While other sites have been trying to figure out online video for years, MSN took its time and started testing its video service just one year ago. Despite the late start, MSN Video has quickly grown into one of the leaders in the space.

As promised, over the next few weeks I'll be taking a closer look at some of the players in streaming video advertising.

After years of fits and starts, online video advertising has grown tremendously in the past twelve months. Advertiser demand is up, inventory is on the rise, and the market is set to explode.

Setting standards is difficult, discouraging work. I would know. I've tried several times - on behalf of DoubleClick, then the Interactive Advertising Bureau, then Macromedia - and I've failed as often as I've succeeded.