Posted on 09/14/2006 7:37:16 AM PDT by qam1
I don't watch TV anymore because... there's nothing to watch. (We don't have cable.)
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I read Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace back in 1995 or so and it poked fun at the demise of TV...and it turned out to be a prophetic comedy.
PCs and soon Mobile phones are starting to function as TVs. Who would have thought that with the advent of the Internet, the telephone is now a much more important communications device then the new fangled TV.
Even with cable, there's still nothing to watch.
Well, we have no TV and no cell phone, so I guess our choice is easy. (We DO watch DVDs on the computer screen, but that is hardly mandatory for our inner happiness.)
Old movies on cold weekends.
TV isn't dead. But "television" is.
My "TV" has a receiver but most of the time, even when I watch something that is "broadcast" (air or cable), I am using the tuner/remote from my DVR or CVR.
So my "TV" doesn't need a receiver of its own (my DVR will even let me record one program while watching another).
Which brings up its other role, as a monitor to display DVDs, laserdiscs, videotapes (VHS and 8mm)...
A lot of people are watching tv shows/concerts/clips on YouTube and other multimedia website. Is that "tv" or "PC"?
The distribution method doesn't really matter when you examine what is being watched.
If someone watches The Sopranos or 24 on DVD (from Netflix or Best Buy) instead of on Fox (live or Tivo), are they still "watching tv"?
The revolution will not be televised!
I have always been a TV junkie and will always be one regardless of what's on.
With broadband, you can downstream shows, or highlights as required. World Cup soccer was a great example of that: downstreamed the SUN UK audio, some of us caught matches on ESPN 360 online, Univision was broadcasting on TV.
In the UK, they offered all matches via broadband!
Well, let's see. Cell phones can connect to the Internet and download streaming audio and video, including motion pictures and broadcast television programs. Computers can make telephone calls using VoIP and can certainly download and play movies and programs on any size screen. Televisions can be hooked up to WebTV and some cable/satellite providers provide two-way service, and cable companies are strating to offer telephone service.
So, my PC can mimic a phone and a TV in any size (Blackberry and Palm to giant Plasma), a phone can mimic a small computer or portable TV, and a TV can provide some of the features of a phone or computer. I guess the convergence is happening, and the question is almost moot.
It was inevitable that tv's place would diminish.
It isn't "gone" and won't completely "go away".
With digital broadcasts, your viewing habits will be capable of being monitored (meaning targeted SPAM, er advertising, and even "live feedback" on gameshows, "top of the pops" video shows, political polls, etc.). Your TV will BECOME a computer.
People are watching tv on their phones now.
The same content is available through different sources.
The GOOD thing is that the "traditional" media schedule will become a thing of the past. No more "news block", junk/rerun block, and MAYBE the trend towards informercials (even on the major network affiliates after midnight) will end.
I have a PC, And a Pocket PC/phone.
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Hey. GUYS! This is called a "girl." They talk, like TVs, but they're warmer and even when they're not plugged in you can often get entertaining shows . . . |
Without a doubt, my PC. Just got a new laptop yesterday...17" screen WOOHOO!!!
I read that book... it was excellent. Didn't care for his other stuff, but 'A Supposedly Fun Thing I'll Never Do Again' wasn't bad.
I don't watch TV either. If I had to choose, I'd pick the computer. Don't use a cellphone either; I have one for emergencies, but I don't use it.
What about Sponge Bob?
:-)
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