Lcl specs

Specifications are current as of 10/23/2013 and are subject to change. 1

ADVERTISING SPECIFICATIONS All materials should be provided in advance of the creative due date. Lead time for online ads is

a minimum of 9 business days. If Meredith New Media & Marketing produces any of the

advertisers’ creative, there will be additional lead time. All Advertiser Sweepstakes require a

minimum lead time of 30 days in advance of start date. This includes final official rules and

all creative materials.

Please forward all materials or questions to:

Julee Evans 515-284-3531

Please note the e-mail subject line needs to be in this format

ONLINE – LCL – (ADVERTISER NAME HERE)

Direct e-mails to: [email protected]

Banner Ad – 728x90 pixels Formats supported: JPG, GIF, SWF or Third Party Tags

• A 728x90 pixel ad no larger than 39 KB.

• If providing a SWF, please provide a backup GIF or JPG file as well.

• Please provide a click through URL

• Additional details on SWF files are listed below on pages 6-8. SWF files should have the

appropriate get URL action:

on (release) { getURL (_level0.clickTag, "_blank");

}

Box/Skyscraper Ad – 300x250 or 300x600 pixels Formats supported: JPG, GIF, SWF or Third Party Tags

• A 300x250 or 300x600 pixel ad no larger than 39 KB.

• If providing a SWF, please provide a backup GIF or JPG file as well.

• Please provide a click through URL

• Additional details on SWF files are listed below on pages 6-8. SWF files should have the

appropriate get URL action:

on (release) { getURL (_level0.clickTag, "_blank");

}

Email Newsletter Ad – 300x250 or 728x90


Formats: Static Gif or JPG

• A 300x250 or 728x90 pixel static GIF or JPG file no larger than 39 KB. Rich media and

animated files are not accepted.

• This unit is clickable, please provide a click through URL

Interstitial – 500x400 pixels • 15 second maximum play for intro and reminder, no looping (time can be split anyway

you choose)

• A close ad button, link or control must be visible at all times. This will make the ad unit

disappear immediately upon click on it.

• “Landing spot” is not required. If using a “Landing Spot”, please dock the ad in the lower

right hand corner of the site.

• Sound must be initiated by user click or mouseover. Sound must be on only when ad unit

is playing.

• All floating ads will be frequency capped at 2x/24 hours per user

• Cannot cover or fly over the site logo. Must be 3rd Party Served; Maximum size –100k

Floating Button – 110x160 pixels Formats: Static Gif or JPG

• A 110x160 pixel static GIF or JPG file no larger than 40 KB.

• The unit is clickable, please provide a click through URL

Wallpaper – 130x1500 pixels • Provide two 130x1500 banners

• Static GIF or JPG file no larger than 100 KB per banner


Advertiser Slideshow Materials Format: JPG

• 12 JPG photo images no larger than 300x300 pixels, 72 dpi resolution

• Advertisers may provide a single JPG ad image no larger than 300x300 pixels for an

optional 13th slide. This slide will be a client ad and not an image for the slideshow.

• Please fill out the Slideshow Request Form that includes the following information…

o Slideshow Title

o Slideshow description (200 characters max with spaces)


o Headline for each slide

o Description of each slide (500 characters max with spaces)

o Text link for client to be placed on each slide.

o Please include any necessary credits in the slide description provided above

Note: It is helpful to accompany the copy for a slide with the corresponding image file name. This information can be provided through the Slideshow Request Form.

VIDEO ADVERTISING SPECIFICATIONS

Pre-Roll Video Ad Spec Format supported: .FLV

Option #1 (FLV)

Submit .FLV file to the following specification

• Do not exceed :15

• Max file size: 1.5 MB

• Dimensions – 480x360 (4:3 Standard) or 480x270 (16:9 Widescreen)

• Frame rate – same as source or ½ of source (15 – 30 fps)

• Video Data Rate – 352kbps

• Audio Data Rate – 48kbps

• Total Data Rate – 400kbps

• Keyframe – every 30 – 60 frames (2 seconds)

• File format required – FLV, Flash 7 or Flash 8

• It is recommended to crop to TV-Safe Area and de-interlace

• Video Ad is clickable, please supply a click-thru URL

• Video should not include a leader

300x250 Video Ad Formats supported: JPG or Static GIF A 300x250 will run alongside the pre-roll video advertisement. When the video ad unit starts to play, the content on the right side of the Brightcove player will fade and a 300x250 static ad will display providing exclusive ownership of the player. This 300x250 unit remains up for the duration of the pre-roll. Formats supported: JPG or a static GIF

