A system and method for configuring a media player to display advertising to a user includes a computer having a processor and a memory unit containing instructions, a display in communication with the processor of the computer for displaying a media asset via the media player, and a network interface in communication with the processor. The instructions configure the processor to suspend the displaying of a media asset by the media player during certain periods and display a pre roll advertisement or a rich media advertisement in at least a portion of the display utilized by the media player.