FAQ: Broadcast Automation (FDOnAir program)
Yes, it is possible. There are 3 different ways:
- You can launch the FDOnAir3 program on any PC (with Windows 8.1/10/11 OS) to create and edit schedules. For this install the Forward Lite software (is provided for free).
- You can export/import schedule in (from) a text file in FDOnAir. Two formats of command logging are supported: text (*.air) and XML tags (*.airx). Full description of commands.
So, it is possible to create/edit schedule in a text format on any PC and in any application useful for you. Many of our users work with Excel macros to automate a process. Also, we experienced an integration with applications designed to automate business processes of TV companies (Oplan, etc.) and media content management. - Use our product to work with a base of video materials and air broadcast programming – Forward Office. You can organize several work places in different locations via this software.
Forward Office integrates with broadcast servers basing SoftLab-NSK products automatically. With this product you can create and upload schedules in FDOnAir3 format, generate air services and other playback reports in FDOnAir3, etc.
Publication date: 20.07.2023
A protected log file of the FDOnAir3 program contains records on events that happened at program operation with indication of a date, time, type and some other information. This log file records:
- time when the program was opened and closed;
- settings adjustment;
- commands executed from schedule and by pressing buttons by operator;
- information on titles playback;
- messages about system services, etc.
Records in protected log file are encoded and there is no possibility for user to edit it. Use the SLLogViewer program to view log files. The *.SLLog file is logged in any case. User can select types of messages logged into entry and can specify a folder for files (C:\SoftLab-NSK\Data\Logs is by default). Full description of FDOnAir log files.
Publication date: 03.08.2023
Use one of the following ways to control broadcast server remotely:
- Third party programs RemoteDesktop, VNC, RAdmin, Teamviewer, etc.
- The RemoteOnAir plugin designed by “SoftLab-NSK”. The plugin allows connecting the FDOnAir3 program window and manage broadcast process from a remote work place. Use of RemoteOnAir ensures work with a minimal network load but with a high speed.
Publication date: 03.08.2023
Use the TrimEditor application from ForwardT Software set to select video fragments with a frame rate accuracy that you want to play. Original video files are not changed and new files are not generated at work with TrimEditor.
In the FDOnAir3 window:
- Insert original file into schedule table as many times as there are fragments to be received.
- In each line in turn: double-click in the “Length” field. The TrimEditor window appears. Then select a fragment for playback by specifying MarkIn and MarkOut marks. Close editor window. Value in the “Length” field is duration of the fragment – is marked with square brackets.
- Insert advertisements among lines with fragments playback commands.
Important: Function of selecting a fragment for playback is available only at opening TrimEditor application from FDOnAir3 schedule table.
Publication date: 04.08.2023
- Color of line with file in schedule table corresponds to color specified in settings of file page from which it is added. Pass to file page settings pane (the “Customize” button) to set color and work with elements of the “Schedule color” group.
- To save information about color at unload of schedule to file and to restore it at load (for *.airx files only): in FDOnAir3 settings window “Settings” on the “General” page, check the box “Save file colors when loading the schedule”.
Publication date: 09.08.2023
The FDOnAir3 program settings are stored in *.xml configuration files in folder: ~\SoftLab-NSK\Settings\FDOnAir3\xxx, where ~ is name of disk, xxx is name of folder according to index of program instance. Settings of FDOnAir3 #1 program instance are stored in folder named “1”, settings of instance #30 – in folder named “30”, etc.
Name of disk where SoftLab-NSK folder with settings and data is located is determined by installer during software installation.
To transfer FDOnAir3 program settings to another PC displace the *.xml configuration files from existing server to corresponding subfolders of the ~\SoftLab-NSK\Settings\FDOnAir3 folder on new server.
Publication date: 09.08.2023
Use the TrimEditor application from ForwardT Software set to select video fragments with a frame rate accuracy that you want to play. Original video files are not changed and new files are not generated at work with TrimEditor.
In the FDOnAir3 window:
- Insert original file into schedule table as many times as there are fragments to be received.
- In each line in turn: double-click in the “Length” field. The TrimEditor window appears. Then select a fragment for playback by specifying MarkIn and MarkOut marks. Close editor window. Value in the “Length” field is duration of the fragment – is marked with square brackets.
- Insert advertisements among lines with fragments playback commands.
Important: Function of selecting a fragment for playback is available only at opening TrimEditor application from FDOnAir3 schedule table.
Publication date: 09.08.2023