Times Shamrock Communications follows IAB recommendations for ad unit specs, Flash configuration and interactive ads, including the new CPU guidelines released in May 2008 below. The guidelines help ensure the end user performance is not affected by heavy loading ads.                   
                   
                   

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Standard Banners (jpg, gif)

	Max File Size	Animation	Looping	DPI	Looping	Deadline
160x600	60K	:30 max	18 fps max	72	10 second pause between loops required	24 hours before start date
300x250	60K	:30 max	18 fps max	72	10 second pause between loops required	24 hours before start date
728x90	60K	:30 max	18 fps max	72	10 second pause between loops required	24 hours before start date

Flash Banners (swf)

	Max File Size	Animation	Looping	DPI	Looping	Window	Deadline
160x600	60K	:30 max	18 fps max	72	10 second pause between loops required	Transparent	24 hours before start date
300x250	60K	:30 max	18 fps max	72	10 second pause between loops required	Transparent	24 hours before start date
728x90	60K	:30 max	18 fps max	72	10 second pause between loops required	Transparent	24 hours before start date

NOTE: Flash files require additional actionscript to ensure they are compatible with our ad serving system. Please see Flash Config for these requirements. Backup jpg or gif is also recommended.
                       
Third Party Ads (Pointroll, Mediaplex, EyeWonder, EyeBlaster, Atlas, etc.)

	Initial Download	Polite Download	WMODE	Frames	Audio	Video	Tag Format	Deadline
160x600	30K	70K (total file size not to exceed 100K)	"opaque" or "transparent"	18 fps max	user initiated only; must have prominent close button	user initiated only; must have prominent close button	IFrame	72 hours before start date
300x250	30K	70K (total file size not to exceed 100K)	"opaque" or "transparent"	18 fps max	user initiated only; must have prominent close button	user initiated only; must have prominent close button	IFrame	72 hours before start date
728x90	30K	70K (total file size not to exceed 100K)	"opaque" or "transparent"	18 fps max	user initiated only; must have prominent close button	user initiated only; must have prominent close button	IFrame	72 hours before start date

For specs on expandable ads and sliding billboards, please see Interactive Ads.                               
                               
Specs for additional rich media types will be provided on an as-needed basis.

NOTE: Times Shamrock Communications does not accept pop-ups, pop-unders, or floating ads, and has the right to refuse any creative that may interfere with user experience (including high CPU usage and/or flashing ads).

Additional Considerations: CPU Usage                   
In contrast to file size, the complexity of drawings, gradients, slow moving animations and detailed moving elements can affect the number of calculations the CPU must make for each frame. Publishers may have, in addition to file weight guidelines, requirements for rich media advertisements that take CPU usage into account. The IAB Ad Sizes Working Group recommends a maximum of 18 frames per second.                   
                   
Common High CPU Usage Factors:                   

• Frame Rate is more than 18 frames per second; reducing the number to 18 does not degrade visual performance.                   
• Multiple animated sequences across many layers animating at the same time.                   
• Animated sequences set to be translucent and animating on top of an imported graphic (ex: jpeg, png, etc.).                   
• Action Script-generated events set to randomly generate (ex: fog and rain).                   
• Imported graphics scaled up over a long period of time.