How many times have you had a to-do list that looks like the Dead Sea Scrolls and in a moment of weakness, you turn on the tv? Just to see what’s on or maybe to add a little background noise as you go about your list. Whenever I do, I get sucked into some Snapped marathon and before I know it, the day is gone and <shamefully> I haven’t accomplished nary an item on my list.
So what do I do? I recently downloaded the Directv app for my iPhone, which would seem counterproductive at first blush. This would seemingly promote more tv watching, not less. Surprisingly though, I seem to be falling in love with the iPhone app because it’s allowing me to be more efficient without missing any of my favorite shows.
Having the programming information at my fingertips, literally, has cut down on my channel surfing. Instead, I can do a search by “title” or browse by time and date to see what’s on. If I find something I like, I can program the DVR from my phone. I never have to turn on the tv except to watch what I want when I want.
Case in point, I was watching a documentary on Harvey Milk, and I wanted to see the feature film. I did a quick search on the app, found out it was coming on in two weeks and set the DVR to record it. My daughter loves it also. We were at the movies the other day and realized we forgot to set the DVR to record the series finale of Wizards of Waverly Place. Not a problem, did it from the theater.
The only thing that prevents this love affair from developing into a full-blown obsession is the inability to see my playlist from my phone. I would love to be able to delete shows from my phone. Other than that, it’s all good.
Sibylla Nash is a Los Angeles-based author and freelance writer.
