We talked about how it appears that Black Friday is happening every day. Even so, that will not stop millions of Americans from flocking to the stores on November 25 in celebration of Black Friday. Then, millions will return to their computers to take advantage of Cyber Monday.

In this post … drum roll … not only will we take the cat out of the bag on our very own offerings, we will highlight some amazing resources that will help you gain the most advantage of Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Are you sitting down?

From Black Friday Thursday until Sunday November 27, we will be giving away a limited amount of coupons that will vary between 30 and 50% off! In addition, we will be offering free ground shipping* on all orders! Check here for all the details.

On Cyber Monday (from midnight to midnight PST) we will be offering 40% off our entire store + free shipping*! You can use coupon code 2011CMFP40 at ShopIOGEAR.com on Cyber Monday to take advantage.

The following resources should help you plan for an awesome Black Friday (Enjoy!):

Ad Scans

Instead of scrambling to collect tons of Sunday newspapers, use the above link to view the ad scans right now on your computer. As a bonus, each scan includes a text list of all the deals below the ad.

Check Ins

Take full advantage of your smart phones and use services such as Foursquare to find specialized deals while you are out and about. Many retailers are offering special deals for checking into their stores on Black Friday.

There is an App for That

Black Friday apps are starting to mature and eWeek.com has a good round up of some of the more interesting options. Do you have any favorites? Or will you stick to good ol’ pen and paper?

Beyond Black Friday

Many retailers are taking the concept of Black Friday and extending their deals throughout the entire week. Amazon.com touts new deals every day of the week on their Black Friday Deals Week web page.

Leverage Social Media

Also, make sure to head on over to our previous Black Friday guide and check out the Black Friday focused Twitter and Facebook accounts mentioned there if you prefer to do your Black Friday tracking via Social Media.

Have you already started your Black Friday planning? What items have you most excited? Let us know here on the comments or on Facebook or Twitter. Thanks!

*Free shipping excludes Alaska and Hawaii. This promotion is only available in the U.S. and Canada.

Come Friday, November 25th, 2011, millions will dutifully line up at retail stores all across the USA. Then, on the following Monday, millions will visit the websites of their favorite stores, all looking for the best deals of the year.

CBSAtlanta.com says:

“Last year, the National Retail Federation (NRF) reported that 212 million individuals hit the shopping aisles on Black Friday. They spent an estimated $45 billion, or roughly $365 per person, which was up more than 6% from 2009.”



Source

But are Black Friday and Cyber Monday really the best days of the year to shop?

We think that for the savvy shopper, any day can be “Black Friday”. Just take a look at the TV Show Extreme Couponing where people share how they reduce hundreds of dollars worth of goods to several dollars in actual expense or the plethora of deal websites such as Groupon and Fatwallet.

In our case, we have a special IOGEAR deal feed at Twitter designed for the sole purpose of finding you extraordinary deals on a regular basis.

All that said, we definitely appreciate the national pastime of Black Friday and will provide those of you looking for extra special discounts (both Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals) that we think will bring a smile to your gadget loving heart

You’ll have to stay tuned to discover what they are though… so be sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook for the latest updates.

While we strive to be modest, it’s always nice to win awards. IOGEAR’s AVIOR line of specialty audio and video products for A/V installation professionals is an important segment of our company that caters to a more demanding commercial and custom crowd with industrial grade convergence and connectivity solutions.


At the recent CEDIA (Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association) trade show in Indianapolis, an IOGEAR AVIOR product was awarded a Custom Retailer EXC!TE Award given out by one of the CEDIA industry’s top trade magazines. In their own words, Custom Retailer invites nominations of products that stand out for being innovative, high-performing and solutions-oriented for the custom installation professional.

Earning the prestigious award for 2011…the Wireless HD Kit (GWAV8141K). Not only is this a nod to the dedicated designers and product managers who helped create the product, but it also lends credibility to what IOGEAR has accomplished in wireless A/V streaming over the past several years.


A slightly more robust solution than the consumer-oriented, Wireless 1080p Computer to HDTV Kit (GUWAVKIT3), the Wireless HD Kit brings a much-needed wireless solution to AV installations, eliminating the need for complicated cable runs, snaking wires and drilling holes in the wall when installing components. The kit supports up to Full HD 1080p 60Hz and digital 5.1 surround sound audio. It connects with a variety of components, including Blu-ray / DVD players, DVR / set-top boxes, VCR’s and media servers / home theater PC’s, and more, streaming multimedia content to an HDTV, standard TV or projector from up to 100 feet away.

Ideal for concealment, the Wireless HD Kit and is compact enough to fit snuggly and discretely into any home theater set up and does not require line-of-sight placement. If displayed, the sleek black casing and minimalist form factor allow easy blending with home or commercial décor. Built-in IR allows user control of and switching between source devices that are hidden away in another room or closet.

