The merits of server-guided ad insertion (SGAI) were one of the big ad-tech talking points at this year’s IBC, but does the technology represent a step change for publishers?
Choosing the best way to insert addressable adverts into streams is one of the key technology dilemmas currently facing ad-supported streaming services.
Server-side ad insertion is often seen as the lynchpin of ad-tech in the streaming age, as media companies look to grow digital revenues to offset linear TV’s decline.
Historically, ads in OTT have either been inserted into a stream by the client (at the player or device level), or stitched into the stream by the server, without the need for client-side integration...
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IPMX, ST 2110, and the battle for the network
As the reach of the IP Media Experience (IPMX) initiative continues to grow, David Davies looks at the origins of the initiative, the areas it has achieved greatest traction to date, and what the future might bring.
Wimbledon 2026: ESPN gears up for record breaking year
ESPN is the biggest international broadcaster for Wimbledon for which it is paying around $95m annually for exclusive rights in the US until 2035 (from 2024). It’s a vital partner to the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) which own the Championship and which manages the host broadcast internally under Wimbledon Broadcast Services (WBS).
Content Everywhere: Accelerators for change
Content Everywhere companies are already in planning mode for this year’s IBC. Some will also have been working on, or at least taking note of, projects included in the event’s Accelerator programme.
Why media networks are being rewired for the speed of light
The elimination of OB trucks is just the start of the light revolution. For the media industry, a rewiring of the transport network from electrons to photons promises to unlock AI driven production, immersive formats, and globalised workflows while dramatically cutting energy consumption.
Q-Stream Alpha: Prioritising trust when the network can’t be trusted
As the industry navigates a storm of content authenticity threats, the Q-Stream Alpha: The "Tactical Truth" Pipeline Accelerator seeks to deploy AI, ML, and post-quantum encryption to apply C2PA principles within live workflows.
