I want to get this DVD. The shadowy but all-powerful International Electrotechnical Commission has created the world’s most boring TV show to measure power consumption among competing brands of flat-screen TVs. Apparently power consumption varies depending on what you’re watching (hard to believe, but see here under “B-7 Plasma: Power consumption”), so manufacturers wanted a content-neutral chunk of programming to use as a standard. The IEC put together a ten-minute mashup of programming from all genressoaps, nature shows, talking heads, you name itthat would avoid content bias. I can’t help but think this would be like watching 500 television channels all at the same time.
Unfortunately, that turns out to be a less than mind-expanding viewing experience. The source describes the mashup as “an incoherent compilation” that “lacks drama,” and IEC spokesman Dennis Brougham gave the video an even more emphatic thumbs-down. “The images are supposed to be a representation of what we watch,” he said, “but when you stick it together it doesn’t make much sense.” The distillation of our television viewing habits doesn’t make much sense? The deuce you say! Next you’ll be trying to tell me that I ought to eat better and get more exercise, or some such nonsense.
