Abstract: A method of incorporating additional video objects into source video data to produce output video data. The method includes retrieving source video data and data defining a segment size used by a distributor, into which video data is divided when transmitted. The method includes analyzing the source video data to identify selected frames of video material which include insertion zones which correspond to regions which are suitable for receiving an additional video object. The method includes identifying a boundary point of the source video data. The method includes embedding additional video objects into the selected frames, creating output video data which has a boundary which corresponds with the identified boundary point. The method includes generating metadata including information on said boundary point of the source video data to be replaced by the created output video data; and transmitting the output video data and the metadata to the distributor.

Abstract: A system and method for incorporating one or more additional video objects into input video data to produce output video data. A method includes retrieving the input video data, analyzing the input video data to identify one or more desired visual attributes for the one or more additional video objects to possess when incorporated into the input video data, creating instructions for generating additional video data comprising the one or more additional video objects having the one or more desired visual attributes and transmitting at least the instructions to a first remote system that has already received at least part of the input video data, the instructions being useable by the remote system to generate the additional video data for incorporation into the input video data.

Abstract: A method of presenting advertising opportunities to users of a digital advertising placement system is described. The method includes receiving sequences of video material from a video material source, the sequences of video material having been processed from original video material to select parts of the original video material which are suitable for placement of digital advertising components. The method further includes incorporating the received sequences of video material into an online catalog accessible to a plurality of users via a data communications network, the online catalog allowing remote access to a user to identify one or more sequences which are of interest to an advertiser wishing to conduct digital advertising placement using said system.

Abstract: A method of digital advertising, comprising: receiving a plurality of video material sources; optionally converting video material from a format of said sources into one or more placement operating formats; placing a digital advertising component into video material; and outputting the video material with the digital advertising component integrated within it for distribution. Preferred embodiments of the invention involve generating a market for placement zones suitable for receiving digital advertising components, wherein a market is generated by for example a bidding process against one or more available placement zones or offering one or more available placement zones with an indication its value/price. Also disclosed are computer apparatus and systems for performing the above-mentioned methods and related methods, and a system and method for management and manipulation of digital assets.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatic detection of insertion zones within pre-recorded video material are provided. The apparatus includes a video analysis unit configured to automatically determine at least one candidate insertion zone within the pre-recorded video material suitable for receiving additional material to be inserted and configured to generate zone meta data defining attributes of the insertion zone, and an insertion module configured to receive additional material for insertion and arranged to generate an output representative of the pre-recorded video material with the additional material placed on an insertion zone such that the additional material adopts the image attributes of the insertion zone as the pre-recorded video material is played. The automatic determination of at least one insertion zone is based on one or more of feature shape, size, duration, movement, color.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatic detection of insertion zones within pre-recorded video material are provided. The apparatus includes a video analysis unit configured to automatically determine at least one candidate insertion zone within the pre-recorded video material suitable for receiving additional material to be inserted and configured to generate zone meta data defining attributes of the insertion zone, and an insertion module configured to receive additional material for insertion and arranged to generate an output representative of the pre-recorded video material with the additional material placed on an insertion zone such that the additional material adopts the image attributes of the insertion zone as the pre-recorded video material is played.

Abstract: A system and method of incorporating additional video objects into source video data to produce output video data. A method includes identifying segments of the source video data, selecting identified segments for the inclusion of additional video objects, creating an intermediate working version of the source video data including video material corresponding to the selected segments, creating metadata which identifies at least one frame within the source video data which corresponds to the selected segments, transmitting the intermediate working version to a remote system for the creation of additional video data including additional video objects to be included in the output video data, receiving video file data associated with the additional video data, obtaining the additional video data based on the video file data, retrieving metadata and incorporating the additional video data with the source video data on the basis of the retrieved metadata to produce the output video data.

Abstract: A system and method for incorporating one or more additional video objects into input video data to produce output video data. A method includes retrieving the input video data, analysing the input video data to identify one or more desired visual attributes for the one or more additional video objects to possess when incorporated into the input video data, creating instructions for generating additional video data comprising the one or more additional video objects having the one or more desired visual attributes and transmitting at least the instructions to a first remote system that has already received at least part of the input video data, the instructions being useable by the remote system to generate the additional video data for incorporation into the input video data.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatic detection of insertion zones within pre-recorded video material are provided. The apparatus includes a video analysis unit configured to automatically determine at least one candidate insertion zone within the pre-recorded video material suitable for receiving additional material to be inserted and configured to generate zone meta data defining attributes of the insertion zone, and an insertion module configured to receive additional material for insertion and arranged to generate an output representative of the pre-recorded video material with the additional material placed on an insertion zone such that the additional material adopts the image attributes of the insertion zone as the pre-recorded video material is played.

Abstract: A method of digital advertising, comprising: receiving a plurality of video material sources; optionally converting video material from a format of said sources into one or more placement operating formats; placing a digital advertising component into video material; and outputting the video material with the digital advertising component integrated within it for distribution. Preferred embodiments of the invention involve generating a market for placement zones suitable for receiving digital advertising components, wherein a market is generated by for example a bidding process against one or more available placement zones or offering one or more available placement zones with an indication its value/price.