As we wait for DTV Transition day to approach....

As you can see from the above countdown clock there isn't much time left until DTV Transition day.  Since this is my last official blog post on the subject, I decided to rundown some things that I have learned over the past few months while researching the subject.     

The first thing I learned about the DTV Transition is that it is actually happening.  I know that sounds pretty crazy, but you can watch the commercials and scrolls all day, and never really grasp the fact that this is an actual event that will take place on February 17, 2009.  I am pretty sure there are still people out there who still haven't gotten to this state of realization that I have reached.  For them, I suggest going back and reading over my blogs to really inform themselves about the transition and what it will mean to them.

The next thing I learned involves the dissemination of information.  The government, along with many other companies selling converter boxes, have tried several different methods to get the information out to the consumer, including a contest involving YouTube and ambitious individuals who like to make videos.  (Incidentally, the winner of the contest, jkierangarvey, was named today.  See the last blog for the top 5 videos including the winning video.)  The different types of advertising and methods used to inform the public about the DTV Transition show the lengths people have gone to to get the information out.  I just hope all of this effort will have helped come February.

One of the last things I learned about the DTV Transition has less to do with the transition and more to do with the idea of it.  During the past few weeks, I have been learning more about Michael Bugeja's theories involving interpersonal communication or more like how media has affected the use of it.  After thinking a lot about the DTV Transition and how it will affect our lives, I began to realize that because this new technology is being forced upon us, we must take the time out of our lives to adapt to this changing technology.  This is time that could be spent with loved ones or at a community function and, as Bugeja is quick to point out, is something that we are already lacking.  Also because this new technology will bring a far superior picture than the old rabbit ears used to pick up, even more people may be more apt to choose to stay home to enjoy their new found technology.    

I really hope my blogs have helped you understand the DTV Transition as much as they have helped me understand the need to talk about it.  If you still have any questions about the transition, you can still search the DTV.gov site to get more information.  While your there you can take the quiz to become a DTV Deputy just like me!! 

DTV Convert Now Contest

As you may remember I posted a blog a few months ago about the DTV Convert Now contest that the Consumer Electronics Association was sponsoring.  For those of you who don't remember, the idea behind the contest was to make a video and post it on YouTube telling people about the DTV Transition.  I received a blog post the other day telling me they picked the five finalists, so I decided I would analyze them and post them on here for you to help pick the winner.

The first video is from YouTube user modeeb2.  

I think this video does a good job explaining the DTV Transition and the need for the converter box, but is just very cheesy.  The weird water in the background noise is very distracting and the theme reminds me of a classic kung fu movie.  Maybe this video would have been more enjoyable to me if they would have spoken in Chinese and dubbed in English words over the top.  Overall though the video has a good message so I can see why it was chosen for the top five.  

The next video is from YouTube user frankcaliva.

I'm really not sure why this video was chosen.  Again the message was pretty good, but the cheesy acting really made me want to turn it off right away.  I think it is important when trying to convey a message to the audience about something as important as the DTV Transition that the message is appealing to the viewer.  I think this was a good effort and could have been a top pick with a little better acting.  

Finalist number three is YouTube user shtickmen.

Again, we have yet another cheesy video, this time using stick figures and annoying background narration.  I do have to admit I chuckled a little when the hand came in with the converter box coupon.  It was really hard to get the message though because the stick figures were distracting and the narrators sounded like they had just abused some illegal drugs.  This one doesn't rate very high on my scale either.

jkierangarvey is the next YouTube user who qualified for the top five.

This video starts off much like the movie The Blair Witch Project.  I think he was trying to make the transition seem less scary, but it really took a while to get to the point of the video, which was supposed to be about making the DTV Transition.  I guess the message was there, but it really didn't seem as strong as the other videos I've featured so far.  I do like the content of this one more, but the contest is really supposed to be about the transition so I don't know if this video is the best candidate to win either.  

The final video of the top five is from YouTube user jhbmw007.

This video is very reminiscent of the Ren and Stimpy cartoons that were on television in the 1990's.  It is also very creatively put together and very funny.  Although the video is short and to the point, the message is still clear and presented in a way where people want to keep watching.  I could see this video being used on television in the future to promote the DTV Transition.  This one definitely gets my vote.

I think this contest was a good way to get the word out about the DTV Transition.  The way the Consumer Electronics Association used new media produced by online users to inform other online users about the transition reminds me of a concept from John Pavlik's book Media in the Digital Age.  Pavlik outlines four different forms of media and role each form plays in the online environment.  The forth form, which is original content designed for the digital domain, is exactly what was done with this contest.  I think it will be interesting to see if the winning video makes it off the web and back on to the television.  Pavlik may have to add an additional form for original online content that transitions back to traditional media.

Before I forget, if you would like the opportunity to vote for the winning videos, you can go to http://www.dtvtransition.org/vote/index.php and enter your email address.  You will then receive an email with a link to go and vote.  The winner will be announced on December 10, 2008, so vote early and check back then to find out the winner.