Comcast, NBCU Deliver Dynamic Ads To VOD

In a bit of synergy between its cable business and its networks, Comcast and NBCUniversal says they are working together to use dynamic ad insertion in on demand programming.

Chrysler and Kraft will be the first advertisers taking advantage of the new opportunity.

One issue that has hampered VOD advertising is that with many shows, pre-roll commercials are sold by the month, providing advertisers with little flexibility. Dynamic ad insertion allows operators and the networks providing the shows to change the ads.

Comcast and NBCU said they have begun rolling out dynamic ad insertion in several Comcast markets. They plan to expand to the majority of Comcast markets in the coming year.

Initially they plan to focus on pre- and post-roll spots in programming from NBCU's cable networks, beginning with USA, E!, Syfy, Bravo and Oxygen. Later this year, the company will offer dynamic insertion of mid-roll ads.

Comcast is working with Black Arrow to provide the technology for dynamic ad insertion. Comcast plans to make the capability available to other networks in 2012. At that time, working with Canoe Ventures, dynamic insertion should also be available through multiple operators.

Read more at B&C here.

Jon Lafayette

Jon has been business editor of Broadcasting+Cable since 2010. He focuses on revenue-generating activities, including advertising and distribution, as well as executive intrigue and merger and acquisition activity. Just about any story is fair game, if a dollar sign can make its way into the article. Before B+C, Jon covered the industry for TVWeek, Cable World, Electronic Media, Advertising Age and The New York Post. A native New Yorker, Jon is hiding in plain sight in the suburbs of Chicago.