• If using a GIF, it cannot be animated


• If using a JPG, it must be non-progressive

• Dimensions: 300x250

• Max File Size: 39k


• Rich Media and animated files are not accepted

Advertiser Video Materials

FLV Video File

Please fill out the Video Meta Data Form

• Dimensions: 480x360 pixels

• Max File Size: 39k

Flash 8 Compression Specifications

• Video: On2 VP6

• Encoding: 2-Pass VBR

• Resolution: For standard 4:3 aspect ratio content, 480x360 pixels

• Frame Rate: Maximum 30 fps

• Video Data Rate: 464 kbps

• Audio Data Rate: 48 kbps

• Total Data Rate: 512 kbps

• Keyframe: Every 6 seconds

*If video is not currently is not Flash 8 format, Sorensen Squeeze software is recommended to convert files to the proper format.

Thumbnail Images & Meta-data

• Provide a 480x360 pixel JPG file, no larger than 35 KB

• Provide a 120x90 pixel JPG file, no larger than 5 KB

• Complete & provide the video meta-data excel document with the above items

To Provide Video Materials…

Use the following Mass Transit account to upload the video components listed above.

Server: https://masstransit.meredith.com


Username: ads-01

Password: adsdrop1

There is a 7-day limit on files, after which they will be automatically removed.

DART .SWF File Requirements

For the most part, the movie is made just like any other Flash movie. Any SWF file specifications

provided by the site still apply. Any animation or ActionScript that you would normally use can

be used with this method. The main difference is in the settings for click through (get URL)

actions.

DART swf file requirements (summary):

Flash Version 4 or higher

File Names All lower case characters, no ampersands,

asterisks, slashes, spaces, or question marks

Maximum File Size 39,000 bytes

getURL actions The URL should be:

on (release) {

getURL (_level0.clickTag, "_blank");

}

The URL is set for an expression

The target window is set to “_blank”

Variables is set to “Don’t send”

There are some special situations that have different requirements. Some examples of these

situations are:

• Clicking on the Flash creative launches a pop-up window


• Using FSCommands to communicate between the browser and the Flash creative

• Sending variables from the Flash creative to the click through URL

Please reference the list of related articles for these special situations.

DART swf file requirements (details):

Flash version

Flash 3 creative do not support variables. As a result, the swf file must be made for Flash

versions 4 or higher. Be sure to publish the swf file as a Flash 4 or higher creative.

Filenames

Because the creative are served over the Internet, certain characters should not be in the

filename. These characters cause problems when the creative is served over the Internet.

These characters include:

Ampersands &

Asterisks *

Slashes / or \

Question Marks ?

Spaces

In addition, all characters in the file name should be lower case.

Maximum file size

DART for Publishers has a file limit of 39,000 bytes. Each file should be less than 39,000 bytes.

A large movie can be split into multiple 39,000 byte files. However, the ActionScript code in the

movies needs to pass on click tracking variables. Please contact DART Support for more

information. Additionally, DART may impose file size upload restrictions. If you need to confirm

your filesize upload limit or need to modify it, check with your Technical Account Manager.


GetURL actions

clickTag should be the variable used for the URL in a getURL action. As recommended in

Macromedia's Rich media Tracking Kit, clickTag can be used for both the click tracking string and

the URL together. The HTML and sniffer code will have both clickTag and the URL. As a result,

the only text in the URL box is "_level0:clickTag" (without the quotes) or "_level0.clickTag" (if in

Flash 5/6, without the quotes). The _level0 part is included for 'pathing' purposes- to ensure

that Flash can properly locate the variable. To learn more about variables and their paths refer

to:

http://www.macromedia.com/support/flash/ts/documents/varpath.htm (Flash 5)

Because clickTag is a variable, the text that is entered into the URL box is an expression. When

the movie plays, the expression will be evaluated and replaced with the click tracking string and

the destination URL. In order for this method to function correctly, you must indicate that the

text is an expression. In Flash 5 and Flash 6 (MX), the expression check box should be checked.

(See Fig. 1 and 2.) Note that there are two buttons or check boxes. One is for the URL and one

is for the target window. Make sure that the button or check box for the URL is set correctly.

Most rich media advertising is served through a separate frame, an iframe, or via JavaScript.

