Why I Don't Want To Imagine A World Without A DVR

Over the past several weeks, I haven't had much time to sit in front of my television when my favorite shows come on. I've either been out of the house, working, or doing something that wouldn't allow me to watch anything live.Luckily, though, I accessed my favorite shows on my DVR and TiVo. Whenever I had a chance to check out an episode, I did. And when I realized that what I was watching was really not worth it, I deleted it and moved on. Best of all, I didn't have to watch a single commercial.[Image credit: Leo Reynolds]

My DVR experience over the last several weeks has solidified my belief that a world without the DVR is one that I don't want to live in. In fact, I think it would be a crying shame if we were forced to go back to a time when the DVR wouldn't be available.

I realize that there are many people that don't have DVRs and they're just fine without them. They sit down at a specified time each night to watch their favorite shows, and they might even enjoy watching commercials. It's a ritual of sorts that they've grown comfortable with. And it's something that those people wouldn't want to lose.

But I have a different take on it. I'm one of those people that can't stand online ads, commercials, or any other advertising initiative that distracts me from what I'm trying to enjoy. So, when I have the chance to skip commercials, I can't wait to take advantage.

There's also the issue of watching all the many shows I want to to watch. At any given time, I might have two or three shows on that I would really like to watch. Rather than pick one, DVRs afford me the opportunity to not miss either show. It's a great option that I think far too many people look past when they're deciding against buying a TiVo or paying just a few bucks a month for their cable company-provided DVR.

[aquote]TiVos aren't exactly flying off store shelves[/aquote]

Of course, I realize I'm not covering new ground by saying DVRs are a fine option for the living room. And I'm sure the vast majority of you out there agree with everything I'm saying. But I wonder — given TiVo's history and the sub-par quality of standard DVRs — if enough people see value in them. TiVos aren't exactly flying off store shelves, and I'm still shocked by the number of people in my life who aren't using DVRs — and see no reason to do so.

There appears to be a divide among those who are DVR owners and those who are not. One group couldn't live without DVRs, and another can't see a reason to live with them. Whereas some say they're worth the cost, others say that they aren't. And although there are some folks who say DVRs give us more time to do other, healthier things in our lives, like read a book or take a walk, detractors say they keep us tied to our couch.

So, what's the truth? At the end of the day, it all depends on the individual. But as far as I'm concerned, DVRs offer a host of benefits — and very little, if any, downside.