Broadcasting experts...why does the first commercial cut off after 1 second? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

G-Benz · #1 09-15-2008, 07:42 AM

On a number of channels, I notice that when the commercials are run, the first one that gets cued up cuts off after about a second and is immediately followed by the next commercial.

What is that about?

SwampYankee · #2 09-15-2008, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G-Benz

On a number of channels, I notice that when the commercials are run, the first one that gets cued up cuts off after about a second and is immediately followed by the next commercial.

What is that about?

I've noticed that, too. Is it on HD channels?

G-Benz · #3 09-15-2008, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SwampYankee

I've noticed that, too. Is it on HD channels?

I've seen this on TBS, AMC, and Cartoon Network...probably others, but I haven't always monitored which stations. And the ones I mentioned aren't HD-specific either.

SwampYankee · #4 09-15-2008, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G-Benz

I've seen this on TBS, AMC, and Cartoon Network...probably others, but I haven't always monitored which stations. And the ones I mentioned aren't HD-specific either.

I really noticed it while watching sporting events on HD since the transition was so abrupt. Hmmm...

kip Foss · #5 09-15-2008, 12:35 PM

The first second you see is the start of a nationally syndicated commercial. The one that follows is usually a local one. I don't know why one takes precedence over the other.

John Doe · #6 09-15-2008, 12:39 PM

Hail call Sflori--that is his line of work. I think it is a mild screw up--local ad schedule being inserted at guaranteed spots at the last minute, but that is just a guess.

G-Benz · #7 09-15-2008, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Doe

...I think it is a mild screw up--local ad schedule being inserted at guaranteed spots at the last minute, but that is just a guess.

I used to think that...until I noticed the same sort of behavior on other channels, and it happens pretty consistently now.

John Doe · #8 09-15-2008, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G-Benz

I used to think that...until I noticed the same sort of behavior on other channels, and it happens pretty consistently now.

Check and see if they occur more frequently closer to midnight. I bought some airtime once and went the el cheapo route where they could fit them in anytime they wanted, and I noticed two of the six would always pop up between 11 & 12 kind of frantically

mgburg · #9 09-20-2008, 12:19 AM

There are a few things happening here...I'll give you the technical angle first, then the accounting angle second.

First: The Technical

With file servers taking over the landscape of broadcasting (both OTA and Cable/Satellite), the problem is usually a matter of correct timing...usually from the source of the programming to the local insertion equipment itself.

Most programming suppliers use "time-code" (bits of information in the "vertical interval" that relate to where a particular section of video/audio is in the presentation of the programming...usually "attached" to each individual frame of a program...30 frames of video per second times the minutes/seconds that the show is actually running...and each frame has its own special code...usually sync'd with GPS information/Time from the USGS or other related entities...

Now the computers running the programming are timed to switch over to the commercials/promos when a certain code is entered into the computer...or there may be an ACTUAL person sitting there running the switcher themselves...waiting for the "right time" to start the commercial and switch to it and away from the program.

What you're seeing, most likely, is the fact that either the computer or the operator are not in sync with one another and you're seeing the first "spot" on the program getting "cut" and overlaid with the local spot. If you've ever heard the host of some game shows say, "We'll be right back in 2 and 2!" they're referring to the 2 minutes of commercials and the additional 2 seconds of "black slop" that is built into the programs commercial area.

Now, the money aspect...

A lot of shows aired by commercial stations and cable operators have some deals made where the program supplier inserts their own commercials into the program they're distributing. But some stations/cable companies will pay a little more for the program by making a deal with the distributor to allow them to cover those "built ins" with their own local spots. So, it's possible that those spots ARE suppose to be covered.

Believe me...stations and some cable operators have lost their licenses because they "covered" someone else's spot with another spot, then the station/CO went ahead and billed the covered spot client for an ad that never aired properly, if at all. Covering a "spot" is a very risky proposition and during the election cycle...it's usually HIGHLY DISCOURAGED! Too many rules on doing "make-goods" (process of taking a missed spot and trying to reinsert it into the programming stream in the proper time slot and with similarly priced spots.). Very hard to do and HIGHLY DISCOURAGED! Did I mention that?

Good.

Unless you have the staff that is anal enough to program the computer to the exact second as to when to switch and to what source...you'll continue to see these "cut-offs" as you're seeing now...and it may be just the tip of the iceberg...Cable Operators aren't the most highly-paid folks and the quality of the "editing" shows just that...but then, again, I've seen the same thing on WGN with their own operation...

Hopefully this little long-winded explaination took some of the mystery out of your original questions...

Enjoy!

powerpig · #10 09-20-2008, 08:33 AM

What he said above is correct. In order to offset paying the cable channels fees for the rights to carry, they set aside a certain amount of time for "local" spots that the cable company sells. They are inserted electronically via a silent tone. In the old days, the spots were on tape. The first tone would signal the machine to cue up the spot. The second would signal the machine to pre-roll the tape to get it up to speed and the third would signal the machine to cut over to the local spot. As you have seen, it's not a perfect setup. Those of you who watched ESPN in the early days may remember a series of audible tones right before some spot breaks. Those were the tones I was referencing, only in the early days they were audible. Cable companies aren't required to have a live body switching the spots but the FCC stills requires that broadcast stations have a live, FCC licensed person running the switcher. That job was the hardest to fill when I managed TV stations due to the low pay and extreme boredom.

G-Benz · #11 09-20-2008, 08:53 AM

I think you guys answered my questions in great detail thanks!

I had suspected that since I've noticed this only recently that at some point, the switch was made to computerize the sync events. (and yes, I do remember the three escalating tones that followed an ESPN broadcast prior to running an ad).

At least I know now I'm not making this up...