It is important to understand that LIVE does not directly insert commercials into your stream. Instead, it inserts SCTE-35 markers for downstream advertising service providers to insert ads
The Markers: These tell downstream providers (like google ads or streaming platforms) exactly when to cut away from your feed to play their own local ads.
The Failsafe: While ads are running elsewhere, your stream plays a Slate (placeholder). If the provider's system fails, the audience sees the Slate; otherwise, they see the ads. You do not see this in LIVE as it is happening downstream, so you will only see it on your destination output
The Ad Break Timeline
An ad break consists of three distinct phases. Note that the terminology differs slightly between the technical API and the LIVE User Interface:
| Phase | LIVE UI | API | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Start | Lead-In | Cue-Out | The clip that plays as you transition out of your program. |
| Ad Duration | Slate | Slate | The looping placeholder content played during the ad break. |
| End | Lead-Out | Cue-In | The clip that plays as you transition back into your program. |
Advertisement Timing
Pre-roll: This is the countdown after you click "Start" but before the stream cuts away. Use this as a countdown to the Ad insertion
Ad Duration: The exact length of time the downstream provider is told to play ads (e.g., 30s).
The Buffer: LIVE automatically handles a 1-second buffer overlap before and after the Ad Duration to ensure the provider's has time to react without clipping your content. This allows for imprecision of the ad server
Lead In and Out Clips: These are typically short clips used to transition from your content to the ads, we recommend adding an extra 1 second to your clips to allow for the imprecision buffer
Total Time: The total cut away time is the lead in clip time + the ad duration + the lead out clip time minus the buffers
Operating an Ad Break
1. Configuration
Before starting a break, ensure your assets are loaded in the Ad Break tab:
Pre-roll: Set the desired duration until the Ad break sequence is initiated
Duration: Set the total length of the intended advertisement (e.g., 00:30).
Assets: Select your Lead-In, Slate, and Lead-Out video files using the folder icons. Use the folder icon to search and select assets and the remove icon to clear them
2. Operation
Start Ad Break
The Ad break can be started from the Ad break button on the Nav bar or click the Start Ad Break button in the Ad break menu
The Pre-roll timer will begin. An Indicator is displayed over the Program Monitor
Once Pre-roll hits zero, the Lead-In clip triggers automatically.
Note: As an operator, you will not see the ads or slates in the main Program view. This is intentional so you can continue to prep your live shots and see your adjustments behind the scenes while the audience is in a break.
Cancel and Ad Break
The ad break can be cancelled during the pre-roll. Once the sequence has been initiated it is occurring downstream of LIVE and cannot be cancelled. After clicking the Start Ad Break, it becomes a Cancel button. You can also click the Ad Break button on the Nav bar to cancel during pre-roll.
End Ad Break
The Ad break will end automatically. A timer in the UI will show the remaining time before the program returns to air
| Important Note on Volume: Volume for Lead-In, Lead-Out, and Slates cannot be adjusted within the app. Ensure your files are normalized to industry standards before uploading. |
3. Logging
Logs can be exported via the 3 dots on the right side of the panel
Limitations
Transitions: Currently only cuts in and out to clips and slates are supported
Cancellation Window: You can only cancel a scheduled break before the Lead-In clip starts playing (or at least 5 seconds before the break if the clip is very short).
Off-Air Time: Your stream will be "off-program" for the Ad Duration + Lead-In length + Lead-Out length. This is always longer than the Ad Duration itself.