The existence of DVRs allows recording on-air TV for later viewing. The system we have at our new winter place can record two different programs simultaneously.
This morning's 133rd Rose Parade in Pasadena was shown on two networks locally, ABC and NBC. We recorded both for later watching and have now watched both, first ABC and then NBC. It is rare to see two networks record the exact same event, and it makes possible something semi-rare - a directly comparison of how each treats the subject.
We watched both with the sound off, having heard over the years entirely too much blather about the poppy seeds and other botanicals used alongside flowers to decorate floats. Muted you miss the marching band music but the band audio is poor anyway.
NBC simply did a much better job than ABC of parade coverage. They showed us more floats, more equestrian units, as many marching bands, and the same musical numbers which began and ended the parade. And NBC had better camera angles of the things they both covered. BTW, was it important for Leann Rimes to look in pain throughout her entire number, it seems odd staging?
ABC spent too much time with the commentators' faces on-camera, NBC kept the parade front and center. Both showed plenty of commercials but with the DVR's fast forward function you don't have to watch them.
The Rose Parade isn't something I'd want to watch every day or every week. Once a year I like it a lot, we saw it in person in 1980. It is better on TV, watched in our PJs under a cozy blanket.
