Ad Guide: Addressable TV (Europe)

Addressable TV Advertising Formats

Technical Overview

Display Ad Format
Delivered always as one file,for JPG with a black background

File Type
PNG or JPG 

File Size
Individual by format

Third-Party Redirect
No

Third-Party Tracking
Generally possible via smartclip anonymisation proxy for impressions and clicks.

Requirements

The smartclip anonymisation proxy must not be recognised as “Fraud”. For this purpose, the proxy user agent (“smartclip-atv”) has to be approved by the tracking provider. Click trackers may not contain redirects to pages.

Yellow Button Interaction

Click-to-Microsite and Click-to-Video, maximum length of 55 seconds.

All formats can be used without interaction as a pure branding format.

Mandatory Requirements for All Display Advertising Formats

  • Advertising disclaimer
    • All display formats must include a clearly visible/readable disclaimer labelling the advertisement
    • Font size minimum of 22px, typeface Helvetica
    • Background monochrome; font colour must stand out clearly from background colour 
    • Elements in the immediate vicinity (e.g. yellow button) must not be larger than the advertising label
  • A blue button with the label “data protection” must be included
  • No relevant information such as logos or text may be placed in the safe area (45x25px) nor within the navigation bar (1280x84px)

Supplementary Requirements for Interactive Ads

  • For interactive ads, a yellow button with the corresponding call-to-action must also be included
  • Click-to-video:
    • The start of the video must be clearly indicated with a respective notification or CTA (e.g. “Start video now”)
    • Maximum video length of 55 seconds

Animations

  • Simple animations can be realised using the GIF format (maximum of 700 KB), but with a maximum of 10fps
  • More complex animations must be mapped using a VPAID. For reasons of quality assurance and the special requirements in the HbbTV environment, we strongly recommend implementation with specialised and experienced developers. For further information (costs, required material, as well as contact to specialised developers), please contact the ATV implementation team: demandops-eu@smartclip.tv 

Delivery Times and Lead Times

Physical Ads

  • Minimum of 5 working days before campaign start
  • Minimum of 10 working days before campaign start for dynamic ads based on external data sources (e.g. weather targeting) 

Microsites / smartclip Template

  • Delivery of all assets (videos, static imagery) minimum of 5 working days before campaign start
  • Production based on the template, technical control and going live is done by smartclip

Microsites / External Development (Custom Microsites)

  • Handover of the final microsite at least 10 working days before campaign start
  • Technical control and going live in smartclip infrastructure is done by smartclip

Special Information Regarding OTC Products, Casinos, and Betting Companies

OTC

The mandatory disclaimer for advertising related to pharmaceutical products must be included in all ad formats. The brand/agency can choose if the note is displayed throughout the whole duration of the ad or separately at its end.

Casinos and Betting Shops

Please comply with the official laws regarding advertising for gambling. In Germany, the declaration of age restrictions, addiction warnings and the “Schleswig-Holstein-Hinweis” are mandatory and need to be displayed throughout the whole duration of the ad.

Additional Information

smartclip reserves the right to stop the delivery of advertising material or microsites if:

  • Complaints from viewers / users arise following the start of the campaign
  • It subsequently turns out that the advertising material or the microsites disrupt or impair the performance or use of the TV programming
  • The advertising media or the microsite mislead the viewer / user
  • Any part of the ad (including the display file, video or microsite) does not comply with the regulations or applicable law
  • The pharmacist´s, casino- and competitors note must definitely appear in the german advertising material. Different rules may apply in other European countries
  • Advertiser Blacklist: please check with your contact person which blacklist applies.

In case of any interrupted deliveries, the smartclip support team will connect with the brand / agency in order to fulfil the planned campaign as soon as possible.

L-Shaped Ad / Lanner / SwitchIn XXL

Visible for 10 seconds after switching into a new channel, the SwitchIn XXL (also known as L-banner) guarantees high attention levels for your advertising message. The format design is flexible and can be static, animated, dynamised by real-time data or interactive with a yellow button (click-to-video; click-to-microsite). 

