Source Video Guidelines

How It Works

Atlas allows you to submit one high-resolution “master” video ad for all your placements. From this master ad Atlas creates multiple web-ready versions of your ad in a variety of formats and resolutions. Atlas takes care of delivering the right asset for each publisher.

Getting Your Ads into Atlas

Atlas can accept source video either by tape or by digital file.

  • Digital video files can be uploaded directly into Atlas. Some file conversion may be required prior to upload.
  • Tapes must be mailed to our encoding partner and you will be notified when your videos are ready. Instructions for sending tapes are below.

Video File Requirements

If it is most convenient for you to work with digital video files, make sure they meet these requirements.

  • Primer on formats: Audio and video codecs determine the language in which the sound and picture data is stored. The file extension describes the kind of container around the data. Codecs and file extensions are mostly independent, with the notable exception of Windows Media which is both a codec and a file format (WMV).
  • Accepted file extensions: .MPG .MPEG .QT .MOV .WMV (do not change your file extension of your files unless you actually convert the file)
  • Accepted video codecs: MPEG2, MPEG4, Sorensen, Windows Media, Cinepak, MJPEG.
  • Accepted audio codecs: MPEG1, MP3, AC-3, AAC, AIFF, WAV, Windows Media.
  • File size: Video files must be less than 50MB.
  • Bitrate: At least 3 Mbps for video and 192 Kbps for audio.
  • Dimensions: For best results, submitted videos should be at least 400 x 300 pixel resolution.
  • Recommended format: Every video is different, but we have found that Windows Media files with 4 Mbps variable bitrate encoding have great quality and compression. Another good alternative is the MPEG4 codec inside a .MOV file, .MPG file, or .MPEG file.
  • Format conversion: Atlas can assist you in converting your high-resolution video files into one of these formats that can be uploaded into Atlas. You can transfer your video files to us using our FTP site or send us a data DVD. Contact your support manager for more information.

Tape Requirements

If it is most convenient for you to send tapes, make sure they meet these requirements.

  • Tape Format: Beta SP or Digi Beta.
  • Time Code: Drop frame time code (must be identical on both LTC and VITC). Time code must be continuous throughout the tape.
  • Audio: Ch1&2: full stereo or dual mono mix, no split tracks.
  • Log and Reel Format: Bars and tone from 00:58:30:00 to 00:59:30:00 should accurately reflect the ad’s audio and video levels. First program starts at 1:00:00:00. 10 seconds of black with time code should proceed and follow each ad. Tapes containing multiple programs must include 00:00:30 breaks between programs (:10 black, :10 slate, :10 black)
  • Labeling: The cassette case should be labeled as well as the tape itself. Label should include agency, advertiser, ad description, and audio configuration.
  • Editing: All content is encoded exactly as it is provided on the tape. Do not send in programs that need editing or any have any special requirements without prior approval.

Procedure for Sending Tape

  1. Complete submission form located here.
  2. Send form to Atlas: email to your Atlas support contact.
  3. Send tape to TVN: mail printed form along with tape to:

    4. Atlas In-Stream c/o TVN Entertainment
    Attn: Joshua Kaplan
    4111 W. Alameda Ave 4th Floor
    Burbank, CA 91505

  4. Receive video file: we will contact you when your video ad has been encoded and loaded into Atlas. Your tape will not be returned.

 

Questions?

Contact: Atlas In-Stream Video Support