dvr

Dish Network Corp.’s new DVR is a broadcaster’s nightmare

There’s often a tendency to think that “everyone” uses a particular technology, or uses it in a particular way, when in fact many people don’t. And so it is with DVRs. In most reports, DVRs have been discussed as if they’re completely antithetical to the TV networks’ advertiser-based model; it was assumed that anyone who uses a DVR must be skipping through the commercials. But as Bill Carter reports in the New York Times, networks are starting to wake up to the fact that many DVR users don’t fast-forward the commercials. Some do, but some don’t. Some “forget” to skip the commercials, some might enjoy the commercials, and some may just want to use the commercial break for traditional purposes, like going to the bathroom or getting something to eat or drink. And there’s also the point that an act break kind of needs to have a minute or so of space before the next act; a viewer might not want to dive into the next act right away. It’s why watching shows on DVD can be an unnatural experience.

… and I’m one myself (thanks, Rogers!), so I know what my answer will be, but I’m curious as to whether I’m in the minority …