Before I get into my rant about how cool TV on DVD is, I must first say that even with the convenience of TiVo and the opportunity to watch shows on DVD, there is nothing like watching a television program as it airs. The excitement, anticipation and the anxiety that one feels when watching a new episode of their favorite show, are feelings unmatched by any substitute viewing occasion.

Nevertheless, although having a show on DVD does not invoke the same sensations as it may when a new episode premieres, it does press on a few feelings, which serves more as a value-added emotion. For one the extra features (when done correctly) can really help you appreciate an episode or a season of a particular show, a lot more than you would normally. For example, when listening to the audio commentary of the director for a particular episode, it a grants you a front seat row to the director intent on camera angles, scenes, lighting, etc. The commentary allows you to understand the overall message and emotions that the director, the writer or even the actor was trying to convey in a particular episode. Of course this type of feature is usually only beneficial to die hard fans of the shows because they are the ones who would appreciate it the most. Also other extra features, such as behind the scenes footage, bloopers, gag reels, interactive stuff, etc, would be cool too, as they allow you to feel a part of the show that you have invested so much time in.

In addition to the sense of belonging that one feels from the extra features on a TV-DVD, there is also a kind of satisfaction that is hard to describe. The “whip-appeal” that a DVD has is amazing. The smell of a freshly packaged box set, the sense of control you have with each episode, and most importantly, the pride you feel when adding another show or another season to collection feels amazing.

So although, I will not stop watching my favorites shows as they air, I am starting a collection of DVD’s because of its “Je Ne Sais Quoi” that I just can’t explain. So stay tuned to future posts as I update you on my growing TV on DVD collection.

For many years, HBO has entertained us with innovative and groundbreaking shows that have took us places unimaginable in the world of TV. Whether you like or dislike any of the shows on HBO, with every show like a mini feature film, no one can argue about the quality of the programming. The network is alluring, because it serves as the Ritz Carlton and Bentley of for television networks. This intriguing network has set the standard high for premium cable, and forced basic cable and the broadcast networks to work much harder on attracting viewers. The HBO network, is definitely the king of television and there is no “ifs, ands or buts” about it.

However (notice how I didn’t say “but"), there are a few networks that are putting out quality shows in their own right. The one network (which come from basic cable), probably surprised many of us over the years, after putting out hit after hit. This Network is FX. With award winning and critically acclaimed shows such as Nip/Tuck, Rescue Me, and The Shield, and its new series Over There, the “little network that could” has grown into a powerhouse player. Again, although it is not HBO, it very well should be named the “HBO” of basic cable (haha and we can call the 2nd place USA network the “Showtime” of basic cable), because FX has proven itself to produce quality shows that are works are great entertainment. And you shouldn’t be fooled with all the dramatic shows in its line-up, determined not to pigeonhole themselves to one genre, the network is venturing out, and adding comedies to their portfolio that will be debuting this summer. So stay tuned for future post as I will talk about how this new line of programming fits with such an emerging and dynamic network.

Although the world has been blessed with the great invention that is TiVo, there are still a select few of us (myself included) who do not have Tivo and are faced with the tough decision of what to watch during the week. Of course we all have our favorites, and those are the shows that take precedent over all else. But what about those other great shows that we always hear about, and unfortunately we can't watch because they come on during the same time slot as our regular favorites (thank God for TV on DVD). Many of you can already look at my list of favorites and relate to that great quality of each of those shows. So here is a list of shows that are accalimed by many, and that I wish to see:

-Monk
-The Shield
-Scrubs-I'm so mad it has taken me so long to realize i want to watch it
-House
-Battlestar Gallactica
-Over There -(premieres tonight on FX)
-Desperate Housewives- I only saw the season finale and i loved it
-Grey's Anatomy-I saw the last two episodes of the season and I loved them
-Deadwood

I know my list will grow in the future, and I also know that it will decrease (because I would have already seen the shows), so stay tuned for future developments