the technology can be for them when compared to using a VCR. Like so many things, you really do have to experience a DVR in person, and for a period of a few weeks in order to truly grasp the power it holds.
The most transformative thing a DVR does, is that it puts you back in control of your life. You man not realize it, but you are a slave to the television networks, and their schedules. Each and every one of us, has on more than one occasion, made significant changes to our plans because something was going to be on television and we didn’t want to miss it. Almost unconsciously, dinners are planned, homework is completed, and trips are arranged, all in an effort to make sure we are in front of the TV at 8:00pm for our favorite show. Within a few weeks of having a new DVR, an astonishing revelation occurs…you don’t have to rush home. The freedom that you didn’t even know was lost is returned. Now you, the consumer of the content, gets to decide when to watch it. Its easy to setup all of your favorite shows to record automatically, even if they change times or days, they will be there, waiting for you. Therein lies the rub.
Some have said that they don’t want a DVR because they are afraid of becoming addicted to Television. Nothing could be further from the truth. Sure, at first you will sit down and watch each and every show you record with the enthusiasm of chocolate lover at a Hershey’s Kiss convention. Soon however, a new attitude emerges. You begin to realize that you sat down and watched many shows not because you wanted to see them, but more because you didn’t want to miss them! The psychology of rarity was in full play, as the TV networks trained us to sit down and watch, otherwise we may never get to see it. With the artificial shortage gone, you will find after a short time, you are only watching shows you really like. Theres a reason DVR recording capacities are one of the top things on everyones list when choosing one, you will fill it up. Not because you are watching more TV, but because you are NOT watching TV because now all the shows you may want are there if you want them.
Finally, and I know you know about this, a DVR lets you skip unwanted parts of recordings quickly…and sometimes those may even be commercials. Advertisers and the networks that rely of them have been driving themselves absolutely crazy trying to find ways of forcing you to watch their commercials, problem is, that misses the point. DVR owners do not skip good commercials, let me repeat that, DVR owners do not skip GOOD commercials, we back up and watch them again, and so will you. I back up and watch almost every “I’m a Mac” airing, and gave each Iron Man promo, my full attention. So while you can save lots of time by watching a one hour show in forty minutes, often it will be more like forty five. So what are you waiting for? Throw away that old VCR, go out and get that new DVR, and start enjoying your television again.
This article was submitted by Mike as part of a contest we are having on my podcast. His website can be found at mikethinks.com