What is the cost for distributing my commercial(s)?

We offer a Network Package; this means that you pay one price per clock, for delivery to 6+ broadcast sites. There is no limit to the number of broadcast sites you choose, therefore this method can be extremely cost-effective! If there are less than 6 broadcast sites, you will pay a Network Individual price. This charge is made on a per-clock, per broadcast site basis.

Please contact the TV Department for more information.

How do I place an order?

You can place an order by using the IMD online booking wizard. If you haven't used our website before and you don't have any user details, please contact the TV Team on +44 (0)20 7468 6850. It takes seconds to set up a user account for you, and the team are here to guide you through any queries you may have.

Click here to see a sample order.
Click here to view a user guide.

How do I supply copy to IMD?

You can send your clock(s) to IMD via FTP or on a Digi Beta. FTP is our preferred delivery method as the file is entered on to our system immediately and can be stored indefinitely. It takes longer for us to process digi beta's and we can only store them for up to 3 months, after which time, they are recycled.

Detailed:

Click here to see our FTP delivery format options and technical standards.
Click here to see our Digi Beta delivery format options and technical standards.

Short:

Click here to see our FTP delivery format options and technical standards.
Click here to see our Digi Beta delivery format options and technical standards.

We can also accept non-standard formats with prior-agreement.

We will either reject material that does not comply with our specifications or charge for correctional work to be carried out. If material does not arrive correctly, we cannot guarantee same day delivery.

Do I need to obtain BACC approval for my commercial?

Yes. UK Broadcasters will not air clocks without BACC approval.

Supplying to the BACC

IMD is happy to supply your clock(s) to the BACC for approval. We can either send a beta sp or we can upload digitally on your behalf, using your details.

It is recommended that you supply the BACC with your clock(s) 3 days in advance of station copy deadlines. Please call us for more information.

What deadlines are in place for each broadcast site?

In order for broadcasters to ensure your campaign goes to air, they have deadlines for receipt of clocks and as expected each broadcaster has different requirements! We are happy to share our knowledge of copy deadlines, but for specific deadlines it is advisable to contact each broadcaster. Don't forget that IMD has preferential delivery deadlines with many of the major broadcasters!

What is 'late copy' and which broadcasters charge it?

Late copy is a charge implemented by broadcasters to cover the costs of late submission and last-minute checking procedures.

Most of the major broadcasters charge late copy. The typical charge is £250 (this is usually charged on a per-clock basis) for copy which is delivered after the published deadlines. Each broadcaster has its own late copy policy and deadlines.

IMD has late copy advantages with many of the major broadcasters, permitting us a great deal of flexibility. In some cases late copy is not charged at all if delivered via IMD. Please contact the TV Department for more information.

We are happy to share our knowledge of late copy charges; however, when working within tight deadlines, it is advisable to contact each broadcaster to ensure your commercial does not incur any additional costs.

What are IMD's deadlines?

IMD always endeavours to process orders on the same day they are received. However, if an order is received late in the day, it may be necessary to complete distribution first thing the following morning.

Tape delivery will be made by 19:00 for copy received up until 15:00. For copy received after 15:00, delivery will either be before 19:00 that same day, or as soon as possible the next day.

UK and ROI broadcasters operate their own opening hours and some will not accept copy out of these hours. Therefore, we will only send out tape to sites that we know to be open and willing to accept copy. All other tapes will be dispatched the following morning.

Express Delivery

We are flexible so if you have an urgent job or need to arrange a late submission please let us know in advance.

Please call Philippa or the TV Bookings team on 0207 468 6850 for more info.

What are IMD's hours of operation?

IMD operates from 08:30 to 20:00 (21:00 in Nov and Dec), Monday to Friday. Please try to ensure your order is placed by 19:00. If it is placed after this time it may be processed the following morning. We can arrange for the office to be open out of these hours and at weekends, however charges will apply and prior notification is required. Please call for more information.

Which broadcast sites can IMD deliver my commercial to?

IMD can deliver to all broadcast and transmission sites. Most now have IMD's in-house digital delivery equipment, however where this has not yet been installed, IMD will produce tapes and courier your clock(s) to the relevant sites. We also have the facility to FTP to sites, both within the UK and internationally. Please contact the TV Department for more information.

Click here for a full broadcast site list detailing our supply methods.

Do you QC my commercial(s)?

Yes, we QC all material that we send to broadcast sites using their specifications as a guidelines. As expected, these specifications differ according to each broadcaster; therefore we make it clear that our QC is a combination of their specification and the opinions of our experienced VT operators. However, where we find fault with copy, it does not necessarily mean that the material would fail a QC at the broadcasters. On this basis, we will send you a detailed report and give you the following options:

• Proceed with the job as it stands
• Re-supply amended copy to IMD
• Instruct IMD to repair copy

We charge £50 per 15 minutes for all VT repair work.

How do I know when a broadcast site has received copy?

Click here to view an example of the verification report.

How long do broadcast sites hold copy delivered by IMD?

Copy is held on the IMD system of each broadcast site for up to three months (dependant on the site).

After this period a charge will be incurred at the standard rate to re-supply copy to broadcast sites.

It is the broadcaster's responsibility to ensure that copy is held (either on the IMD system or their own) for the entire transmission period.

What happens if I need to cancel an order?

You can cancel an order at anytime; however, if we have already completed the job and the commercial has been sent to the broadcast sites, then you will be invoiced at your normal rate. If the commercial has not been sent out to sites, but has been QC'd, you will be charged a one-off QC charge of £50. If no QC has taken place then you will not be charged.

How can I keep track of my previous jobs?

You can view your Job History within the Secure Client Area on this website after logging in. Your order history will provide you with a list of your previous jobs, including advertiser and product details, clock numbers and the broadcast sites where copy has been delivered. You can also see the date and time that each broadcast site received copy.

Click here for examples: Order Summary, Station Details

How do you invoice?

We invoice on a weekly basis. You will receive a paper invoice listing all your jobs from that particular week. We require payment within 30 days.

We send out statements on a monthly basis.

If you have a question which is not listed here, then please do not hesitate to call Philippa (Director of Broadcast Operations) or the TV Team on + 44 (0) 207 468 6850. Alternatively, email tv@imdplc.com