Regions Covered
✔ United Kingdom
✔ Republic of Ireland
To maintain a consistently high quality product, XR requires all material to be supplied to the following specifications:
Requirements at a glance
| Unique identifier(s): |
For the UK, a clock number (e.g. ADV/PROD001/030) is assigned during the Clearcast clearance process, see Clearance The same format can be used for Ireland. Some broadcasters use a different format for sponsorship idents. |
| Pre/post roll: | Optional |
| HD/SD: | HD |
| Audio: | R128 |
| Clearance: | Clearcast (UK) or directly with the broadcaster (ROI), see Clearance for more information. |
Content Layout
Option 2: Clock and 10 second freeze
Option 3: TVC only
Uploading without a clock or freeze?
If you choose to upload a file without a clock or freeze, our platform will add them automatically prior to delivery.
Countdown Clock
If a clock is supplied, it should display a countdown starting at 10 and display the following information:
Clock must be mute
If there is any audio present on the countdown clock, the file will fail QC
File Specification
| Preferred | Accepted | |||
| Format | XDCAM 1080/50 | Apple ProRes 422HQ 1080/50 | Avid DNxHD 185x 1080/50 | |
| Container | MOV or MXF | MOV | MOV or MXF | |
| Video Codec | XDCAM 422 | Apple Quicktime ProRes 422 (HQ) | 10bit DNxHD | |
| GOP | Long GOP | - | - | |
| Profile | MPEG-2 422P@HL | HQ | 1080i DNxHD SQ 8-bit | |
| Frame Size | 1920x1080 | 1920x1080 | 1920x1080 | |
| Frame Rate | 25 FPS | 25 FPS | 25 FPS | |
| Scan Type | Interlaced, Upper/Top Field First | Interlaced, Upper/Top Field First | Interlaced, Upper/Top Field First | |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 | 16:9 | 16:9 | |
| Pixel Aspect Ratio | Square Pixels (1.0) | Square Pixels (1.0) | Square Pixels (1.0) | |
| Video Bit Rate | 50Mb/s CBR | - | 185Mb/s | |
| Chroma | 4:2:2 | 4:2:2 | 4:2:2 | |
| Audio Codec | Integer (Big/Little Endian) PCM | Integer (Little Endian) PCM | PCM | |
| Audio Bit Depth | 24bit | 24bit | 24bit | |
| Audio Sample Rate | 48kHz | 48kHz | 48kHz | |
| Audio Bit Rate | Uncompressed | Uncompressed | Uncompressed | |
Title Safety
EBU R.95-1
All graphics, text, and frame composition elements should be placed within the safe title area to prevent key content from being cut off.
Video Levels
All video signals should comply with ITU-R BT.709-5 and video signals should not exceed the specified limits.
Video levels should not exceed 700mV, or fall below 0mv
Luminance (Y) -1% and 103%
(between -7mV and 721mV)
RGB video levels -5% and 105%
(between -35mV and 735mV)
Out of gamut tolerance
Whilst XR and the Broadcasters will reject illegal video levels, they understand there may be instances where it is difficult to completely avoid. Following EBU recommendation Rec.103-2000 they will therefore allow a small tolerance, assuming that no more than 1% of the active picture is in error.
Audio Levels
The loudness level of the programme material must be in agreement with the EBU R128-2014 directive, including the following delivery specifications:
EBU R.128-2014
- Integrated Loudness** Program : -23 LUFS
- Target Level Tolerance : +/- 0.5 LU
- Maximum True Peak : -1dBTP
- Maximum Momentary : No Limitations
- Maximum Short Term Momentary (3 Sec) : -18 LUF
- Loudness Range : No Limitations
**'Integrated Loudness' is the definition for the target of the 'Programme Loudness' stated in metres in conformity with EBU Tech 3341.
Although the maximum true peak is -1dBTP, it is recommended by the broadcasters that the true peak should not exceed -3dBTP.
IMPORTANT Notes Regarding Audio Silence
• For the UK there must be a MINIMUM of 6 frames of audio silence at the start and end of the commercial
• Digital silence should achieve a recommended level not exceeding -70dBFS.
• Trace audio within the first or last 6 frames is a QC fail.
Audio Channel Configurations
| Channel # | Audio |
| 1 | Stereo Left |
| 2 | Stereo Right |
| Channel # | Audio |
| 1 | Stereo Left |
| 2 | Stereo Right |
| 3 | AD Narration |
| 4 | AD Control Track (ducking audio on 1&2 when AD is playing) |
| Channel # | Audio |
| 1 | Stereo Left |
| 2 | Stereo Right |
| 3 | Collapsed Custom Mix & AD Narration |
| 4 | AD Control Track (completely ducking audio on Tracks 1&2 for the duration of the TVC) |
Subtitles/Captions
Subtitles/Closed Captions for the hard of hearing can be added to your commercials for an additional fee. Please get in touch if you would like more information.
Audio Description
Audio Description (AD) makes content more accessible to individuals who are blind or visually impaired. If you wish to supply your own AD, please refer to Audio Channel Configurations for the correct channel layout.
For further information, take a look at the UK & ROI Audio Description FAQs
Clearance
Do you need help with clearance or regulatory compliance?
XR's Campaign Services teams can assist you! Please reach out to your local team for more information, additional fees apply.
UK
Clearcast is the clearance body for TV ads in the UK. They review all commercials to ensure they follow the UK Code of Broadcast Advertising (the BCAP Code), before they are shown on television.
There are a few stages to the clearance process so it's important to allow plenty of time for this .
Did you know you can send your ad to Clearcast for final approval via the XR platform?
Save yourself time and effort by creating one file for final Clearcast approval and delivery to broadcasters via XR. See Sending to Clearcast via XR for more info.
ROI
For Ireland, Clearcast approval is accepted for Sky Ireland, TG4 and Channel 4 Ireland.
Virgin Media Sales (VMS) and RTE, have their own internal clearance procedures.
Other Important Information
RTE.ie require an IO number, which can be obtained from your media buyer and should be added during order placement.