Television Aboard

E

El and Bill

New member
Joined
Nov 8, 2003
Messages
3,200
Reaction score
0
C Dory Year
2000
C Dory Model
22 Cruiser
Hull Identification Number
Sold in 2012
Vessel Name
Halcyon
Following along with the sequence of discussions on Radio Aboard and Internet Aboard, we figured there should be a post about Television Aboard. Here is our opinion:

UGH
 
You know, had I not moved out to an old farmhouse with poor TV reception, I'd probably have still been a boob tube couch potato.

Seeing all the youth of today performing all sorts of activities with an iPod or such plugged in, it's amazing to me all the things they are missing out on... or out on which they are missing?

The younger kids are actually in a hypnotic state most of the time whilst watching TV.

Nowadays, I'm beginning to see that TV was our generation's iPod! Simply not having that constant bombardment of the senses opens myriads of new sensations, sights, sounds, free thoughts!

Bill and El, you guys were on the leading edge of getting back to the real world!


Thanks,

John
 
Lets see--internet for U Tube and no TV...We do the opposite. We do have at least a Small TV aboard for local news and weather--don't look at it often, but it's there. But I grew in a generation with no TV. My parents didn't buy a TV until after I was in college. I didn't own a TV until 4 years after finishing my Residency--or 8 years out of college.
 
OK, I'll represent the other side. 8) We have a small tv/dvd/am/fm unit onboard. We use it when there's reception, and don't lose sleep over it when there isn't. I like the Today Show in the morning (and local weather) and some occasional Tonight Show if I can stay up that late. It hasn't gotten to the point where I TiVo the sunrise so I can watch it later, but again, it's a matter of what makes you comfortable onboard. We are not zombies, addicted to the tube... I'm on the computer right now (thank you wireless broadband :wink: ) and Joan is reading. There's a steady rain falling - I will sleep good tonight (hopefully, it will keep that local cat away). I don't need a Wallas or a fridge, but they also make our cruising more comfortable.

During out time in the Keys, we didn't have tv reception for over a month... didn't miss it a bit. We did watch 2 or 3 dvds during that time (a couple times we had "movie double-date night" with Discovery's "BIG screen). Similar situation at Lake Powell... well, we brought a couple dvds our daughter lent us, but we haven't watched them yet.

Whatever "floats your boat"... tv, no tv; computer or not; single or twins; integrated or separate electronics; beer, wine or Diet Dr. Pepper; blankets or a Trav-a-sack; cooking in or eating out; camperback or topless. If it works for you, enjoy it while you're cruising.

My 2 pesos, absolutely no charge... if you call in now on the number provided on our infomercial. :mrgreen:

Best wishes,
Jim B.
 
James..... Now you've done it! We are all now expecting you to Tivo the sunsets and post them here daily!

John
 
I'm on Jim B's side of this issue.

A television is a tool and like any tool it can be used well or it can be misused.

Yes, there is tons of cr@p on TV, but then there are some really decent shows and news reports that can be entertaining and valuable.

The key in my mind is to control the tool and not let it control you. Speaking of which, I think a television is a lot less controlling than the internet because it is much less interactive. Sure people get lazy and unproductive watching television, but they seldom run away with a stranger because of it (I'm thinking MySpace and child predators).

I like the idea of having both the internet and television available on my boat and ME deciding how and when to access them.

"Everything in moderation" as my dad used to say.

I will admit that I did buy the boat so that my boys would have something other to do than to watch TV, but there are times even on the boat that having them zombie out in front of a movie is a good thing when the Mrs. and I need to move about in an unrestricted fashion (docking or similar).

BTW, I don't think there is a right or wrong answer to this question, just different opinions.

-Sarge/Carl
 
Absolutely right, Sarge/Carl -- no right or wrong on radio aboard, kind of music, internet access, or whether a tv should be aboard -- fortunately, in this country and Canada, we have the ability to choose -- and then its all a matter of opinion. But, a person without an opinion is sorta like a salad without dressing, or a g&t without the g, right? All of us are different and have our own choices and opinions and that's what makes this site -- and people -- interesting.
 
When we wintered over in Majorca--we purchased a Spanish Television (PAL)--black and white. At that time Spanish TV was censored--not too bad however--the news was a farce, but there was good opera, musical's, weather and it was another way for us to re-inforce our use of the spanish language. We usded the same TV in France, Germany, Holland, Denmark etc--but the language was a bit more of a stretch--it still helped with our learning.
 
Back
Top