Holiday Buzzcast from Expo TV

Need some tips on holiday shopping?  Check out Buzzcast from ExpoTV (Tilzy.TV Page). The site replete with user-submitted video consumer reports has just added some original fare to the mix with a weekly show that features everything from in-depth overviews of interesting gift ideas to obvious yet informative gift-giving advice (like bouncing gift ideas of a “giftee’s” friends or buying accessories for toys they already love, i.e  a set of great headphones for the mp3 enthusiast).

###  The show is part of Expo’s 2007 Holiday Survival Guide which features the season’s hottest new products straight from manufacturers, gift-buying recommendations from retail experts, and tips to make surviving the holiday season simple. Users can also take part in ExpoTV’s Holiday Survival Sweepstakes which features over $10,000 worth of prizes.

Buzzcast is a squeaky clean, high production-value presentation that might be just a little too smooth…especially for the sensibilities of a UGC fan. The host, Craig Wadlin, could stand to tone down the host-speak just a bit.  After all, this is the internet, and ExpoTV is a place for the everyconsumer to post homegrown reviews of consumer products without pomp or patronization. 

I’m also a bit perplexed that I’m not able to embed the video player right here.  What better way promote a brand during the holiday shopping season than through a user-syndicated gift show?

But while the presentation and distribution may be a little off, the product reviews and advice are right on target. In the Gift-O-Matic segments, ExpoTV’s Curt Chaplin ventures to toystores and showroom floors to speak with salespeople that know gadgets, gizmos, and playthings best.  Lisa’s Survival Tips may seem immediately apparent, but when buying presents it’s sometimes useful to be reminded of the basics instead of getting hung up on trying to find the perfect gift.

When I asked what inspired the original content, Expo President Bill Hildebolt responded, “We created Buzzcast because our community and our partners communicated last year that there was a lack of good video programming about the Holiday experience. We decided to hit the challenge head-on and create content that would not only entertain by celebrating the season but help to de-stress the Holiday experience with great gift ideas and other fun consumer content.”

Minor judgements of style aside, this is a great resource for gift-givers everywhere.  Good job Expo and happy shopping.