With its own integrated private Wi-Fi (802.11n) network, the Wireless HD Transmitter provides the ability to broadcast with almost no latency so content can be streamed to a total of four Wireless HD Receivers, making multi-room setups quicker and easier while bringing HD content to new places.

Whether you’re hiring a professional installer or going the DIY route, there’s a lot to be gained from going wireless. From both a consumer side with IOGEAR and for installers with AVIOR, our development team is fully aware of the potential and will continue to develop award-winning products to provide the best wireless AV streaming performance possible.

Stay tuned for the upcoming Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, a launching point for new products, including those they deem worthy of the prestigious CES Innovations Awards. We’ll certainly be watching, and maybe celebrating.

A big THANK YOU to all who participated in our Earth Month Celebration- You Play, We Plant Sweepstakes. Especially to those who took the extra step to spread the word. Together you helped us plant 500 Trees! This brings our total to 397,181 trees planted as part of IOGEAR’s goal to plant one million trees.



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A special congratulations goes out to David Ferguson on winning the IOGEAR You Play, We Plant sweepstakes $50 Gift Card!

Keep a look out here on this blog, on our Facebook page and on Twitter for our next big announcement.

To see how you can make a difference and stay Green now and throughout the year, check out our 50 Tips for Going Green.

The earthquake and tsunami that struck the south pacific and Japan has and will continue to have long-term effects on all. We understand the pain that can come from natural disasters and deeply sympathize with those who have lost loved ones during this terrible time.

Our goal, with your help, is to help ease the pain and speed the recovery and rebuilding of Japan and surrounding areas. It is with everyone’s help that we can truly unite and ensure a viable, long lasting future.



In this light, IOGEAR employees have been encouraged make donations to support relief efforts in Japan with IOGEAR matching all employee contributions. Our goal is to provide the matching contribution to the American Red Cross by April 15, 2011.

The current situation cannot be fixed immediately, however it is very important that we do not forget about what has happened, or stop trying to help the rebuilding process. It will be a long road to recovery, but the way in which that recovery happens can be helped directly by you.

With St. Patrick’s Day looming, many of us are looking for the proverbial pot ‘o gold at the end of the rainbow to alleviate financial burden and fund all of our wireless connectivity and TV to PC convergence desires. IOGEAR doesn’t currently have any leprechauns on staff, but in celebration of the festivities, we’re offering generous discounts on a number of popular mobility tech and connectivity products.


Termed the “Gold Box Deal of the Week” IOGEAR uses a magical process to choose one product per week offered at up to 30% off the retail price! While this promotion started before St. Patrick’s Day and will continue afterwards, we thought it was the perfect time to call attention to the GOLD BOX since many of us are spring cleaning and may be looking to reduce cable clutter or breathe new life into our AV systems.

Participation in the Gold Box Deal of the Week is as simple as following IOGEAR on Facebook or Twitter and looking out for the GOLD BOX announcements posted weekly. Three weeks ago we featured the Solar Bluetooth Hands-Free Car Kit (GBHFK231) and two weeks ago it was the MiniView™ Micro USB PLUS KVM Switch with audio and cables (GCS632U), both popular devices at an unprecedented value.

Last week, we offered 30% off the popular Bluetooth 2.1 USB Micro Adapter (GBU421), a penny-sized adapter that allows users to connect up to seven Bluetooth devices together and transfer even the largest files quickly and easily using Bluetooth EDR. It’s compatible with both Mac and PC and offers a wireless range of 30 feet.

This week, we have the Wireless HD Computer to TV Kit up for grabs for 30% off! Check it out in the video below.

In staying with the hidden treasure theme, future Gold Box Deals of the Week specials will be a mystery until the very moment the product deals are announced, meaning no unfair advantages or inside scoops, even if you capture a leprechaun. Just pop over to our Faceboook page or twitter account, see what the deal is, and follow prompts to get an awesome price on cool gear.

While the product selection process is a guarded secret, we’d love to hear which products you want in the Gold Box for future deals of the week.Let us know in the comments below, post a note to our Facebook wall or “@” message us on Twitter saying, “I want Product XYZ” in the Gold Box, and we’ll take it into consideration.

Back in December we asked you to help us find great, legal streaming resources. With an unparalleled response, your comments gave us well over 700 websites! The websites you provided cover every aspect of online streaming media, from live news broadcasts to Internet radio stations, user submitted content sites and full length movies. Making the case to cut pay-for cable from your life to enjoy content is so easy now; you’ll never run out of ways to enjoy every aspect of media, streaming from PC to TV.

Drum roll please …….

The Grand Prize Winner is: clulisa! You will receive an iPad 16GB with Wi-Fi + IOGEAR Composite AV Cable with Charge and Sync.

