Strawman: Get a DVR

Strawman: Get a DVR

3 months, 1 week ago

The DVR (digital video recorder) has, for some of us, changed the way we watch TV.  It’s allowed each of us to program our own entertainment, watch what we want—when we want—and cut out the commercials.  The DVR we have allows me to select the programs, choose to record first run versions only and then watch them when I have the time. Fast forwarding through the commercials saves me about 18 minutes out of an hour program—which is pretty nice.

Just about the only time I watch live TV anymore is when there’s a big game on—like the Super Bowl.  I like to watch the commercials in the Super Bowl—because they’re usually pretty good.  This year---not so much.

With the Presidential elections on the horizon getting a DVR might not be a bad idea.  Both DISH and DIRECT TV have attractive offers and once you’re hooked up---you’ll be hooked.    It’s no secret that both parties will be buying every available commercial second, meaning that from mid-September through November 6, you and I (well, I won’t) will see nothing but political commercials.

The effect TV has had on getting someone elected has now reached the “you have to be kidding me” level.  Take Florida, for example, where Romney ran 63 TV ads to every 1 that Gingrich ran.  And you know that the current President and his supporters will spare no expense once the game is on for real. I think the commercial barrage will be so heavy and so negative that it may result in voter “tune out” a poor showing at the polls.

And where does that leave you?  Either leaving the TV off---or fast forwarding through the clutter of negative (both sides) political commercials.

So here’s a friendly tip: if you want to learn something about the candidates, buy one of their books, read up on their records, investigate their websites, do some homework.  Most all of that will be factual and easier to comprehend.   If you start now you’ll walk into that voting booth with a better idea than if you base your vote on the last thirty second commercial you saw.

And get a DVR. Be nice to yourself for a change.