Real-time TV vs. VCRs, DVDs, DVRs, and Blu-Rays

[HardyGirl]

OK, most of us on this forum remember a time when something special was on, you had to watch it right then, or you were outta luck. Remember Saturday morning cartoons, holiday specials, and that cliff-hanger episode of the SMDM you just HAD to watch?

Now things are different. Most of us own some recording device, and/or tapes, DVDs and Blu-Rays of a lot of our iconic, memorable TV shows and movies, (including yours truly). But sometimes, I remember back to those days of "real-time must see TV", and even though I have it on tape, (or even a few DVDs), I'll find myself waiting for that Charlie Brown special, or Star Trek ep, 'cos it reminds me of a time of anticipation.

Anyone else guilty of this?

[MegoMonk]

I know what you mean. My wife is only 7 years younger than I, but she does not remember the pre-VCR days too well. The Wizard of Oz, March of the Wooden Soldiers and various Charlie Brown cartoons were annual events I always looked forward too.
I am online right now, because I scrolled through 200 channels and cannot find anything to watch on cable. I'm amazed that in the 70s I could always find something to watch, even though we only had 8 channels.

[z3zep]

Yes, I have all the Christmas cartoons on DVD, but still look for them and watch them on regular TV instead.

[johnnystorm]

We DVR a lot of stuff, and I find it builds up until I have 5 or 6 episodes of a show to watch. It's great too for sports events, so you can fast forward through time outs and commercials.
There are some things I still never miss "live". The Walking Dead being one. Daily local news reports.

[madmarva]

I like having my cake and eating it, too.

I've got most of my favorite films and toons that are available on DVD or Blu ray, but I also love finding one of my faves on TCM or the holiday specials on network TV like others have mentioned. May have something to do with the communal experience. Something affirming about knowing other like minded people are watching along with you.

As for regular TV, I generally rely on the DVR unless its sports because of odd working hours and the ability to speed through commercials.

[Bruce Banner]

I remember that "real time" anticipation well, in the years before we had a VCR.
Whether it was the debut of a new Saturday morning cartoon show I'd been waiting for, or a new episode of Battlestar Galactica, or waiting for the Star Wars Holiday Special to start, those are memories of a much loved, simpler time.

[mazinz]

jajaja Tv guide was an essential piece to have back then, but I am totally with you on this Hardygirl

[wayne foundation 07]

Your right, I guess its about the anticipation, alright The Great Pumpkin is on tonight! I 'll dvr if I have to, but when I can I would prefer to watch them live.Just part of being brought up when we were.

[Hulk]

I have Roku on 3 TV's, and will be getting rid of my DirecTv when my contract is up in June. Thank you Netflix, HuluPlus and Amazon Prime, et al.