TiVo and downloaded video are very convenient, but I've been thinking about some possible benefits of watching actual broadcasts:
1. You don't get a rewind/pause and you know it, so it forces you to actually focus on the program for a continuous block of time.
2. You get up and walk around every commercial break (which is like every 10 minutes).
With tivo/web:
1. You don't have to focus on it because you can ignore it and rewind or pause and use IM or go to some other website , so ADHD is multiplied by over 9000. It may take days to finish a 1 hour video.
2. You are less likely to get up and stretch.
I haven't watched broadcasts in months, but I haven't literally thrown away my TV yet.
Stumble This
The Terrorists Won.
You've got a point about the getting up/stretching thing though.
I do pay attention to whatever I'm watching, knowing I can rewind if I miss something doesn't make me pay less attention to it. I'm just the opposite, if I need to do something that will take my attention away from the show, I pause it so I don't have to rewind it after I'm done.
If I have to use the bathroom or go to the kitchen or something, I can pause it and take my time. I don't miss having to rush to the bathroom and hope I get back before the commercial break is over.