Years ago, before the VCR became commonplace, if you missed a programme you've missed it for good. The VCR stopped all that, provided you remembered to set the timer.
On occasion, if you did miss something then chances are that a friend or work colleague had recorded it and could lend you the tape. Similarly, they could offer to record a programme for you had you not got the available channel. For example, in 1991, I moved house and wasn't able to get a television signal for quite a while. A friend was kind enough to record Spender for me every week and pass me the tape for me to see.
Certainly, technology has moved on since then and if this were now I would be able to catch up on a lot of programmes on-line - provided I am able to get the broadband speeds required.
In certain ways this situation hasn't changed. A little while ago, one of my colleagues expressed a wish to see the John Simm/Jim Broadbent drama Exile (2011). They hadn't 'Sky-plussed' it (I hate that phrase) and it was no longer on the BBC iPlayer. Thankfully, I had this on my DVD recorder and was able to burn a DVD-R for them.
Now, this got me thinking that in these days of modern technology; Sky+, V+ and PVRs, we are loosing the 'help-out' tv community. Let me explain:
In the days of VHS, if a person had recorded a programme and a colleague had missed it then the tape could be passed to the second person so that they could watch it.
DVD recorders also serve the same function, as mine did with Exile, as most people have a DVD player.
However, going back to the Exile example, if it were me that had missed the programme, and my colleague had recorded it on their Sky+ box, I'd have to go without unless I were invited to their house. The programme is locked into their equipment. I believe that programmes can be moved to external video or DVD recorders but very few have these anymore.
Of course, most new dramas come out on DVD very soon after transmission but documentaries or sporting events don't. There have also been some noteable archive programmes on BBC Four and these don't appear on the iPlayer at all.
So modern technology, while being great for the owner, doesn't allow the sharing that we used to enjoy. So, for many, its back to the if you missed a programme you've missed it!.