Toyota Charter Sponsors LG's New Connected TV Platform

The U.S. arm of global car manufacturer Toyota will be the charter sponsor for what LG is calling "the world’s first integrated advertising platform for Smart TV applications." LG says that the new global, multi-device platform will offer marketers the immersive engagement of the TV’s large-screen experience combined with the interactive capabilities of digital media.

Powered by a company called YuMe, the new LG platform could create enhanced opportunities for brand engagement according to Sam Chang, general manager of LG’s Smart TV Innovation Development Group.

“The LG ad platform will enable several common digital ad formats such as interactive display banners, in-banner video and in-stream video as well as some new ad units such as click to sponsored applications and search related ad units,” Chang said. “This combination of LG’s innovative Magic Motion remote control allowing for point and click control of applications and YuMe’s advertising technology opens the way for developers, publishers and content owners to develop new content and ad models on one of TV’s most intuitive systems.”

“Toyota customers are watching video online, on their mobile phones and on TV, and we are excited to be able to reach this previously unreachable audience on smart TVs,” said Dionne Colvin, national marketing media manager, Toyota. “At Toyota, we pride ourselves on our innovative approach to advertising, and as media consumption habits change, we see a real opportunity to further engage consumers through YuMe and LG.”

The pilot launch of the program will begin in November. Here's YuMe's Scot McLernon explaining how this all works..

What impact do you think internet TV's will one day have on sponsor activations?