Why People Prefer DVD to TV

Network TV is in a crisis similar to the problems faced by the music industry. Ratings are not as high as they were several years back and many things are being done to make a profit. Shows are including product placement more often, opening credits and closing credits are being all but eliminated in order to have more time to air commercials, and stunt casting has become very popular.

Why is this happening? I believe there are several factors that have contributed to this problem. One would be the invention of Cable. With so many channels and shows to choose from (and more channels keep coming), people are being pulled away from the "safer" shows that populate network TV. For awhile, this could be seen as a good thing, but lately cable TV has become so mainstream, they're beginning to go the way of the networks. Niche channels such as MTV, Cartoon Network and Bravo have seriously strayed from their original purpose, driving viewers away in the process. What's the point in sticking with a niche network that now plays similar fare to almost any other channel?

I believe another thing that has hurt TV is the fact networks are so dependant on reality shows. Once upon a time, networks were interested in developing truly interesting and unique shows that told a great story. Now, they just want shows that are clones of whatever has already been successful or reality competitions that are cheap to produce and produce big profits. Gone are the days when a network would develop a good show and take time to nurture it. If a show isn't an instant hit, they just cancel it.

Another thing that has been driving viewers away are the pop up ads that are so prominent these days. Who wants to have some dancing, singing graphic encouraging them to watch some new series popping up in the middle of the show they choose to watch, mid-scene, often drowning out the dialogue at key moments? It's intrusive and often causes the viewer to ignore the new show in protest, completely defeating the purpose of the graphic to begin with.

These factors become totally irrelevant when you watch a DVD instead. You can watch a whole series or movie, commercial-free without the annoying pop ups. You can watch your favorite series anytime you want, without worrying about getting pre-empted for an awards show or some other special programming. You also don't have to keep a constant eye of the internet TV listings to keep up with all the timeslots the network moves a show to. If TV executives hope to get the big numbers again, they need to stop pushing us away.