This feature is not yet available in RadioBOSS Cloud, we have it in mind for the future though.
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RadioBOSS Cloud
- Thread starter djsoft
- Start date
ubmchicago
Member
the artist - title is one thing. what I'm referring to is if a live show is on and it is unable to display it show name, could we possibly edit the metadata in the CMS while the show is going to reflect the name of the show...You can edit tags for music tracks in the Media area.
The delay is for the stream in total, relatively, ads will start when they need to start.
In this case, I think you can edit scripts on your web site, e.g. make it check if the title is empty and show some text instead.the artist - title is one thing. what I'm referring to is if a live show is on and it is unable to display it show name, could we possibly edit the metadata in the CMS while the show is going to reflect the name of the show...
jharris171185
Member
This feature is not yet available in RadioBOSS Cloud, we have it in mind for the future though.
Even if you don't implement dtmf or if it takes you longer to do so, I do desperately need to be able to set a starting time of a stream, while inside another playlist. So, for example, the playlist might look something like this.
Station id, (time announcement when that is implemented), News, ad, sweeper, stream starts at 03:02 and runs for 26:05, ad break, stream programmed again for 32:05, sweeper, ad break. If I find the start time not connecting close enough, I can adjust that until it sounds about where I want it. I understand that with differences in streams, it will never be perfect, but I can play around with it until I am satisfied. I need this to work so that I can pick up some shows for a network I want to rebroadcast, and want to pick up the shows, but skip out on their commercials and run my own. While I can program approximately the right amount of ads, sweepers, etc to fill the ad breaks, due to variations in file length, it is almost impossible to make that exact. So, I need to be able to set fixed start times for the streams.
Please please make this a priority.
DTMF is used when you need to synchronize start/end times with other audio content (e.g. main station stream when you insert your ads) in other cases it's not really needed. I think you can simply create events that start the stream and make them wait in the queue until the current track finishes playing (or wait until scheduled tracks are finished), there are options for this.Even if you don't implement dtmf or if it takes you longer to do so, I do desperately need to be able to set a starting time of a stream, while inside another playlist.
jharris171185
Member
Yes, I know about DTMF, and that would be the most ideal setup, because the network I want to syndicate does use these. But, I am just trying to give another option in case DTMF is harder to implement. Like I said, in the system I used to use, we were able to create timed events inside of a playlist, thus insuring precise connect and disconnect. DTMF would be even better, but I understand that would be harder perhaps to set up so maybe the timed event in the playlist could be easier.
I say this, because just having some things play before, and connecting to the stream whenever won't work. I only want to pick up the shows, but NOT the network's commercials. My own commercials, sweepers, etc all have varying lengths, so it is impossible to be able to calculate that out for an exact start time without something in the system giving it some smarts, like "if this event is longer than the time before this is supposed to happen, then do this instead." Usually, what one would do is to have a backup folder with instrumental tracks, where one could be selected, and that would play for a few seconds, to bridge the gap between your last sweeper, commercial or whatever, and the start of the timed event. Again, the idea is to pick up the show pretty much exactly when it starts. Obviously, one may have to play a bit with start time to get it exact, but it can be done. Again, DTMF would be better, but in case of that being harder or taking more time to implement, being able to set a start time would be the best alternative. I can't just set some files to play and then pick up the stream. Some files could be shorter, and the stream could get picked up too early. Some files could be longer, and then the stream could be picked up too late. So there needs to be something in place that the system knows, this event starts at this time, so if what is about to be played can't finish in time, do this instead.
I know I could just use RB desktop, and program all this using dtmf, but the idea is to NOT have to use the computer all the time. That's why the Cloud service exists in the first place. I don't see that the current options can make this work as I am needing in this use case. For everything else I am doing with it, it has been absolutely fantastic. I just need this one implementation.
