A clock number is a unique identification number for video files submitted for television. (This is why you might have heard the term ‘clocked ad’ or ‘reclocking’ when talking about the Clearance process.)
A clock number is used to name and identify a specific video file. Once that clock number is applied to a video file and then submitted for clearance, that video file can't be changed without also changing the clock number. That is important to remember and why we always recommend sending a rough cut of your ad for clearance and advice from your Clearcast contact – if you need to make an amendment, it’s a lot easier to do so before you’ve created a clock number for that file.
For short-form submissions (ads under five minutes), the format is as follows:
AAA/BBBB123/456
For long-form submissions (most teleshopping ads or ads longer than five minutes), the format is:
AAA/BBBB12/3456
Creating the Middle Section of the Clock Number:
Duration Section of the Clock Number:
Important Notes:
The Library Slate QC Check: Once your clocked ad is submitted, The Library runs a Slate QC check to ensure that the clock number displayed on the clock slate in the ad file matches the clock number you've entered in the submission metadata. If there is a discrepancy, the ad will fail the Slate QC, and you will need to resubmit the corrected file.
Clock Number Permanence: Once a clocked ad passes through the full QC process on The Library, the clock number is permanently attached to the video and cannot be changed, even if the ad has not yet reached the ingest team or your exec.
A clock slate is an essential part of your video submission. It identifies and tracks the video file and ensures the clock number in the ad file matches the submission metadata.
Design and Content of the Clock Slate:
Your clock slate can be any design of your choosing but must include the clock number in capital letters clearly visible while the countdown clock counts down before your main ad starts. The clock number on the slate must match the submission file’s clock.
Recommended information:
Timing Chart for Clock Slate and Ad File:
When preparing your clock slate and ad file for submission to the Library, follow the timing structure in the below timing chart to ensure proper formatting and timing of your clock slate:
Clock Slate Timing:
Example Clock Slate Timing:
Visual Reference:
Refer to the example clock slate image and video file below for a visual comparison:
Example clock slate: Clearcast clock slate
For further information, please refer to our Library Technical Specifications.