ABSTRACT
Sometimes I’ll watch the portable in the kitchen, but it’s damned uncomfortable in there. (Rene)
This chapter will explore different viewing contexts and their associated texts,1 both for broadcast television and video tape rental. The intended context of viewing is an important consideration in determining choice of genre or programme, depending on which household members will be watching and at what time of day or night. The VCR is, in most cases, in the sitting-room and is used in conjunction with the main, that is, colour television set. Many households had more than one television, but as second sets were usually small black and white portables in the kitchen or one of the bedrooms, preference was for viewing on the main television set.
