Sharper Image

CTAM, 8 MSOs and Samsung held an ‘HDTV Coming of Age’ party Mon at the new Time Warner Center in NY to announce their HD push around March Madness, which tips off today. It’s the first time cable has joined with a manufacturer on such a national effort. The details: Taggable spots plus traditional media ads drive hoops fans to samsungusa.com during the NCAAs. The Web-centric kick-off promo dangles $100 discounts against cable video service with proof of purchase of Samsung HDTVs Mar 1-Apr 30 and a copy of your cable bill. After clicking on the "Only Cable Can" banner, participants can enter a sweepstakes and learn more about HD, Samsung’s HD sets and (most important) sign up for HD from their local cable provider. Ops are donating local avails for the spots and will promote the deal on their websites. Among the majors, only Cablevision is not on board, although Comcast svp Andy Addis fully expects the Voom-founders to be for the next phase. Stage 2 of the multi-pronged HD attack was to be discussed at a meeting yesterday, CTAM’s Seth Morrison said. — Shirley Brady