TV Viewing

[Paully_44]

I read an article the other day that said since the writers strike ended, TV viewership is down. The author of the article attributed it not only the strike, but also to people viewing tv shows on the Internet, summer approaching and less time to watch. I am not sure how "they" record viewership anymore.

Got me to thinking, since getting Digital Cable, my viewing habits are completely different. About the only tv shows I watch "live" are sports. Most shows we watch are either On Demand or shows that I have DVR'd. Love that feature so I dont have to sit thru commercials and I can also get thru a show in approx 44 minutes.

Is it just me or has the days of family prime time viewing different now than it was 10-20 years ago?

[Tracy]

I do not watch TV. The kids watch some public television things like Kentucky Afield, Lawrence Welk, This Old House, Clifford, etc. My husband watches a show on the internet sometimes. A few weeks ago the kids were sick, so I let them watch several episodes of Gilligan's Island online.

As far as videos, we may rent one every 2-3 months or so. The kids have some Answers in Genesis videos that they enjoy.

That is about it for the most part. TV is not something that we do much of--and that is intentional; we feel like we are better off doing other things. It helps that we only receive about 1 and 1/2 stations on our TV. We have never paid for TV cable or dish.

So for our family, prime time TV simply doesn't exist!

[MacUser]

Yes.. the digital age is allowing people to watch it later. It use to be you either watched it or missed it. Now it's not so.

Public TV meaning PBS? I didn't know that still existed.

[DaJudge]

I do not watch TV. The kids watch some public television things like Kentucky Afield, Lawrence Welk, This Old House, Clifford, etc.

Sounds like a party at your house!! Tracy:"Hey kids, Lawrence Welk is on!", Kids: "Yay!":lol:

My kids actually only watch an hour or so of TV a day too. They like the shows on Noggin and PBS (although you've gotta watch out for that PBS stuff, they sneak in liberal garbage every now and then)

[Tracy]

Public TV meaning PBS? I didn't know that still existed.

Yep--it is the only station we get in clearly.

[Tracy]

I do not watch TV. The kids watch some public television things like Kentucky Afield, Lawrence Welk, This Old House, Clifford, etc.

Sounds like a party at your house!! Tracy:"Hey kids, Lawrence Welk is on!", Kids: "Yay!":lol:

My kids actually only watch an hour or so of TV a day too. They like the shows on Noggin and PBS (although you've gotta watch out for that PBS stuff, they sneak in liberal garbage every now and then)

They really do enjoy watching Lawrence Welk. It is also a matter of what they are exposed to. If MTV has never been an option, then Lawrence Welk does just fine!

You are right about PBS though--lots of it is garbage. We are very picky.

[soulsearcher]

Give me MASTERPIECE THEATER on PBS and a bowl of popcorn, and I'm a happy camper.

Also, I'm a Classic Movies fanatic, TCM being my favorite channel.

I DVR everything (although TCM is commercial free).

But to answer your question, Paully, yes, family prime-time viewing has changed drastically because entertainment in general is On-Demand.

[DaJudge]

Pretty much everything I watch is on the DVR. I'll delay watching a show that is on live just so I can zap through commercials.

Plus, I'm not home on lots of evenings, so I can catch up with the shows I like at my convenience. Without commercials, an hour show only takes about 40 minutes, so its great.

[Billy n NC]

Yes DVR has changed our viewing habits.. We watch virtually nothing live during prime time. and skipping commercials is the bomb..

But If i do watch live. its Discovery Nationa Geo, animal planet and history channel. HGTV Those are on my favorites remote control button. LOL

[MacUser]

about PBS though--lots of it is garbage. We are very picky.

whew.. good.

[EagerBeaver]

The only shows I watch are The Office and Lost -- and without a TV, I just wait until the day after they air so I can watch them online.

[DeWayneTN]

Billy, it wasn't too long ago you were picking because of my DVR (something like "what's wrong with a VCR?"). I notice how you casually mention you have one now. Now do you see why I wanted one?

I think everything in entertainment is getting more and more segmented - movies, music, television. The writers and networks may have cooked their own goose because television is in a competitve market already, so alot of people moved on. It's a very interesting dynamic, the journey from the family sitting in the living room listening to the radio together to today each member consuming media in different rooms in different ways. Would make an interesting study or research paper.

Personally what I miss about flipping channels is discovering new shows. Now I rely on word of mouth and reviews. Otherwise, when I sit down, I have 3-4 taped shows waiting on me and no time to browse others.

[Billy n NC]

[quote="DeWayneTN"]Billy, it wasn't too long ago you were picking because of my DVR (something like "what's wrong with a VCR?"). I notice how you casually mention you have one now. Now do you see why I wanted one?

IPersonally what I miss about flipping channels is discovering new shows. quote]


Oh Yes DeWayne I am converted for sure. I have seen the light. or in COGOP terms My Light Got Brighter. LOL

During the day while watching my grandsons. I flip the channels and record some daytime showes..

[RamboPreacher]

doesn't everyone have DVR/tivo now? hehhehehe
BSG/Dr. Who/Atlantis are aired, just for me to record and watch at my convenience. - I sometimes wait for weeks before I can or want to watch them, so that I can have the option of watching the next one if it is a cliffhanger-continuation. In fact, I sometimes don't watch the season finale until the next season, so I can watch the final and the new one in the same sitting!

[one love]

I love my DVR it is awesome