Missing TV Add-ons and Adjustments.
My son punched out the second television in about three months. This is the third TV he’s knocked out with unyielding finesse that even Floyd Mayweather would be in awe of. But then, I don’t think Floyd would be gutsy enough to take on his own TV.
Ever since they were available, I’ve always been wary of the flat screen TV’s sturdiness. Which is why I delayed buying mine for the longest time despite that great picture, large size, portability, and the ability to be hung on the wall. Wary because I knew with my son’s condition, there was always going to be a time when the two will clash. He’s taken apart or wrecked many other things in our household so this would be a natural target at the opportune time. But eventually, I gave in, took my chance and purchased one. And sure enough, there were some pushes, shoves, and finally a fatal punch to our first set six years ago. In any case, we’ve gone through four units since then and now the latest one sits knocked out for the recycling center to open up when I will bid farewell to it there.
“…sure enough, there were some pushes, shoves, and finally a fatal punch to our first set six years ago.”
So, this brings me to the three things I have always wanted in TV sets that could help make life easier for all of us.
An In-Built Shield
A lightweight shield against the front of the set that can withstand a punch that may put its lights, rather LEDs, out. It doesn’t need my son to do it, as it could happen in other circumstances as well – a bump, flying object, an accidental swing of the hand, or slipped game controller. I’m sure a half-inch thick plexiglass cover option could do the trick. Or something similar. Sure, we could hang it up on the wall. But then it’s still not exactly out of reach, especially from a flying object. I have been following closely and hoping for that new flexible screen that’s currently available on some cellphones. I’ve also seen someone demonstrate this new screen being hammered lightly and not breaking.
YouTube / New York Post
That could do the trick for sure and save the misery for many of us. Sure, there are protectors and covers already out there like the video below show, but I think one available from the manufacturer would be preferable as it would be better customized fit. Also many people out there are not as good at DIY work as is assumed.
YouTube / SpecSarafidis
Distance Alert/Cutoff
Okay, this next add on or option, while cultivating good habits, could also likely protect the TV from being punched as well. When my kids were young they, along with their friends, would walk up and stand really close to the screen if they saw something interesting, I would urge them to back off and increase their distance from the set. Or stand at least two meters away. But to no avail. I just couldn’t get through. I know I could probably make one of these myself with a motion activated contraption that would turn off the TV if one walks within its range. But an in-built option from the manufacturer would be so cool.
All you do is activate it like you would a parental lock whereby a sensor in front of the TV set would turn it off if anyone came withing two meters of it. The moment they backed off to the set distance, the TV comes on again. Of course, we adults also have a tendency to walk up close to the set if we need to see some information which you can’t see from a distance. Which is why this sensor would be available on a “when needed” option. As mentioned earlier this system would prevent my son from getting too close to it when it is running thereby preventing a punch from him. Because he has always punched the TV only when it was running and he was watching something from close up. May not be perfect as a “punch proofer”, but could likely reduce the possibility. Especially as a way of training your kids early on in their toddler years. So, how about it, manufacturers? Upon researching, I discovered this feature is available on some high-end brand TVs. So the question still remains, can we please have all manufacturers install these as an option for families with children who need to be trained to stay distant from these extremely bright and flashy units?
YouTube / Abt Electronics
In-Built PVR
Now for something I’ve always wondered as to why it’s not included on free standing TVs. I’m sure there can be a workaround in case there are copyright issues involved. Ever since the DVR/PVR was developed, I at least have become a slave to recording a show or movie to watch later as I’m simply too busy to watch it at the time it airs. Also, more often than not, I find myself rewinding because I just missed what the person on TV said or some scene entirely. Now, since all these DVR/PVRs are propriety to the cable company, why can’t the TV manufacturer install something similar, albeit with a smaller recording medium? So, in case I don’t want to pay the extra rent for a PVR or just want to watch on-the-air channels, I can use the facility that comes with the TV.
I’m sure there are some issues with copyrights etc. But I’m sure there can be a workaround; like the show you record will automatically delete after two weeks or so which is ample time for me to catch up at the most. There may actually be some service providers who have this system already independent of the cable company, but I want greater freedom and would prefer it on the TV set itself. I’m sure we could have an in-built SSD drive with enough capacity for say about 3 hours or so.
Now why can’t we have that? I am aware of some solutions for recording a show from streaming TV to watch later, but these tend to be complicated, hence too much effort on the part of the layman. Also, many of these don’t offer the ability to watch one channel and record another. If you research the solutions, it tends to get mind-bogglingly complex – especially for people like me and probably you. I’d be willing to pay that little extra for this option on a TV as long it’s not too much extra. And I’m sure those who don’t watch cable TV but need the flexibility will be thankful. The video below shows some of the options available currently, but is not exactly what I am looking for.