I say this, because just having some things play before, and connecting to the stream whenever won't work. I only want to pick up the shows, but NOT the network's commercials. My own commercials, sweepers, etc all have varying lengths, so it is impossible to be able to calculate that out for an exact start time without something in the system giving it some smarts, like "if this event is longer than the time before this is supposed to happen, then do this instead." Usually, what one would do is to have a backup folder with instrumental tracks, where one could be selected, and that would play for a few seconds, to bridge the gap between your last sweeper, commercial or whatever, and the start of the timed event. Again, the idea is to pick up the show pretty much exactly when it starts. Obviously, one may have to play a bit with start time to get it exact, but it can be done. Again, DTMF would be better, but in case of that being harder or taking more time to implement, being able to set a start time would be the best alternative. I can't just set some files to play and then pick up the stream. Some files could be shorter, and the stream could get picked up too early. Some files could be longer, and then the stream could be picked up too late. So there needs to be something in place that the system knows, this event starts at this time, so if what is about to be played can't finish in time, do this instead.
I know I could just use RB desktop, and program all this using dtmf, but the idea is to NOT have to use the computer all the time. That's why the Cloud service exists in the first place. I don't see that the current options can make this work as I am needing in this use case. For everything else I am doing with it, it has been absolutely fantastic. I just need this one implementation.
ubmchicago
Member
I think this is where the option to start at the time you want it started comes in handy. If you tell it to start AT THAT EXACT TIME, it will do so without fail.Yes, I know about DTMF, and that would be the most ideal setup, because the network I want to syndicate does use these. But, I am just trying to give another option in case DTMF is harder to implement. Like I said, in the system I used to use, we were able to create timed events inside of a playlist, thus insuring precise connect and disconnect. DTMF would be even better, but I understand that would be harder perhaps to set up so maybe the timed event in the playlist could be easier.
I say this, because just having some things play before, and connecting to the stream whenever won't work. I only want to pick up the shows, but NOT the network's commercials. My own commercials, sweepers, etc all have varying lengths, so it is impossible to be able to calculate that out for an exact start time without something in the system giving it some smarts, like "if this event is longer than the time before this is supposed to happen, then do this instead." Usually, what one would do is to have a backup folder with instrumental tracks, where one could be selected, and that would play for a few seconds, to bridge the gap between your last sweeper, commercial or whatever, and the start of the timed event. Again, the idea is to pick up the show pretty much exactly when it starts. Obviously, one may have to play a bit with start time to get it exact, but it can be done. Again, DTMF would be better, but in case of that being harder or taking more time to implement, being able to set a start time would be the best alternative. I can't just set some files to play and then pick up the stream. Some files could be shorter, and the stream could get picked up too early. Some files could be longer, and then the stream could be picked up too late. So there needs to be something in place that the system knows, this event starts at this time, so if what is about to be played can't finish in time, do this instead.
I know I could just use RB desktop, and program all this using dtmf, but the idea is to NOT have to use the computer all the time. That's why the Cloud service exists in the first place. I don't see that the current options can make this work as I am needing in this use case. For everything else I am doing with it, it has been absolutely fantastic. I just need this one implementation.
I suppose you can use the Scheduler to make anything run on time. I don't see any reason to include timed events in the playlist. Playlist is a list of tracks that are about to play, Scheduler lists events that run on time.Like I said, in the system I used to use, we were able to create timed events inside of a playlist, thus insuring precise connect and disconnect.
This is called Sweepers, desktop RadioBOSS has this feature, and RadioBOSS Cloud will also have it soon: https://manual.djsoft.net/radioboss/en/sweepers.htmUsually, what one would do is to have a backup folder with instrumental tracks, where one could be selected, and that would play for a few seconds, to bridge the gap between your last sweeper, commercial or whatever,
jharris171185
Member
Okay, so let me see if I can explain the reason the way I am suggesting could be more handy.
In the U.S, we go through daylight savings time, so have a time change in the spring and fall. However, the network I rebroadcast runs on UTC, and doesn't observe the time changes. That means that twice a year, I have to go in, and adjust times for all of their shows that I pick up.
