To continue from what is said there - the audio/video async removes a lot from the enjoyment of music.
Real importance of it is in enjoying the laya! The invisible force of Carnatic music visible through the interaction of the musicians.
That should pretty much set to rest why live listening is utmost important - and why video is helpful substitute.
When the first DVD(s) came of Sanjay with Sri Karaikudi Mani, the velum mayilum main by Charsur - it was god sent and we enjoyed the laya interchanges in svara-prastara - I cherish the one session I watched with a TNS buff - where he kept pointing out the Math involved.
A special message to RSR ( he seems to have quit the forum!) who kept discounting video - as if that is a distraction and about the appearance of the Artistes!
Or in response to SSI's comment சில பேர் கேட்க வரா! சில பேர் பார்க்க வரா!. Some people come to see (the silk sarees and ornaments) and some people to listen!
சங்கீத கச்சேரியில் பார்ப்பதற்கு நிறைய சங்கீத விஷயமே இருக்கின்றது! There is a lot to see in a carnatic music performance. One has to accept layam is indeed music first
The old tapes , which contain the laya wealth and nuances in Composition singing - forget Math or Tani, require lot of listening, and actually a good live experience of music is required to appreciate what is going on.
We have just made it about ourselves ( our friends, social interaction) and the artiste the celebrity! It is about neither of those!
. The animals are looking at us from outside! - surreal. 