Proof of play: how DBMC reconciles and reports ad plays for advertisers
In out-of-home advertising, the question advertisers ask is usually very specific: has my TVC actually been broadcast, how many times, and on which screens? On the TDP Media digital bulletin board network, DBMC answers that question with proof of play — broadcast evidence made up of broadcast logs and screenshots — tied to the contract, the reconciliation step and the invoice. This article sets out our operating commitments and how we report results to advertisers.
A single broadcast standard across the network
Every touchpoint in the network runs on the same set of broadcast parameters:
- Broadcast window: 06:00–22:00.
- Standard length: 10-second TVC in FullHD.
- Frequency: up to 120 plays per screen per day, equivalent to 840 plays per week.
- Network uptime commitment ≥ 98%.
Because the parameters are uniform, the advertising volume of a campaign is understood by the same yardstick on every screen: the number of plays. Specific locations and broadcast schedules are confirmed in the contract, so advertisers know in advance where their message will appear and in which time window.
Content review before going on air
All content is reviewed before broadcast. This step covers a legal review under the Law on Advertising No. 16/2012/QH13, a technical check to ensure the TVC meets the 10-second FullHD standard, and content approval. Advertising content must be lawful and consistent with brand values and the project's social welfare orientation. DBMC takes legal responsibility for the content released on the network, so review is a mandatory condition before any TVC enters the broadcast schedule.
Proof of play: evidence for every campaign
Once content is approved, DBMC builds the playlist and broadcasts within the 06:00–22:00 window exactly as committed in the contract. Content and broadcast schedules are managed centrally through a CMS, and broadcasting is monitored throughout operating hours. Broadcast results are recorded with two types of evidence:
- Broadcast logs: records of content being played on the system.
- Screenshots: visual evidence of the content displayed at the touchpoint.
Together these two types of data make up proof of play. They are the basis on which advertisers compare what was committed in the contract with what actually happened on screen.
Acceptance, reconciliation and invoicing
The final step of every campaign is acceptance and reporting. Based on proof of play, DBMC and the advertiser reconcile the results, after which the invoice is issued. Transparent reconciliation and reporting are included in the unit price, together with installation and content setup, operation, broadcast monitoring and content review. Listed prices do not include 10% VAT.
This approach lets advertisers check three layers of information against one another: what was signed in the contract, what happened on screen, and the amount on the invoice.
The foundation for the CPS model
DBMC operates the network under the CPS (Cost-Per-Sale) model, charging when real results occur. This model requires two-way reconciliation: DBMC and the advertiser both rely on the same set of data to confirm results. Proof of play and acceptance reports are the foundation for that. Campaign results are tracked and reported transparently, giving businesses a basis for optimising their next campaigns.
Starting a campaign
The deployment process has six steps: consultation and site selection, quotation, contract signing, content review, broadcast, and acceptance and reporting. At the first step, DBMC surveys the advertiser's needs and advises on sites, screen clusters and packages suited to the campaign goal; quotations are prepared by site, cluster and screen format, together with the discount policy. Businesses, agencies and resellers who are interested can contact DBMC through the Contact page for detailed advice.