Cox Inserts Ads on HD in R.I.

Cox Communications Inc. has begun inserting local advertisements into HD programming in its Rhode Island market in what the MSO called an industry first.

The MSO is using SeaChange International Inc.’s “DigitalX” software utility for the vendor’s “SeaChange Spot System,” as well as its “DigitalXTM” automated ad-transcoder software, to insert 720p (progressive) and 1080i (interlaced) ads into 720/1080i HD streams.

“Cox Media HD ad insertion will be deployed in other Cox markets as HD content and subscribers continue to expand,” Cox Media vice president of technical operations Guy McCormick said in a prepared statement.