First Prize Winner is: janettwokay! You will receive a Wireless Audio / Video Kit


Second Prize Winner is: Scott Cowley! You will receive a USB Laptop KVM Switch with File Transfer.


Congratulations to all three winners! Watching and enjoying all this content can be made easier when you use IOGEAR’s Wireless Audio / Video Kit to painlessly connect your computer to your HDTV. Put it to use, you now have well over 700 sources to enjoy every imaginable source of content available on the Internet.

Stay tuned on Twitter and Facebook to discover our next exciting contest and keep an eye out for our next blog post which lists out all of those great URLs you submitted.

One group of sites we’ve been exceptionally fond of over the years is the New York Times Media owned About.com sites. Covering everything from acne to zoology, the About.com family of websites leverages reviews and insider knowledge to share information about various products, services and trends on the market.

Once a year, the About.com family solicits Readers Choice Awards from its millions of visitors offering a democratic way for readers to choose the content, products and services that mean the most to them. IOGEAR is fortunate to qualify for two different categories listed below.

Mobile Office Technology – Perhaps the Solar Bluetooth Caller Announce Hands-Free Car Kit …

iPhone & iPod Accessories – Nothing powers in a pinch with style like the Leather Case for iPhone with Built-in Battery Pack

Sadly, the home theater category only recognizes displays, source devices and audio equipment for entries, but we’d also love a strong write-in campaign for HTPC accessories such as wireless keyboards, wireless HD Streaming kits as well as KVM, DVI, HDMI and other switching/adapter devices.

In combing through the fine print, the team from About.com states:

Voting for nominations will run through February 4 just before midnight. Then site visitors will be able to vote on the finalists for these awards (2011 Readers’ Choice Award winners will be announced on March 15).

There’s no prize — just the bragging rights that come with getting recognized by the readers of a leading website owned by The New York Times Co. You can learn more about the awards in general at: http://awards.about.com.

We’d love to have your vote for our products and look forward to more convergence through connectivity in 2011.

With the 2011 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in the rearview, we wanted to share a dose of what it’s like to be a part of the largest consumer electronics event in the world with some photos we snapped at the show and a re-cap of events.



Catering to the swarms of industry media attending CES, IOGEAR took part in a cosmic-themed Pepcom Digital Experience Event (PDF Link) at Caesars Palace in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip. IOGEAR featured a number of new wireless keyboards and other accessory products that foster convergence through connectivity. Alien life forms were all around as the organizers gave the Octavius ballroom within Caesars an otherworldly feel to it. Check out some of our photos below:

Click the image above to checkout CES 2011 photos from Pepcom.

Our CES booth located in the LVCC Central Hall #13427 was an oasis of wireless streaming devices, KVM technology, advanced A/V switching and even some solar powered bluetooth technology. Visitors were entranced by how IOGEAR products are bringing new meaning and functionality to the convergent and connected digital lifestyle. A collection of images from our booth can be seen below. The comfy white sofa saw more than a few people dozing or kicking off their shoes for some hard-earned respite and wireless 3D streaming enjoyment.

Click the image above to checkout CES 2011 photos at IOGEAR’s booth.

Lastly, we sent one of our intrepid team members out on the floor to capture some other scenes around CES. There’s popular iPhone games gone board, Lady Gaga, arm-wrestling NFL lineman, people sleeping, pimped out cars, unexpected show exhibitors and more. Enjoy the visuals.

Click the image above to checkout CES 2011 photos from around the floor.

By all accounts, CES 2011 was a huge rebound from the recession-affected 2009 -10 campaigns, which was clear when you were walking the floor. Whether you caught updates from your favorite news sites or attended as a manufacturer, exhibitor, blogger, mainstream press or even as a new CEA Tech Enthusiast, IOGEAR was the place to bask in the glow of high performance networking, convergence and connectivity devices.

And unlike the rest of the year, what happens in Vegas during CES should be shared generously — all product releases and images are now available from the IOGEAR Press Room as well from our PR Agency’s website. Do you have any interesting CES 2011 photos to share? We’d love to see them. Take a moment and link them here on our blog or on Facebook.

UPDATE – February 7, 2011

This week, starting on February 7, 2011 and until February 20, 2011 we will launch a new Twitter Contest! For this contest, we will give away a Wireless HD Computer to TV Kit!

To qualify, first be sure to check out the official contest rules first and then perform the following tasks:

1. Follow us on Twitter
2. Answer the question we post on Twitter using the following format:

RT @IOGEAR (Your short answer) #contest

At start of the following week we will randomly choose a winner.

UPDATE – January 30, 2011

This week, starting on January 31, 2011 and until February 6, 2011 we will be running yet another Tweet Giveaway contest. This week will give away a Composite AV Cable with Charge and Sync for iPhone / iPod!