So, the way I propose it should work, with being able to set a time, assuming your playlist starts at the very top of the hour, you set minute/second, build your other tracks around it, like commercials, promos, etc, and then, when daylight savings time happens, you go in, change the start time for one playlist, move it to the new show time, and done. If just scheduling the stream blocks manually, as has been suggested, then, you have to reschedule the playlist itself that has your items to be played before Stream A, commercial break, and items to be played after stream B, as well as stream block A and Stream block B themselves. If you are picking up over 6 hours a day, that is a LOT of extra work. Does that make sense now as to why being able to schedule a start time for an item inside the playlist would be more handy, as opposed to having to schedule each block in the scheduler? You could save several steps and a bit of time, once you have it set up the first time.
In the U.S, we go through daylight savings time, so have a time change in the spring and fall. However, the network I rebroadcast runs on UTC, and doesn't observe the time changes. That means that twice a year, I have to go in, and adjust times for all of their shows that I pick up.
So, the way I propose it should work, with being able to set a time, assuming your playlist starts at the very top of the hour, you set minute/second, build your other tracks around it, like commercials, promos, etc, and then, when daylight savings time happens, you go in, change the start time for one playlist, move it to the new show time, and done. If just scheduling the stream blocks manually, as has been suggested, then, you have to reschedule the playlist itself that has your items to be played before Stream A, commercial break, and items to be played after stream B, as well as stream block A and Stream block B themselves. If you are picking up over 6 hours a day, that is a LOT of extra work. Does that make sense now as to why being able to schedule a start time for an item inside the playlist would be more handy, as opposed to having to schedule each block in the scheduler? You could save several steps and a bit of time, once you have it set up the first time.
jharris171185
Member
Also, I know I already brought it up, but I really need a fix to be able to reorder items in a playlist in Cloud. You made a way in Desktop and it works great. But drag and drop using a screen reader is not possible with the way things are set up. I don't expect a hot key or anything like that. Just add buttons near edit, delete, etc, that say move up and move down. Would it take a while to move something multiple positions up or down the list? Yes, but it would be probably the easiest to implement, and I would be quite happy with even that, as opposed to having to go get sighted assistance any time I want to move a few things around. I really really need to be able to do that.
RadioBOSS Cloud allows you to change the time zone. You can choose UTC or any other one that doesn't have daylight saving adjustments.In the U.S, we go through daylight savings time, so have a time change in the spring and fall. However, the network I rebroadcast runs on UTC, and doesn't observe the time changes. That means that twice a year, I have to go in, and adjust times for all of their shows that I pick up.
We use the scheduler to start items based on time, I don't see why this should also be duplicated in the playlist.Does that make sense now as to why being able to schedule a start time for an item inside the playlist would be more handy
Events have "Repeat" feature, you can make a single station ID or time announcement event to cover everything.as opposed to having to schedule each block in the scheduler
I think a standard hot key like Ctrl+Up/Down should do?I don't expect a hot key or anything like that.
jharris171185
Member
RadioBOSS Cloud allows you to change the time zone. You can choose UTC or any other one that doesn't have daylight saving adjustments.
I do use central time, but the network I rebroadcast doesn't, making for a lot more work. This is the case no matter what platform I use, but particularly with the way the scheduler works, both in cloud and desktop. Perhaps it would be possible to set a whole set of events as a profile, so you could have one profile for fall/winter, another for spring/summer? That way, you could tell the scheduler to use profile 1 from one date to another, then switch to profile 2, until this date, then switch back to profile 1. This would make it possible to make changes a lot quicker. Once both profiles are set up, then you don't have to go in and make massive edits twice a year.ç
If you want to program a hot key, that is fine, and yes, that should do. I don't particularly care how you go about it, but I need that ability to reorder items in the playlist quick, because if I don't have sighted help, and I discover that events are not quite in the right order, I pretty much have to delete a bunch of stuff, until I am at the point where I can make the change, and then go in, and add everything else that was after that point.We use the scheduler to start items based on time, I don't see why this should also be duplicated in the playlist.
Sorry, after having used the same programs for 10 years, changing your concept of how things should be done can be hard, and I am trying.
