Big Screen TVs
OK, I realize it is a bit ridiculous that I live by myself and own three television sets. To be fair, however, they are older sets, the big heavy behemoths of yesteryear: two 27″ screens and an old 13″ TV with a VCR built in.
The 13″ was being thrown out by a roommate years ago, which seemed like a waste, so I snagged it. It’s now in my office near my computer. The second 27″ a friend gave me (her landlord had it sitting around gathering dust). It’s now in my bedroom. The third 27″ is in the living room. I like it, actually. It’s big enough to see but it doesn’t take up too much space.
So I guess I don’t quite see the point in this constant TV-upgradamania that we seem to be going through. HDTV – why should I care? I have enjoyed TV for decades without HD so I miss HD about as much as I miss 3D TV. Which is…never.
I remember the first time I experienced HDTV. My mom has one of those huge widescreen TVs in her living room. It’s like a little movie theater in the middle of her home. She told me how much better the picture was with HD. I watched, and I honestly couldn’t see the difference. (My eyes aren’t so great at any rate.) The screen was big for sure, but I did not get the feeling that everyone else raves about, that feeling of “being there.” I know I’m not there – I’m watching a screen!
Many people are now buying these large TVs instead of going to the movies. And I can understand that – movie theaters have gotten to be annoying, what with the ridiculous expense and the stupid people who talk on their cellphones. (Ushers, anyone?)
Still, I can’t help but wonder that it’s entirely eco-inefficient to have every household in the US owning a large screen television just to watch movies. On the other hand, what with suburban sprawl, we’re not doing anyone favors by driving to the movies either. So which is worse? I would guess – and I certainly haven’t done any scientific research on this – that if people carpooled to a movie theater it would still be more eco-friendly than everyone owning a brand-spankin’ new widescreen television set.
Now the government is selling off the analog television signals so everyone in the United States has to either get a digital TV or a converter to use with their old TVs, if they want to receive channels over the airwaves. This would effect me with my old television sets, except that I have DirecTV now. So now people are going to be encouraged to upgrade their TVs or buy converter boxes that will add to more e-waste down the line.
Now, I’m not one of those people who say “Kill Your TV” – I like television, and feel that there is a lot of entertainment and education to be found there (if you look past the cheesy reality shows). However, I like television in moderation. This means I don’t have it on 24 hours a day, and I don’t think it’s necessary to upgrade my TV set every few years just to keep up with the latest technology.
If I really want to watch a widescreen movie at home, I can easily do that on my laptop in bed – it’s comfy, I can put the headphones on, and not worry about disturbing my neighbors. Should I someday live with a man again – and you know how they tend to like gadgets (though let’s not stereotype) – if it means that much to him, I’ll let him fuss around with a TV the size of a small wall. Meanwhile, I’ll stick with my current TVs until they break.
Tags: movies, television
