As I sit here at work, things are winding down and kind of slow, so I was doing some surfing on SOL. I visited some boards I had never been to (tvclassics) and some that I had not been to in awhile (theme songs, britcoms, etc). I wasn't really looking for anything, but just going through stuff.

Which leads me to my ultimate question:

Will there ever be a time that we can find any old show, be it sitcom, drama, news, etc., and watch it as we please? In the technology age we are currently in, we can often watch programs online, although not in the highest quality. Digital cable offers lots of old shows, but because of syndication rights and poor ratings during original runs, shows just disappear. With the DVD player becoming more common, it seems as though lots of programs are reappearing for purchase at home. However, the true fans of the show will want more than just four episodes for $19.99.

I guess this started when I got my Johnny Carson DVD collection for Christmas. I wish that I could simply watch that show anytime. But, there is such a tight reign and a high price on the shows that it's prohibitive to buy many episodes.

So, for our experts out there (TJ, Pav), I'm curious if you have any thoughts. Do you think one day we'll be able to find any show and watch it? I know it might not happen this year, or in five years. To me, there could be money for the production companies or the people who own the rights to start airing the programs. Whether it be Amen, Father Dowling Mysteries or Aaron's Way, it would be awesome to find a show from the past and make it available to the general public once again.


The floor is open... step right up...

Well, I had my post moved to Chit-Chat Room because I mentioned the Sonny And Cher Comedy Hour is coming to DVD in April via mail-order and informercials.(And they don't have a variety show post on here)
I agree that we should see TV Shows on computer,that would be fun to see.

That is an excellent idea. It very possible too. Back in the 50's People had the choice of either watching what was on TV or Not watching at all. Since than we have had VCRs, DVD Players and Downloads of shows on the internet. If you think about how far we have came in the past 50 years, Its hard to say what its going to be like in anouther 50, Or even 10 Years. To one day have a type of computer that will play any show, and any episode that you want to watch sounds like a dream come true now, But in the future it could possibly be a part of everyday life. I Just hope that when/if this day ever comes, That the people of the future will appreciate what they have and realize how far they have come in technology.

Originally posted by Chad Doody
I Just hope that when/if this day ever comes, That the people of the future will appreciate what they have and realize how far they have come in technology.

That'll probably never happen. The people who have the technology are the ones who are spoiled and don't appreciate it. How many of us take advantage of the fact we have say microwaves, DVD's, etc. The people of the future will just complain that their technology could be better. Just like us today.

Originally posted by Brian Damage


That'll probably never happen. The people who have the technology are the ones who are spoiled and don't appreciate it. How many of us take advantage of the fact we have say microwaves, DVD's, etc. The people of the future will just complain that their technology could be better. Just like us today.

I think a lot of us do appreciate the technology... when it's taken away from us.

All I want is to be able to get my old shows for free... is that so wrong? :(

Originally posted by jayman75


I think a lot of us do appreciate the technology... when it's taken away from us.

All I want is to be able to get my old shows for free... is that so wrong? :(

bump...

It sounds like a great idea. I don't think it will happen anytime soon, and if/when it does, it won't be free.

Originally posted by jayman75
bump...

Um sorry to interrupt the theme of the post but ah...what does "bump" mean?

Originally posted by DianeChambers87
Um sorry to interrupt the theme of the post but ah...what does "bump" mean?

The topic hadn't been discussed lately, so I "bumped" it back up to the top. :)

oh lol

Sounds like a great idea, but I'm sure it will be years before this happens. How do you know the rich don't already get this?

they probably do, at least some of them, because I heard about 9 or 10 years ago, that Francis Ford Coppola had a home computer and was sending and recieving e-mail, way back in 1976!!??!!

Maybe in a few years, a COMPLETE interactive TV system will come out that will allow us to watch ANY program we want, at any time.

It's not really that far-fetched.

Originally posted by SBTB Geek
Maybe in a few years, a COMPLETE interactive TV system will come out that will allow us to watch ANY program we want, at any time.

It's not really that far-fetched.

I agree. Already my cable system carries "on demand" movies. Not just recent films, but older ones as well. Maybe somewhere down the line, the on demand menus will expand to include TV shows.

yes, our cable system has an "on demand" system too. They have a lot of shows and movies (mostly from cable) that you can just watch anytime, for free! And you can control the choices just like on a VCR. You can pause, fast forward, or rewind them just using the buttons on the TV remote control. You can even stop and watch something on "regular" TV, or go to bed, or whatever and when you come back the next day you can start the show right where you left off!
But, the movies they have, and some of the shows from NBC, ABC, & CBS (no sitcoms & dramas, though) aren't free. You have to pay for them. But it's only 3-4 dollars.
And, they change all the shows and movies every 1-2 months.