Frames or JavaScript allow a site to rotate ads. Because frames are sometimes used, the target

window for the click through URL must be set to either "_top" or "_blank". If the target window

is set incorrectly, the advertiser's site might appear in the wrong window. Use "_blank" to open

a new browser window and use "_top" for the site to open in the same window. Never leave the

target statement undeclared.

When the click through occurs, the browser will first contact the ad server to count the click and

then go to the advertiser's site. If you are not passing variables to the advertiser's site, set the

Variables drop down box to "Don't send". To pass variables with DoubleClick ad servers, choose

"Send using GET". If the advertiser's servers cannot use the GET method for variables, please

contact DART support for assistance.

For Flash 5, the URL should look something like Fig. 1. For Flash 6, the URL should look

something like Fig. 2. The figures show examples of what the Flash interface should look like

when all the parameters are set appropriately.


Figure 1 - getURL in Flash 5

Figure 2 - getURL in Flash 6

01.29.13

MECHANICAL REQUIREMENTS

Trim Size: 7-7/8” x 10-1/2”

UNIT SIZE NON BLEED BLEED BLEED

LIVE AREA

TRIM

Width x Length Width x Length Width x Length Width x Length

Spread 15-1/4” x 10” 16” x 10-3/4” 15-1/4” x 10” 15-3/4” x 10-1/2” Page 7-3/8” x 10” 8-1/8” x 10-3/4” 7-3/8” x 10” 7-7/8” x 10-1/2”

2/3 Vertical 4-3/4” x 10” 5-1/4” x 10-3/4” 4-1/2” x 10” 5” x 10-1/2” 2/3 Horizontal 7-1/4” x 6-1/2” 8-1/8” x 7” 7-1/4” x 6-1/4” 7-7/8” x 6-3/4”

Digest 4-3/4” x 7” 5-1/4” x 7-1/2” 4-1/2” 6-3/4” 5” x 7-1/4” ½ Vertical 3-1/2” x 10” 4-1/8” x 10-3/4” 3-3/8” x 10” 3-7/8” x 10-1/2”

½ Horizontal 7-1/4” x 4-7/8” 8-1/8” x 5-3/8” 7-1/4” x 4-5/8” 7-7/8” x 5-1/8” ½ Horz Spread 15-1/4” x 4-7/8” 16” x 5-3/8” 15-1/4” x 4-5/8” 15-3/4” x 5-1/8”

1/3 Vertical 2-1/4” x 10” 2-7/8” x 10-3/4” 2-1/8” x 10” 2-5/8” x 10-1/2” 1/3 Square 4-3/4” x 4-7/8” 5-1/4” x 5-3/8” 4-1/2” x 4-5/8” 5” x 5-1/8”

1/3 Horizontal 7-3/8” x 3-1/4” 8-1/8” x 3-3/4” 7-3/8” x 3/1/8” 7-7/8” x 3-1/2” 1/6 Vertical 2-1/4” x 4-7/8” Not Available

1/6 Horizontal 4-5/8” x 2-3/8” Not Available 1/12 2-1/4” x 2-3/8” Not Available 3” 2-1/4” x 3” Not Available 2” 2-1/4” x 2” Not Available 1” 2-1/4” x 1” Not Available

Material Requirements: Digital (see next page) Proof Requirements: See next page.

Submit FILES via MEREDITH AD EXPRESS powered by SendMyAd. To Join go to: https://meredith.sendmyad.com

NOTE: When establishing an account please observe the Minimum Requirements to avoid processing errors.• Create an account if you have not already done so. • Choose: “Send My Ad”.• Choose Publication: Living the Country Life • Choose Issue: i.e. Early Spring • Send Color Proofs to Jessica Stites at the address below.

For Material Extensions or Production Questions Contact: Jessica Stites

Meredith Content Center 1716 Locust Street, LS227

Des Moines, IA 50309 Phone: 515-284-3643 Fax: 515-284-2709 Email: [email protected]

01.03.13

Digital Ad Specs for

PRINT

File Formats: • Preferred format: PDF/X-1A • Acceptable format: PDF For instructions on how to create a PDF go to – https://meredith.sendmyad.com –under HOME - select DASHBOARD – select VIEW FAQs. File Resolution Requirements: • Vector (PDF/X-1A, PDF) • 300 dpi/2400 dpi for Line Work Retention of Materials: Materials for all processes will be held for one year then destroyed, unless otherwise notified.