The product name for this format is SwitchIn XXL in Germany. In other markets different names might apply, for example Lanner in Italy. 

SwitchIn XXL as Pure Branding Format 

  • Available in all markets
  • The designs of all formats can be static or animated

SwitchIn XXL with Interaction (Yellow Button)

  • Available in Germany and Italy
  • Click-to-Video
  • Click-to-Microsite

In the different European countries, particular attention must be paid to the different advertising labels. On the following page you can download the templates for Italy, France and Spain. Interactive options such as click-to-video and click-to-microsite are currently possible with the SwitchIn XXL in Germany and Italy.

The product name for this format is SwitchIn XXL in Germany. In other markets different names might apply, for example Lanner in Italy. 

Mandatory Requirements for All Display Ads

  • The fixed positions of the disclaimers “Advertisement” and “Data Protection” are specified and must be included as shown in the template 
  • No relevant information such as logos or text may be placed in the safe area (45x25px) nor within the navigation bar (1280x84px)

Technical Specifications

File Type
JPG, PNG

Dimensions
284x720px + 996x160px
delivered as one file (1280x720px)!

File Size
max. 250 KB

Download Template Germany
LINK 

Download Template Italy
LINK 

Download Template France
LINK 

Download Template Spain
LINK
SwitchIn XXL with Interaction

Interactive ads require a call-to-action button including distinct labelling. For France and Spain to be approved and not yet available.

Click-to-Video
The start of the video must be clearly indicated with a respective label or notification, e.g. “Start video now”.

Maximum video length of 55 seconds.

Advertising disclaimers and safe area restrictions are mandatory!











SwitchIn XXL Extended

Available in Germany only

Visible for 15 seconds after switching channels and including a mandatory animation, the SwitchIn XXL Extended is the ideal format for more complex designs. In addition to the obligatory animation, the design can be further enriched with dynamic real-time data or the interactive feature of the yellow button  (click-to-video; click-to-microsite).

Technical Specifications

File Type
Gif or VPAID

Dimensions
1280x720px
delivered as one file!

Display Duration
15 seconds

File Size
max. 250 KB

Download Template
LINK
SwitchIn XXL Extended with
Yellow Button Interaction

In the case of interactive advertising media, a “yellow button” with the corresponding note must also be included

Click-to-Video
The clear text reference to the start of a video must be included in the advertising media, e.g. “Start video now”

Maximum video length of 55 seconds.

Advertising disclaimers and safe area restrictions are mandatory!

SwitchIn Zoom / Side-Skin

Visible for 10 seconds after switching into a new channel, the SwitchIn Zoom offers the same features as the SwitchIn XXL with a larger branding area. The format design is flexible and can be static, animated, dynamised by real-time data or interactive with a yellow button (click-to-video; click-to-microsite).

Technical Specifications

File Type
JPG, PNG

Dimensions
1280x720px
delivered as one file!

File Size
max. 250 KB

Download Template
LINK 


Advertising disclaimers and safe area restrictions are mandatory!
SwitchIn Zoom with
Yellow Button Interaction

In the case of interactive advertising media, a “yellow button” with the corresponding note must also be included

Click-to-Video
The clear text reference to the start of a video must be included in the advertising media, e.g. “Start video now”

Maximum video length 55 seconds.




SwitchIn Masthead / Full-Skin

The SwitchIn Masthead is an exclusive ad format displayed for 10 seconds directly after turning on the TV for the first time of the day. The maximum advertising space allows for creativity and the flexible design can be static, animated, dynamised by real-time data or interactive with a yellow button (click-to-video; click-to-microsite). 

Technical Specifications

File Type
JPG, PNG

Dimensions
1280x720px
delivered as one file!

File Size
max. 250 KB

Download Template
LINK 

Advertising disclaimers and safe area restrictions are mandatory!
SwitchIn Masthead with
Yellow Button Interaction

In the case of interactive advertising media, a “yellow button” with the corresponding note must also be included

Click-to-Video
The clear text reference to the start of a video must be included in the advertising media, e.g. “Start video now”

Maximum video length 55 seconds.