YouTube / Streaming Nerds
Content Evolution
This last one does not pertain to the TV as a unit, but what we are getting as content these days. Rather how it is being delivered and has evolved over the last 30 years or so. I have a bone to pick with the producers and hold them accountable for the likely damage being done to youngsters these days.
I’m touching this somewhat gingerly as it has the potential for showing me as an old crank. But I’m sure psychologists and health experts are likely to agree with me. This is a request to TV producers to dial back somewhat on the crazy edits and special effects they use to attract the viewer to their content. Understandably the competition is very stiff and the temptation to use all kinds of visually and aurally loud content to grab and suck in the audience is irresistible. With the wonderful and powerful computerized tools at your disposal, you are not holding back and have turned our TV screens into a ‘wild west’ of sensory overloading content.
Unfortunately, this topic is pretty big and this may not be the right place for me to rake it up and may require a different post altogether. But I also can’t resist to temptation to touch on it while I have your attention. For a better understanding, we need to take a quick history lesson. I’ve witnessed the transition from B/W to Color TV which was big on its own.
The TVs at that time were a maximum of 25-27 Inches diagonally. There were, however, people who would avoid looking at the screen. They were amazed as to how I could stare at that set for even half an hour. They felt that there was just too much glare coming from the unit and it was staticky and hurtful on the eyes. My dad, who was into electronics, agreed. While he appreciated the new technology, he also pointed out that the glare from these new TVs was greater than from the B/W ones. The best solution is to not sit in front of a TV for too long in the first place. Apart from the slow physical damage, it is also psychologically detrimental to the brain as a passive activity.
Around the 80s, with the advent of computers, a change evolved in the way the content was being broadcast on TV. The video below gives a simple demo.
YouTube / 514oldtv
You might even refer to it as a new art unto itself. Influenced by pop culture and the Music Video phenomena, this increased, manifolds, the effects this content had on our lives’ physical and mental being. Music videos, which I enjoyed greatly then, became the big thing on TV. But the production styles these spawned were to eventually influence the type of content across the entire spectrum of programming. These styles included brief shots, camera tilts, flashes, image manipulation, color manipulation, etc. to grab your attention.
YouTube / Experiments in Fair Use
Originally it moved into ads, and later into anything with a younger audience. E.g. even a staid program on career advice would utilize exiting camera spins, zoom, tilt, and wild graphics! Unfortunately at this time I could not find a good example from that era to share with you. In 1986, when I left SABC (South African Broadcasting Corporation) territory with their spartan and conservative productions to the US which was dominated by MTV like video productions with all manner of over the top special effects, it was quite jarring for me. It was a case of sensory overload – although I was oblivious of it then. When I visited back to the SABC dominated territory in 1990, I was taken aback (and disappointed) as this phenomenon had found its way there too. To be fair, SABC was still far behind the highly competitive US environment.
Fast forward to the flat screen and HD era. All the above paired up with the larger, brighter, HD screen. Our brain, despite its unbelievable sophistication, is being punished by this information and sensory overload. I feel very sorry for the today’s younger generation as being bombarded by this is now the norm. Psychologists and scientists are alarmed by the changes in children’s brains. Unfortunately, young adults are completely beholden to their portable devices as we were to TV. We can’t alter their habits. The following gives a perfect example of what was cutting edge stuff from the 60s on steroids in the 2000s. Notice the increase of content and speed. What’s the purpose?
YouTube / carllafong69
Can the producers, please take more responsibility and reduce the sensory overload aspect of their offerings? Too much CGI and flashy special effects to the viewer is very damaging. I now realize what those who hated the site of color TVs meant decades ago. Of late, I’ve even started resorting to taking the color completely out of the picture and turning the image into a BW one. Give it a try. The results should be interesting. Somewhat soothing – takes you back to what some perceive as “simpler times” in a manner of seconds.
To say that we’re in the Information Age, is an understatement, but we need to be in control of this information and how we receive it. And that too without overloading our senses. Hopefully you’ve enjoyed some of the things I’ve gotten off my chest and have given you some food for thought. And it all started with my son literally knocking the lights out of our flat screen TV. The last point I’ve made regarding the sensory overload from this medium is likely contributing to this behavior on his (and likely other ‘normal’ people’s) part. See, how it all comes back full circle again.
This is not the last you might hear from me on the subject of technology and how we need to ensure we have better control over it rather than letting it control us as it seems to be currently.
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