OBJECTIVE--To investigate the effect of watching different types of video on energy expenditure. DESIGN--Randomised study assessing a "pleasant," an "amusing," an "exciting," and no video film clips. SUBJECTS--12 volunteers who did not know the purpose of the study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES--Changes in energy expenditure, substrate use, heart rate, and aural temperature during each film clip. RESULTS--Energy expenditure was raised slightly (0.21 kJ/day) during the "exciting" film. Individual responses varied greatly. CONCLUSION--Watching different types of video seems to have little effect on resting metabolic rate.