Sponsored Post- CEA Wants You To Make the Digital Transition Easier

November 14, 2008 · Comments

This post was sponsored by CEA’s Digital TV: Convert Now! contest

CEA Ad The folks at the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) know that the switch from analog TV to digital will be a bit tricky for some people, and so as a plan to help out with getting the word out, they’ve launched a YouTube contest to help drive awareness and promote converting from old analog TV sets to digital before the February 17th deadline.

The Contest

Make a video no longer than 3 minutes in length that helps family and friends understand how and why they need to convert. The theme of the contest is: “Digital TV: Convert Now!” (The exclamation point makes me want to convert, and I already have a digital TV).

Country band Whiskey Falls (not to be confused with Jason Falls) created a video (no embed code) to talk about the conversion and give you more info on the contest.

Want to know what you win?

According to the information I have:

One grand prize winner will receive a home entertainment center including a flat screen high-definition TV, a Blu-ray disc player and a surround sound audio system. The grand prize-winning entry will be announced on December 10, 2008.

Contest Ends December 10th

So, it looks like a chance to swoosh in, make a video that’s helpful to others, and get the chance to win some decent loot.

Maybe Steve Garfield will lob an entry or two their way. I don’t think of Steve as a contest kind of guy, but he’s definitely a video guy and an educator.

Three Ways to Convert

For those wondering what happens in February in the US, all the analog signals that power most typical TV sets will go dark on February 17th, 2009 (or that’s the plan at present.) At that point, people will need to have done one of three things:

  • Buy a new TV with built-in digital tuner;
  • Purchase an affordable digital TV converter box to receive over-the-air digital TV signals and convert them for analog TV viewing or;
  • Subscribe to a pay TV service like cable or satellite.

So, if you want a shot at winning some mega gear, swing by the YouTube channel and watch the Whiskey Falls video.

Full details of the contest are here

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We now return you to our regularly scheduled [chrisbrogan.com] content. This was my first ever sponsored content. What do you think? Was it clearly marked? Was it offensive?

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  • I highlighted YOUR blog in my Blogs.com Top 10 Small Business Marketing Rock Stars Blogs! Thank you for what you do!

    I am one of those digital TVless families! Our rural home is leaving us in the digital dust - well, I can buy something to fix that, but I am hesitant. Maybe it is time to just give TV up.
  • I think you did more than most would have by specifically stating this was a sponsored post. Its transparent and I personally believe its necessary. It will likely grow more necessary. In fact, I'd go so far as to say I'd encourage you to do more for one simple reason: You can then charge for access with no ads.

    Recent survey from DMNews Databank showed 52% of Internet users would pay $2/m to use Google advertising free. The numbers dropped off for popular brands pretty dramatically from there, but this is indicative of a trend that has gotten legs in other industries such as satellite radio. You don't have a bookshelf of books to sell like Godin, so unless you go that route I would think some type of direct information monetization should be a priority.

    I like what Calcanis did with his email list in lieu of a blog. If he asked, I'd probably pay to subscribe (after I received a few issues to check out his approach and consistency). Its a window in on the issues confronting the industry today and it feels more personal. Perhaps that is an approach which could supplement your current offerings. Weekly or even biweekly would work. Information from you that appeals to the "doers" would appeal to me. I'd like to hear more about enterprise tech developments in particular.

    I pay $4-$8 each for magazines now, sometimes cheaper on subscription. I've literally gone through a WIRED and torn out all of the pages with advertising only (front and back) and over half the magazine disappeared. Add to that the ads that remained associated with the content and I honestly think they should be paying me to pick up the damn thing. They don't charge for stuff on their site because frankly they make a killing on their print!

    I think it was Kevin Kelly who said in the the New Rules for the New Economy (man - this is my second Kevin Kelly reference this week!) that information/data is the new currency. You have it and you have buyers. I say bully for you!
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