File Submission Site: Submit FILES via Meredith Ad Express To Join go to: https://meredith.sendmyad.com

• Foxfire browser is recommended. • When establishing an account please observe the Minimum Requirements to

avoid processing errors. 1. Create an account, if not already established. 2. Choose: “Send My Ad” 3. Choose the publication: i.e. More Magazine 4. Choose the issue: e.g. October or Fall

Live Matter Requirements: • Set the offset setting to .167 when creating PDF/X-1A files so the

standard trim, bleed and center marks are included but not in the “live” image area or “bleed” area.

• Single page ads should be built to 100% trim size with the marks & bleeds option turned on. If ad bleeds, extend bleed a minimum of 1/8” beyond trim. Keep live matter in a minimum of ¼” inside trim dimensions.

• Partial page ads should be build to 100% of their actual trim size with the marks & bleeds option turned on. If ad bleeds, extend bleed a minimum of 1/8” beyond trim. Keep live matter a minimum of ¼” inside trim dimensions.

• All non-bleeds ads should be built to 100% of the non-bleed specs. • All Bleed Ads – Keep live matter a minimum of 3/8” inside the

bleed dimensions on all four sides. • Spread Ads: Keep live matter ¼” away from either side of center

or ½” total across the gutter. For spread ads with a headline crossing over the gutter, contact production department if the visual spacing between words or letter is critical.

NOTE: New files are required for ads that need type changes such as key-codes, addresses, phone numbers, etc. A corresponding color contract proof is required to show these changes. File specifications/General Guidelines: • Do not apply style attributes to basic fonts. • Include and/or embed all fonts, images/scans, logos and artwork. • Do not nest PDF files in other PDF files. • Do not nest EPS files in other EPS files. • Use of illegal characters in file names will not be accepted.

(example: &,/,-,~,%, (,) #, ‘, $ etc or anything after the extension). • Limit File Name to 24 characters INCLUDING the extension. • On 4/C ads, Pantone colors, other spot colors, and non-CMYK

elements must be converted to CMYK. • Four color solids should not exceed SWOP density of 300%. • To create a rich black use 100% K and 60% C. • Color type, reverse type and/or line art should not be less than

.007 at the thinnest part of the character. Single color type should be no less than .004 at the thinnest part of the character.

• To avoid low-res (soft type) or 4/c black type, type should be built in Quark, Indesign or Illustrator and not within Photoshop.

• Reverse type should use a dominant color (usually 70% or more) for the shape of the letters. Where practical and not detrimental to the appearance of the job, make the type in the subordinate colors slightly larger to minimize register problems on the production press.

• All supplied materials intended for use in Meredith publications must be properly trapped and, when possible, image trapping should be represented in the accompanying SWOP proofs.

Rotogravure Titles:Better Homes & Gardens, Ladies Home Journal & More magazines will require a 5% minimum dot to print the highlight areas & square-up on edges. Fade off dot is 3% Proof Requirements: Advertiser understands that if they do not supply a SWOP certified color proof with color bars or if they supply a color laser proof that Meredith cannot guarantee a color match to the supplied proof and will print to the supplied file. • Supply a minimum of TWO composite SWOP certified proofs for

color – American Baby requires THREE. • Proofs must be made from supplied file. • Proofs must be 100% of size. • Proofs must be SWOP certified. • For an up-to-date list of SWOP approved color proofs, please visit:

www.swop.org. • Color bars are required on all analog or digital halftone proofs. • Color bars should be include:

− SWOP color bars at 100% size as found on SWOP website (above).

− A solid and 25%, 50% and 75% tints of each process color. − Solid overprint. − At least one gray balance patch (cyan-50%, magenta and

yellow 39%). − Two-color overprints at 25%, 50% and 75% as also

recommended. − The color bar can be a GCA/GATF Proof Comparator, or a

GATF/SWOP Proofing Bar or digital equivalent. • Proofs must indicate the proofing product or system used,

prepress supplier contacts and information showing conformance to the Manufacturer’s Application Data.

• Ad should be proofed on Publication grade stock except for Cover Ads, More, Traditional Home, Special Interest Magazine Bookazines and commercial work which should be proofed on Commercial grade stock.

• Proofing systems requiring line screens: − Publication Grade Stock – use 133 line − Commercial Grade Stock use 150 line

If the above guidelines are not met, the color and quality of print reproduction may vary. Proofs that are not SWOP compliant will be referenced for content only. Meredith will try to achieve a reasonable match to the supplied proof. Meredith Corporation is a member of DDAP Association and subscribers to and supports all digital exchange standards developed by CGATS/SC6, the accredited graphic arts standards committee.

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Lcl specs