Get TV Show Alerts: Automatic Text Messages When Your Show Starts

The Appeal of Live Television and the Problem of Remembering

Television viewing is a widely enjoyed pastime, offering a valuable opportunity for relaxation and escapism. It provides a means to momentarily disconnect from daily concerns and unwind.

However, a common frustration arises from difficulty remembering broadcast schedules. Individuals may be engrossed in other activities, such as gaming – for example, playing titles like Call of Duty or Skyrim – only to realize a desired program has already aired.

DVRs and the Drawbacks of Delayed Viewing

While a DVR can mitigate this issue, many viewers prefer the experience of watching shows live. There's a unique quality to experiencing events as they unfold in real-time.

A significant disadvantage of delayed viewing is the risk of spoilers. Receiving a text message revealing key plot points from a friend can be particularly disheartening.

Although frustration may be directed at the spoiler, the primary responsibility lies with the viewer for not prioritizing live viewing.

IFTTT as a Solution to Scheduling Challenges

Fortunately, a solution exists for those with memory lapses regarding television schedules: IFTTT. This powerful tool can help ensure you never miss a favorite show.

For those unfamiliar with its capabilities, a helpful introductory resource is available through MakeUseOf. Their article provides a comprehensive overview of IFTTT's fundamental principles and functionalities.

Through the utilization of IFTTT, the challenge of remembering program times can be effectively addressed, allowing for uninterrupted enjoyment of live television.

Configuring RSS Feeds for TV Show Notifications

While IFTTT lacks a dedicated application for TV show alerts, it offers functionality to notify you of updates from RSS feeds. This is where the service mytvrss proves valuable. Mytvrss allows users to establish an RSS feed encompassing all their preferred television programs through a simple selection process.

Creating Your Custom TV Show Feed

Once you have selected the desired shows, navigate to the bottom of the webpage and select the "create feed" option. This action will redirect you to a page where you can input your email address for email notifications regarding new episodes. Crucially, this page also provides the unique URL for your newly generated RSS feed.

Mytvrss, by default, provides email-based reminders for your chosen TV series. If this method is sufficient for your needs, no further action is required. However, for those who, like myself, do not consistently monitor their email inbox, a more immediate notification method is preferable.

Integrating with IFTTT for Text Message Alerts

IFTTT bridges this gap, representing the subsequent phase in the setup process. It enables the delivery of alerts directly to your mobile device via text message, ensuring you don't miss an episode.

The combination of mytvrss and IFTTT provides a robust solution for staying informed about your favorite TV shows. By leveraging RSS feed technology, you can receive timely notifications tailored to your viewing preferences.

Here's a quick summary of the benefits:

• Customizable Notifications: Select only the shows you want to track.
• Multiple Delivery Options: Choose between email or text message alerts.
• Reliable Updates: Stay informed about new episodes as soon as they are available.

Configuring IFTTT for SMS Alerts

Ensure the URL obtained in the initial step is readily available, then proceed to IFTTT to establish text notifications for the RSS feed. For a comprehensive understanding of IFTTT’s functionalities, refer to Justin’s guide, which details the app’s core features.