SwitchIn Spot

Available in Germany only

The SwitchIn Spot is shown directly after switching into a new channel and has a maximum duration of 10 seconds. The SwitchIn Spot is surrounded by a SwitchIn XXL frame (L-banner) with the TV channel branding and a countdown indicating the remaining duration of the spot.

Technical Specifications

Video Type
MP4, H.264

Resolution
1920x1080px

Profile
4.0 high, optimised for web

Loudness
~-23 LUFS LINK
Frame Rate
25fps

Bit Rate
192/5000 KBit/s min. a/v Bit rate

Spot Length
max. 10 seconds


SwitchIn Bumper

Available in Germany only

The SwitchIn Bumper is shown directly after switching into a new channel and has a maximum duration of 6 seconds. The SwitchIn Spot is surrounded by a SwitchIn XXL frame (L-banner) with the TV channel branding and a countdown indicating the remaining duration of the spot.

Technical Specifications

Video Type
MP4, H.264

Resolution
1920x1080px

Profile
4.0 high, optimised for web

Loudness
~-23 LUFS LINK
Frame Rate
25fps

Bit Rate
192/5000 KBit/s min. a/v Bit rate

Spot Length
max. 6 seconds


Target Spot

The Target Spot replaces the last position of an ad break by delivering a single addressable video ad into the broadcast stream. This first step of personalising the classic ad break offers a wide range of targeting options for your video advertisement. 

Technical Specifications

Video Type
MP4, H.264

Resolution
1920x1080px

Profile
4.0 high, optimised for web

Loudness
~-23 LUFS LINK
Frame Rate
25fps

Bit Rate
192/5000 KBit/s min. a/v Bit rate





Click-to-Video

A click-to-video campaign combines display and video elements. The yellow button interaction actively engages the viewer and thus increases the advertising memory. The yellow button field appears on the addressable display ad and by clicking it on the remote control, the full commercial can be viewed.

Technical Specifications

Video Type
MP4, H.264

Resolution
1920x1080px

Profile
4.0 high, optimised for web

Loudness
~-23 LUFS LINK

Advertising disclaimers and safe area restrictions are mandatory!
Frame Rate
25fps

Bit Rate
192/5000 KBit/s min. a/v Bit rate

Spot Length
max. 55 seconds

Videos of 55 seconds or longer must be switched to a microsite.



Click-to-Microsites

Requirements & Workflow

Addressable TV microsites must comply with the HbbTV / CE-HTML standard.

The development of HbbTV microsites requires appropriate know-how and access to HbbTV devices for development and testing. All microsites are hosted on the smartclip infrastructure and undergo a technical check on various TV sets before going live.

Creation of Microsites with smartclip Templates

smartclip enables the production of microsites based on standardised templates

The lead time and implementation effort can thus be minimised to 5-10 days

Recommendation
Download templates here:
LINK
External Development of Microsites (Custom Microsites)

Generally, the development of microsites by external service providers is possible

smartclip checks all microsites on different HbbTV devices to ensure error-free operation

smartclip accepts no responsibility for delays caused by incorrectly created microsites


Microsite Templates

smartclip offers standardised templates for quick and easy microsite implementation, as a basic microsite or as an advanced microsite with a gallery.

Once graphics, videos and static images are delivered as specified, smartclip can take care of the implementation, technical control and live placement of the microsite as well as of the tracking and reporting, via the programme “Matomo”. The lead time is 5-10 working days from delivery of assets until the ad goes live.

Premium Features

The integration of further dynamic elements (e.g. external databases, dealer search, competitions) is possible subject to consultation with the smartclip team.