Events have "Repeat" feature, you can make a single station ID or time announcement event to cover everything.
Perhaps a duplicate button for events in the scheduler would be handy? Of course you would still have to set the time for the duplicated event, but all the other parameters would stay the same, and maybe that could be a way to save some time? If all my shows were set up like the network shows, I could set up ad breaks to play just like they need to all day, set the event to repeat once every hour or whatever, and I would be set. Problem is, I have some shows that last an hour, and can't have them interrupted. Unless I can set the item to be ignored if waiting in cue for a certain amount of time. That might help. That might already be possible, so if so, please confirm.
I think a standard hot key like Ctrl+Up/Down should do?
A hot key for those operations will be added in one of the next updates.If you want to program a hot key, that is fine, and yes, that should do. I don't particularly care how you go about it, but I need that ability to reorder items in the playlist quick, because if I don't have sighted help, and I discover that events are not quite in the right order, I pretty much have to delete a bunch of stuff, until I am at the point where I can make the change, and then go in, and add everything else that was after that point.
jharris171185
Member
I am happy to report that I got my network stream pretty much up and working. Still working on the exact timing I want for a few events, but so far working much much better than I first thought.
What about my idea to be able to duplicate events in the scheduler? Like I said, this could save time, as all you would have to change for the duplicated event is time and maybe days of the week, and you're good to go. At least you save a bit in setting up all the other parameters.
Also, what about the idea I had for multiple scheduler profiles? This would be helpfull for me, but could also be used for times when there is special programming, and the user doesn't want to edit the main schedule, just create a modified one to play for a specified amount of time. This could work for events like Thanksgiving, Christmas, Holy week, as well as for my case where I have different show times for some shows but not others. What I mean by this is that network show times change, but shows produced by my station stay the same time all year. But there are a lot of network shows, and having that second scheduler profile would help me to not have to do massive edits twice a year.
Another feature request for Cloud would be to have the stream fade out instead of cutting out so abruptly. Also, when my commercial break is set to play over top at the midpoint of the stream, it would be good to have the stream fade a few seconds before the ad breaks playlist starts. I think these two things would make it sound a bit more smooth.
What about my idea to be able to duplicate events in the scheduler? Like I said, this could save time, as all you would have to change for the duplicated event is time and maybe days of the week, and you're good to go. At least you save a bit in setting up all the other parameters.
Also, what about the idea I had for multiple scheduler profiles? This would be helpfull for me, but could also be used for times when there is special programming, and the user doesn't want to edit the main schedule, just create a modified one to play for a specified amount of time. This could work for events like Thanksgiving, Christmas, Holy week, as well as for my case where I have different show times for some shows but not others. What I mean by this is that network show times change, but shows produced by my station stay the same time all year. But there are a lot of network shows, and having that second scheduler profile would help me to not have to do massive edits twice a year.
Another feature request for Cloud would be to have the stream fade out instead of cutting out so abruptly. Also, when my commercial break is set to play over top at the midpoint of the stream, it would be good to have the stream fade a few seconds before the ad breaks playlist starts. I think these two things would make it sound a bit more smooth.
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jharris171185
Member
Another small addition would be this:
If time between events is equal to or less than this number of seconds, play silence. Right now, what is happening is that on my intro playlist for the network stream, I have it set up like this:
Station id, news boletin, sweeper, network spot. The network spot says that we are joining the network for the following show. Problem is, there is a tiny gap, that can range from 1-5 seconds depending on the length of other items in the playlist. I'm trying to do things to shorten that as much as I can, but since there are variations in file lengths, it can't be eliminated entirely. But, since there is a gap, after the network affiliate spot, it goes back and tries to play another station id, but of course there isn't enough space for the id to completely finish playing, so it gets cut off at the start of the network stream. So, it would be ideal if we could set things up so that if there are a certain number of seconds between events, and there isn't enough time for something else to play, then just have a few seconds of silence.
