What is time shifting in television?

• A. The process of broadcasting live programming
• B. The practice of recording shows to watch later
• C. The process of streaming content online
• D. The process of creating original programming

Answer: (B)

Time shifting means recording a program so you can watch it at a later time. With devices like VCRs, DVRs, or on-demand services, you set aside a broadcast to view when it’s convenient, rather than watching it as it airs. This flexibility is what the concept captures: you’re shifting the viewing time from the live broadcast to a later moment of your choosing.

This is different from watching something live at its air time, which is simultaneous viewing; it’s also different from streaming content online, which is about delivering the show over the internet (even if you later choose to watch it later, the core idea here is saving the broadcast for later). And it’s not about creating new programs, which is production, not consumption of existing broadcasts.