NBC’s unusual upfront garnered mixed reviews from the media crowd, reports MediaBuyerPlanner.

Some blamed the network for using the new format to distract from a weak programming slate, while others liked the innovative format.

Yesterday's event drew advertisers through a number of "stations," each designed to illustrate an aspect of the network's multi-platform media assets.

The NBCU high definition theater, for example, enabled clients to watch HD network programming. A food station featured tidbits from NBCU's reality series Top Chef, which airs on Bravo. The talking car from Knight Rider appeared in one station, while another showcased highlights from past and promos for the upcoming Olympics.

In all, there were 440 booming television screens, pulsating electronic tickers and 7-foot-high consoles in a telescoping set of halls that made it seem part-carnival, part-trade show, the Los Angeles Times writes.

All of it was topped off by an elaborate cocktail party at which Conan O’Brien said, "I hope you all enjoyed your walk through the multimedia video and light arcade. Or as we like to call it here at NBC, the epilepsy hut."

The goal was to remind buyers of the variety of different places and ways to advertise with NBCU.

Some buyers said the unusual format was insufficient to convince them to spend advertisers' money with NBC. Others — like Donna Speciale, president of investment and activation at media agency MediaVest, and John Swift, executive vp and managing director of media activation at PHD — walked away feeling NBC understands the mixed media landscape and is willing to work with advertisers to find opportunities across all platforms.

NBCU announced its program slate in April rather than during the upfronts, as other networks are doing.