Archive for November 11th, 2008

Technology startup Keystream has developed a new system for advertising on online video “blank spaces”—where a video’s content shows a bare wall or grass field, for example—MediaPost reports. The system, called SmartAds, scans video content for “blank” spaces and sticks an overlay ad there without program interruption. The ads can play for 10 seconds every one to two minutes and can be targeted contextually and by audience demographic, MediaPost says. The SmartAds have generated click-through rates in the high single digits and overall interaction rates of better than 20% during testing, according to Keystream. Read the rest of this entry »

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YouTube plans to compete directly with broadcast and cable networks by presenting a live event on Nov. 22 that will be streamed internationally via a dedicated channel on its website, Broadcasting & Cable reported today (Monday). The trade publication commented: “The event will be the first program ever to be streamed on YouTube, though assuming it is successful, it will not likely be the last.” B&C described the program as “equal parts concert, party and variety show” and said it will feature some of the personalities and celebrities who have “gone viral” on the site.

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Media buyers and their clients have steadily beaten the drum for magazines to mash up their sales forces and offer up more than just pages. But with the economy in turmoil, many marketers have decided simplicity is the solution, and publishers are backing off the elaborate, multiplatform packages for which advertisers had originally clamored.

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The Mac-worshiping crowd will soon have a new outlet to feed to their obsessions, as CNET is set to launch The Apple Byte, a new week series focused on Apple.

The show, which will be hosted by CNET editor (and ex Apple employee) Brian Tong, will feature a mix of news and service pieces on Apple’s range of products, including Mac computers, iPods and iPhones. New episodes will be premiere on CNET each Friday at 4:00 p.m. EST.
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Lifetime Networks has acquired Roiworld, a Korean company which manages a popular teen-targeted Web site which enables users to virtually dress up avatars—i.e. the digital version of dressing up dolls. The company in January plans to launch a version of Roiworld.com in the U.S. aimed at adult women.

Executives said that Lifetime will use Roiworld’s technology to enhance its presence in what the network refers to as the “dress up” category of casual Web-based games with the foundation of the Lifetime Game Studios Korea. Already, myLifetime.com directs users to Dressupchallenge.com, where users can perform makeovers of their own avatars or virtual celebrities.

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Continuing its push into original nonscripted skeins, TV Land has ordered a hidden-camera series, “Make My Day,” from producer Michael Davies and Sony Pictures Television.

“Make
My Day” revolves around people who are unwittingly put through a series
of “weird and wonderful” surprises and coincidences set up by friends
and family members. TV Land has ordered six segs of the hourlong
series. It’s based on a successful format from British production
company Monkey Kingdom that aired on the U.K.’s Channel 4 in 2001-03.
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Most U.S. consumers (86 percent) believe the country is currently in a recession, and more than half (54 percent) believe it will last longer than 12 months, Nielsen reported today.

The findings come from Nielsen’s Global Online Consumer Survey, conducted in 52 markets worldwide between September 22 and October 6, 2008. (Adweek is a unit of the Nielsen Co.) Read the rest of this entry »

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ESPN’s online service is launching what it says will be an improved video player, along with other new features. ESPN360.com, which streams live events, ranging from the niche (Asian championship cricket) to the marquee (NBA playoffs), is debuting “ESPN Conversations.” It will allow online viewers to chat with each other during games.

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By iTVX Staff

As ratings dwindle with various NBC programming, the Internet has been buzzing about whether the network will cut Ben Silverman loose. Each day a different story seems to pop up. In the past two days there have been stories (here’s one) on how the chairman incorporates product placement in each show from the start - whether it’s My Own Worst Enemy or The Biggest Loser.  As Silverman clings to his job, it’s important to note that he has the right idea. The 30-second commercial era is over. Product placement is the present and the future. He embraces that idea, and for the most part, the shows heavy with placement often are seamless and not done in a beat-over-the-head style.

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The U.K. television ad market is not only having its worst year since the dot-com crash seven years ago, but there is also no recovery in sight, according to a report released Monday.Media analyst ZenithOptimedia said in its market survey “U.K. Television Forecasts to 2012″ that it expects the market to be down for the next two years and flat thereafter.

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