To qualify, first be sure to check out the official contest rules first and then perform the following tasks:

1. Follow us on Twitter
2. Answer the question we post on Twitter using the following format:

RT @IOGEAR (Your short answer) #contest

At start of the following week we will randomly choose a winner.

UPDATE – January 25, 2011

Once again IOGEAR is giving away three prizes to one lucky winner. These three products comprise our Mobile Bundle:

• 12-in-1 Pocket Card Reader
• 3 Port Mobile Hub
• Bluetooth 2.1 USB Micro Adapter

To qualify, first be sure to check out the official contest rules first and then perform the following tasks:

1. Follow us on Twitter
2. Answer the question we post on Twitter using the following format:

RT @IOGEAR (Your short answer) #contest

At start of the following week we will randomly choose a winner.

UPDATE – January 17, 2011

The Great Tweet Giveaway lives! This weeks contest will feature three winners. Each winner will receive a 9.8ft. 1.3c HDMI cable!

To qualify, first be sure to check out the official contest rules first and then perform the following tasks:

1. Follow us on Twitter
2. Answer the question we post on Twitter using the following format:

RT @IOGEAR (Your short answer) #contest

At start of the following week we will randomly choose a winner.

UPDATE – January 3, 2011

The contest continues! Today, on January 3, 2011 we will announce a new contest with a prize of a $25 store credit!

To qualify, first be sure to check out the official contest rules first and then perform the following tasks:

1. Follow us on Twitter
2. Answer the question we post on Twitter using the following format:

RT @IOGEAR (Your short answer) #contest

At start of the following week we will randomly choose a winner.

UPDATE – December 26, 2010

The contest continues! Tomorrow, on December 27, 2010 we will announce a new contest with a prize of a $25 store credit!

To qualify, first be sure to check out the official contest rules first and then perform the following tasks:

1. Follow us on Twitter
2. Answer the question we post on Twitter using the following format:

RT @IOGEAR (Your short answer) #contest

At start of the following week we will randomly choose a winner.

Also, as a special thanks to all our fans, use coupon code IOGEAR10 to get 10% off any item at www.ShopIOGEAR.com!

This promotion is only valid for purchases at http://www.shopiogear.com. Discount code expires December 31, 2010. The discount code is stackable, limited to 100 usage. All prices are subject to change and do not include applicable state and local sales tax or shipping to recipient’s destination.

UPDATE – December 13, 2010

The contest continues! Today, on December 13, 2010 we will announce a new contest with a prize of a $25 store credit!

To qualify, first be sure to check out the official contest rules first and then perform the following tasks:

1. Follow us on Twitter
2. Answer the question we post on Twitter using the following format:

RT @IOGEAR (Your short answer) #contest

At start of the following week we will randomly choose a winner.

Also, as a special thanks to all our fans, use coupon code IOGEAR10 to get 10% off any item at www.ShopIOGEAR.com!

This promotion is only valid for purchases at http://www.shopiogear.com. Discount code expires December 31, 2010. The discount code is stackable, limited to 100 usage. All prices are subject to change and do not include applicable state and local sales tax or shipping to recipient’s destination.

UPDATE – December 4, 2010

Great news! On Monday December 6, 2010 we will be announcing a new contest with a prize of a $50 store credit!

To qualify, first be sure to check out the official contest rules first and then perform the following tasks:

1. Follow us on Twitter
2. Answer the question we post on Twitter using the following format:

RT @IOGEAR (Your short answer) #contest

At start of the following week we will randomly choose a winner.

Also, as a special thanks to all our fans, use coupon code IOGEAR10 to get 10% off any item at www.ShopIOGEAR.com!

This promotion is only valid for purchases at http://www.shopiogear.com. Discount code expires December 31, 2010. The discount code is stackable, limited to 100 usage. All prices are subject to change and do not include applicable state and local sales tax or shipping to recipient’s destination.

ORIGINAL POST

Hello IOGEAR fans! It’s holiday time once again, and as usual IOGEAR is giving stuff away! In celebration of our growth on Twitter, we are going to be randomly giving away weekly prizes to our Twitter followers.

The first kick off prize is a $50 store credit good for a one time purchase made at ShopIOGEAR.com! We will choose the first winner on Monday, November 29, 2010.

To qualify, first be sure to check out the official contest rules first and then perform the following tasks:

1. Follow us on Twitter
2. Answer the question we post on Twitter using the following format:

RT @IOGEAR (Your short answer) #contest

At start of the following week we will randomly choose a winner.

So head on over and follow us now so that you can be among the first to get the latest details.

Don’t forget to take advantage of our Twitter Deals feed as well to find great discounts on your favorite IOGEAR products.

Happy Thanksgiving!