Basic Microsite Example

  • Ideal for the communication of additional product information by integrating links, QR codes, hotlines, contact information etc.
  • The TV picture is integrated on the microsite, so that the viewer can still follow the TV programme

Advanced Microsite with Picture Gallery / Video Gallery Example

  • Flexible number of images or videos
  • Vertical or horizontal arrangement of the navigation
  • The TV picture is integrated on the entry page of the microsite and disappears upon viewer interaction

Notes for all Microsites

  • Take into account the safe area (45x25px) and navigation bar (1280x84px)
  • Consider space for the TV programme window with a minimum of 320x180px (positioning variable)

Technical Specifications

File Type
JPG, PNG                   

Dimensions
1280x720px

Download Templates
LINK

Advanced Microsite Picture Gallery

Images for picture gallery (PNG or JPG, max. 200 KB)

Thumbnails (PNG or JPG, max. 100 KB)

Focus / highlight color

Advanced Microsite Video Gallery

Videos (MP4, H.264, 1280x720px, 25fps, Profile 4.0 high, 192/1800 Kbit / s max. A / v bitrate, web optimised, loudness ~ -23 LUFS

Thumbnails (PNG or JPG, max. 100 KB)

Focus / highlight color

Microsite

When creating microsites by external developers and agencies, a lead time of at least 5 working days must be observed from the material handover to smartclip until they go live.

  • The hosting takes place exclusively in smartclip infrastructures
  • The use of an anonymisation proxy for external resources is possible by arrangement
  • Microsite must be HbbTV / CE-HTML compatible and tested accordingly on HbbTV devices
  • smartclip will release the microsite upon technical acceptance 
  • HbbTV test equipment for technical control
    • Samsung 2012+, LG 2012+, Philips 2012+, Panasonic 2012+, Sony 2012+

This is a representative selection of test devices, however, errors on individual devices cannot be ruled out.

Recommendations & Notes

Video player features:
stop, pause, start (fast forward and fast rewind)

Fullscreen / split screen toggle

Preview images are available for all assets and are displayed correctly

Preloader:
The app and videos display the battery status 

Appearance
Fonts, image sizes and user experience are optimised for TV screens
Information & Tools 

General HbbTV specifications
https://www.hbbtv.org

Firefox HbbTV plugins

Fire HbbTV Dev Environment https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/hybridtv-dev-environment/ljmkgjilkcmdokbgofbmjnkobejhhapc

Hybrid TV viewer https://addons.mozilla.org/en/firefox/addon/hybridtvviewer/













Notes for all Microsites

  • Take into account the safe area (45x25px) and navigation bar (1280x84px)
  • Consider space for the TV programme window with a minimum of 320x180px (positioning variable)

Technical Specifications

Video Encoding

2Mbit/s maximum; smooth playback on all devices, correct scaling and positioning of the videos

MP4, H.264, 1280x720px, 25fps, Profile 4.0 high, 192/1800 Kbps max. a / v bitrate, web optimised, loudness ~ -23 LUFS – see LINK 

Image File
Background image max. 200 KB

Thumbnails max. 100 KB











Navigation, Active Elements, and Submenus

Navigation path must be understandable and functional

All active elements must be selectable

Submenus must have a “back” button

Design and usability must be optimised for TV use

Adequate loading times for launch and interactions

Contact Details

Delivery of Advertising Material and Communication During the Campaign

smartclip Addressable TV

Campaign Management

Contact Europe

Mail: demandops-eu@smartclip.tv Mail: adsinternational.atv@smartclip.tv

Ad Guide: Addressable TV (Europe)

Download now

Sebastian Busse is the Director of Addressable TV at smartclip, focusing on the development of Europe’s largest Addressable TV platform and solutions specifically designed European broadcasters. The smartclip Addressable TV Platform, explicitly built for the TV industry, brings digital advertising and analytic solutions to linear TV and unlocks new potential for broadcasters and advertisers. Sebastian has a Business Administration and Management degree from BA Heidenheim and a Masters degree in Sport Management from the Griffith University.

Sebastian Busse
Director Addressable TV

Lisa-Theresia Rischke is the Head of Brand at smartclip Europe and responsible for the smartclip brand. She leads the design team and oversees collateral, social media, and strategic content marketing initiatives across Europe. 

Lisa Rischke
Head of Brand

Karen is the Marketing Design Manager Europe at smartclip. She is responsible for the creative execution of marketing activities in all markets and leads the in-house creation of live advertising campaigns for clients. Prior to joining smartclip in 2017, Karen gained extensive experience in the German broadcasting business.

Karen Knüppel
Marketing Design Manager Europe