Both FloTv and Vizo ran adds this Superbowl. Both advertised their new media platforms/services. Both are appealing to our sense of immediate gratification to get us to want their brand entertainment on demand. Both adds, however, were not created equal.

Ultimately the Vizo did a much better job of both entertaining the audience, and not alienating the tech-relevant pop-culture crowd. Whether is was their “don't let your girlfriend keep you from the game” or “shut your kids up with TV anywhere” message, it just couldn't compare to the universal appeal nostalgic meme after nostalgic meme. At first it ran the risk of trying to hard, and thus losing the tech savvy crowd (many of whom have grown weary of most of the memes,) but it did not relent. Eventually the constant reminders went from enjoyable, to patronizing, to enjoyable again, and all in the course of 60 seconds. Winner: Vizo.

Honorable Mention for Epic Fail: eTrade.

Dear eTrade,
We laughed when you implied that your product was so obvious and easy that babies could use it, and we were with you when they ribbed their elderly buddies over golf bets, but you may have just killed the meme. Babies acting like businessmen is one thing, but babies getting drunk and sleeping around is something best not left to the Superbowl. What's more, at least golfing and trading stock tips are directly associated with business and the stock market; picking up drunk women (and babies no less,) isn't exactly the type of association that would have seemed the next logical step. You followed all the rules, but every win must one day become a fail. It was your time.