Getting the most out of your television watching
I am a champion watcher of the boob tube. Many moons ago, when hardly anyone read this blog, I did a post about my love of TV. Since that time, we ditched cable and got DirecTV and the magnificent Genie, which allows for whole house DVR and the recording of up to 5 shows at once. Sweet Jesus, I can hardly stand it!
If you don't have a DVR, go get one. Right now. Then come back and keep reading.
If you don't have a DVR, go get one. Right now. Then come back and keep reading.
The first thing to remember is that there is just no need to ever watch television "live," with the exception of sporting events or the Academy Awards, particularly if you'll be on social media during the event. Roughly 1/4 of a television show's run time is commercials. For those of you who are math-impaired, here's a handy chart:
Length of show
|
Time allocated to watch
|
½ hour
|
22 minutes
|
1 hour
|
45 minutes
|
2 hours
|
1 ½ hours
|
3 hours
|
2 hours, 15 minutes
|
What this means is that, let's say you have 3 hours some evening and want to catch up on some TV. You could watch 4 one-hour shows in that time (give or take, allowing for bathroom breaks or snack getting).
Also, if a big season finale is on and you want to be sure to watch it that night so you don't find out spoilers, but you certainly don't want to watch the commercials, use the chart and start watching the show late enough that you'll finish at the same time that the "live" show ends. For example, Monday was The Following finale from 9:00 to 10:00. I started watching at 9:15, missed all those pesky ads, and wasn't behind at all.
And I never thought I'd see myself write this, but I recently started working out while watching TV. Just this morning I watched The Voice while doing squats and arm exercises. Crazy!
And I never thought I'd see myself write this, but I recently started working out while watching TV. Just this morning I watched The Voice while doing squats and arm exercises. Crazy!
Now, truthfully, my DVR is pretty backed up right now due to drinking choir rehearsals, concerts and the meanest of all the bitches, work. And the lovely weather isn't helping matters, but I'll get there, somehow.
Happy Watching!
Five shows at once?! That's awesome! I might be right up there with you on TV addiction. We have three TiVos. I follow all of these rules! I know I'm watching so much TV, but it doesn't feel like as much because I binge watch 2-3 times a week instead of sit in front of the TV every day 8-11 pm. Great post!!
ReplyDeleteYOU RULE!! Love this!! New follower :))
ReplyDeleteI love you you inserted a spreadsheet.
ReplyDeleteQueen Gween the TV Queen!
hahahaha, loved this.
ReplyDeletehated that you incorporated math, though. the idea of working out during commercial breaks often crosses my mind. I've yet to do it.
LOL LOL LOL
ReplyDeleteSteve would be drooling over the spreadsheet. My life is a Designed-by-Steve Spreadsheet!!!
I could not live without our DVR. Preach on, sista
Haha! This is a great post. I don't have cable at all...I just rely on Hulu Plus but when/if I ever decide to get it again I'll have this post to help me maximize my viewing experience! Love your blog :)
ReplyDeleteI really want to try to start working out while watching TV. It seems like the perfect time to, yet I'm just so lazy ha!
ReplyDelete