DVR, fast-forward through most commercials
I remember some radio interview years ago with a TV critic saying "I know this sounds like hyperbole but a DVR will change the way you watch TV completely". (OK, maybe he said "change your life completely" and that was the hyperbole he was apologizing for.) But I rarely watch anything live now, just because I've gotten used to fast-forwarding through commercials. and if I *am* ready to watch something at its actual viewing time, I'll go find something else to do for 20 minutes (like unload the dishwasher) so I can fast-forward.