We live in a time when the news cycle is evolving so quickly that the previously important stories are quickly pushed aside to make room for the next breaking news. (Although there is really a lot going on between a global pandemic, a new presidential administration and the impeachment trial of the former president after that time he sparked a riot.)
While everyone has their preferred relaxation strategy, some have found that “watching TV” can be especially calming – especially in situations where you’re just looking for something to pin in the background while you work or read. However, if you’re not sure where to find it, you’ll want to bookmark that Slow TV card. Here’s what it is and how it works.
Slow TV 101
So what is “Slow TV”? That’s how Alan described Henry it in a 2016 Lifehacker article::
Things like long train rides through the countryside, relaxing views of canal rides, crackling fireplaces, quiet video of people knitting, and so on. These are all things you can do in the background while you work, concentrate, or just relax … the air of a perfectly normal event from start to finish.
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According to I recommend– where we found out about it Slow TV card– The long form genre was officially born in 2009 when Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation aired a program uninterrupted seven-hour train journey.
Use of the card
The Slow TV card works exactly as you imagine it: it’s a world map that allows users to zoom in on a region and select different slow TV videos that were shot in that location.
There is also a filter at the top of the map that you can use to search for videos captured using various modes of transport such as boats, trains, planes, and bikes. You can also choose the duration of the video: from 30 minutes to more than 10 hours. Examples are a Bike tour through the Julian Alps from Slovenia, a Drive on the coastal road in Turkey and a Sailing trip to Borneo.
While the map describes itself as a “relaxing virtual journey,” this is not one of those situations where you have to click your finger or mouse around inside a museum or the different parts of a landmark. These are simply videos that need to be put in the background to enjoy – with no extra effort.