If time between events is equal to or less than this number of seconds, play silence. Right now, what is happening is that on my intro playlist for the network stream, I have it set up like this:
Station id, news boletin, sweeper, network spot. The network spot says that we are joining the network for the following show. Problem is, there is a tiny gap, that can range from 1-5 seconds depending on the length of other items in the playlist. I'm trying to do things to shorten that as much as I can, but since there are variations in file lengths, it can't be eliminated entirely. But, since there is a gap, after the network affiliate spot, it goes back and tries to play another station id, but of course there isn't enough space for the id to completely finish playing, so it gets cut off at the start of the network stream. So, it would be ideal if we could set things up so that if there are a certain number of seconds between events, and there isn't enough time for something else to play, then just have a few seconds of silence.
There's "Save as new" button when you edit an event - it will save a duplicate of the edited event.What about my idea to be able to duplicate events in the scheduler? Like I said, this could save time, as all you would have to change for the duplicated event is time and maybe days of the week, and you're good to go. At least you save a bit in setting up all the other parameters.
This is possible in the desktop version, but not in Cloud. Maybe we'll add it there too, but there are no immediate plans for it.Also, what about the idea I had for multiple scheduler profiles? This would be helpfull for me, but could also be used for times when there is special programming, and the user doesn't want to edit the main schedule, just create a modified one to play for a specified amount of time.
For special events you can use the Date and Disable Event features to make it start and end on specific dates.
Can you please specify when does it stop abruptly?Another feature request for Cloud would be to have the stream fade out instead of cutting out so abruptly.
I suggest you adjusting event start times so there are no gaps. Silence is not good for radio anyway.But, since there is a gap, after the network affiliate spot, it goes back and tries to play another station id
jharris171185
Member
There's "Save as new" button when you edit an event - it will save a duplicate of the edited event.Yeah, figured that out, and is very handy.
This is possible in the desktop version, but not in Cloud. Maybe we'll add it there too, but there are no immediate plans for it.
I would seriously be willing to pay extra if you would commit to adding this before March. I need it pretty bad.
Can you please specify when does it stop abruptly?
For example, when the ads break playlist is set to play over top, playlist volume 0, and that transition can sometimes be abrupt. Would be nice to apply a slight fade before that break playlist hits, then fade volume back in instead of going from 0 back to 100 in an instant. Same at the end of hour, when the stream is about to disconnect. It would be nice to have a fade in the last 2 or 3 seconds before the next event starts.
I suggest you adjusting event start times so there are no gaps. Silence is not good for radio anyway.Done. I am pretty much happy with how I have this set up now.
One question I have regarding the scheduler. Suppose I make a mistake, and accidentally schedule two different playlists to start at the same time. Of course one would never do this on purpose, but accidents happen, especially when one has to do mass edits. So, assuming something was done wrong, and two playlists were scheduled for the exact same time. How would the scheduler handle that?
It depends on the options both of those events have. And the order in which the events will start - and in case when start times are the same, it can be either of those events. Generally speaking, the results will be unpredictable, so I advice you to avoid such cases.So, assuming something was done wrong, and two playlists were scheduled for the exact same time. How would the scheduler handle that?
jharris171185
Member
It depends on the options both of those events have. And the order in which the events will start - and in case when start times are the same, it can be either of those events. Generally speaking, the results will be unpredictable, so I advice you to avoid such cases.
Gotcha. That's about what I figured. Like I said, one would never do that on purpose, but good to know what would happen in case.
Also, I know I already brought this up once, but under listeners, only active listener stats are accessible using a screen reader. Those show up just fine, but for 24 hours, 7 days, 30, 90, 180 and 365, all that shows is a graph, which is completely inaccessible to screen readers. Please make this info be presented in the same way that active listeners are.
Noted for the future versions.Also, I know I already brought this up once, but under listeners, only active listener stats are accessible using a screen reader. Those show up just fine, but for 24 hours, 7 days, 30, 90, 180 and 365, all that shows is a graph, which is completely inaccessible to screen readers. Please make this info be presented in the same way that active listeners are.
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