I'm in the recording camp too - that way I can have my ride and watch it too. The hardest part is not hearing or seeing what happened before I can watch it. NPR isn't even safe!
As far as this year goes I think its more exciting than ever. There has been no clear dominant rider. I don't think I've ever watched a tour that has been this crazy and I've been watching on and off for nigh on 20 years now Admittedly the only coverage I could ever get in the past - pre OLN was the several hour on the weekend recaps on the network channels, so it was not until recently that I really understood and began to enjoy the incredible teamwork and dedication it takes to win a race like Le Tour.