Consumer Reports Tests 'As Seen On TV' Products
Monday, February 8, 2010 3:10 PM
We are bombarded by advertisements for products that we never thought we ever needed.
Consumer Reports said infomercials are designed to pump up the dopamine levels in your brain, and that can stimulate your impulse to buy.
SPECIAL SECTION: Consumer 10
"That's why infomercials have claims and testimonials flying at you," said Consumer Reports' Kim Kleman. "And they say, 'Order in three minutes,' because your dopamine levels drop in about five to six minutes."
Consumer Reports routinely tests infomercial products, like the Ab Circle Pro.
The machine promises it is "the fastest, easiest way to have flat washboard abs," Strickler reported.
Panelists gave the $200 device a try, but said the workout is about the same as going for a brisk three-minute walk, Strickler reported.
"Following the Ab Circle Pro's strict diet plan will definitely help you lose weight," said Consumer Reports' Alex Willen. "But the three-minute exercise routine, not so much."
The Snuggie, a blanket with sleeves, comes in all colors and retails for about $14.99, Strickler reported.
"We tested the Snuggie by washing it 10 times, looking for shrinkage, pilling, and also lint," said Consumer Reports' Pat Slaven. "Pills are these fuzzy little balls, and between them is bare fabric."
After 10 washes, the Snuggie did not hold up well, and had lots of pill, Strickler reported.
Plus, experts said its one-size-fits-all claim hardly stands up.
Consumer Reports found a few infomercial products that performed well in tests, including the Magic Jack, a device that lets you make and receive calls through the Internet.
So the next time you see an infomercial product you really want to buy, Consumer Reports suggests you resist the urge to buy for at least ten minutes.
That will give your dopamine levels a chance to return to normal, and you can decide whether you really need that product.
Watch 10TV News HD and 10TV.com for additional information.
©2010 by 10TV.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Story tools
Today’s Top Stories
- Woman Sentenced In Crash That Killed Daughter
- Man Found Shot To Death Inside Car
- Man Arrested In Burglary After GPS Bracelet Tracks His Moves
- Girl In Critical Condition After Being Pinned By SUV
- Web Site Tracks Franklin County Crime
- Public Donates $2K After Girls' Charity Money Stolen
- Theater owner recalled as innovator
- Fire Damages Downtown Costume Business
- Ohio State University Boasts Record Applications
- Woman Robbed, Pistol Whipped While At Work
-
BROADCAST TEAM
Join the Voice of the Buckeyes, Paul Keels, along with Jim Lachey, Marty Banister, and Skip
Mosic on game days for the best play-by-play coverage.
-
LISTEN ON GAME DAY
Can't watch the game on TV and can't get coverage where you live? Don't worry, you can catch every Buckeye game on-line with the Buckeye Web Blitz season pass.
Buy a season pass that includes every regular season game or buy passes one game at a time. Then you can listen no matter where you are in the world.
-
PODCASTS & REPLAYS
Catch all the great Buckeye programming from the Ohio State Buckcyes Radio Sports Network and affiliates all on-line anytime you want!
You can replay The Jim Tressel Show, Buckeye Roundtable, the Thad Matta Show, and other weekly and daily programming. You can't afford to miss an episode when it comes to the Buckeyes!
-
LISTEN LOCALLY
Tune your radios to your local Ohio State Buckeyes Radio Sports Network affiliate and you can listen to the game at home.
This site powered by and copyright, The Ohio State Buckeyes Radio Sports Network. All rights reserved. BuckeyeSportsPage.com provides links to other websites with whom we are not affiliated. We have no control over the nature, content, design, and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links on our site does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorsement of the view expressed within their sites.