Schedule songs by day and time
- Thread starter tomimatko
- Start date
How do you select the songs for playback? If you use the Playlist Generator, you can achieve it by assigning proper tags to tracks, like "Day", "Night", or if you need more control, assign specific hour tags e.g. "12:00", "13:00", and so on, you can also assign tags for week days and anything else. The in the Playlist Generator templates, configure appropriate tag filters so it only includes/excludes the tracks you need.
tomimatko
Active member
Yes, I do something like that, but the result is that I end up with a lot of playlists. Many of them are the same, just with different tags enabled or disabled for the day and hour. I would prefer if songs/jingles could be scheduled by day and hour, which would greatly simplify the job. Besides, almost all radio software has such an option.
Therefore, suggesting some workaround to achieve this is not really an option.
Therefore, suggesting some workaround to achieve this is not really an option.
In any case you will need different playlist templates/events to select the tracks you need.
And with using Tags, RadioBOSS too, there's no need to add this as a separate feature.
tomimatko
Active member
No, because if I have a 'Monday' jingle (for example, one that is set to play only on Mondays), it will automatically insert itself regardless of the playlist. The way it is now, I have three identical playlists, but one has the 'Monday' jingle tag, another 'Weekend,' and the third 'Night,' and similar. It's not very practical.
Additionally, this has already been mentioned, and the response was:
April 11, 2022
"daypart" function in Tracktool
This feature is in the queue for future versions.
And I was hoping it would finally be implemented in the next version. I think this feature is really missing.
If you set up proper filters, it will not happen. That is, when all jingles are properly tagged, and filters only take what is needed.
With Global categories in the Playlist Generator, this should become easier. You can share the same category between multiple presets.
We thought about it here, and with possibility to assign tags, it now looks more practical to move in the following direction:
- Add more tag-related filters and rules
- Add new kind of rules to check what tag can/should/must/must not/... follow another tag
It seems that the question of many users is stubbornly ignored here. Every broadcast software has this possibility, except RadioBoss. Here is an example from mAirlist, each track has separate tabs including a tab "planning". There you will find a schedule where you have 100% control over the day and hour when you want to exclude this track from the planning. This is the way I (and many other RadioBoss users) want it and not with the cumbersome tag functions.
Attachments
tomimatko
Active member
I agree with RadioJoss. I think this method with tags and weights in categories is much more complicated and unclear. According to this, I would need to have the same playlist in several versions? The same playlist in different versions with jingles like "Morning," "Night Program," "Weekend," "Monday," etc. That’s how my playlists are now - one and the same playlist in 5-6-7 versions. Currently, I have a lot of playlists, and at least half of them are the same, just with different categories of jingles. Ahhhh...
Right now, I'm talking about playlists with different jingles, but what about playlists that would include songs only (for example) for the night program (e.g. with inappropriate lyrics)? I would also need to tag those separately and set some weight in the categories? The weight is always defined so that these songs would end up being played more often than the regular ones. For example, there aren't many songs with inappropriate lyrics, which means the same ones would keep playing in a set ratio. I don't want that; I want them to be included at night and played in the same rhythm as all the other songs. I'm not sure if I’ve made this explanation clear.
I think determining the day and time is the simplest and clearest way to control this. After all, there's a reason almost all radio software uses this method. I believe the proposed method with these tag filters - can/should/must/must not/... will be overly complicated and will require extensive checking of each playlist and scheduling. And there will be a large number of them. I want to have one playlist that plays at a specific time of day, and jingles/songs should kick in when they are scheduled. Very simple.
I remember asking about this option a few years ago (and other members had similar questions), and the answer was always that it would come in a future version. But now, all of a sudden, the response is that we need to deal with tags?
We could ask the forum members which option they would prefer: determining time/day or tags with filters.
Right now, I'm talking about playlists with different jingles, but what about playlists that would include songs only (for example) for the night program (e.g. with inappropriate lyrics)? I would also need to tag those separately and set some weight in the categories? The weight is always defined so that these songs would end up being played more often than the regular ones. For example, there aren't many songs with inappropriate lyrics, which means the same ones would keep playing in a set ratio. I don't want that; I want them to be included at night and played in the same rhythm as all the other songs. I'm not sure if I’ve made this explanation clear.
I think determining the day and time is the simplest and clearest way to control this. After all, there's a reason almost all radio software uses this method. I believe the proposed method with these tag filters - can/should/must/must not/... will be overly complicated and will require extensive checking of each playlist and scheduling. And there will be a large number of them. I want to have one playlist that plays at a specific time of day, and jingles/songs should kick in when they are scheduled. Very simple.
I remember asking about this option a few years ago (and other members had similar questions), and the answer was always that it would come in a future version. But now, all of a sudden, the response is that we need to deal with tags?
We could ask the forum members which option they would prefer: determining time/day or tags with filters.
Tagging will allow to do all that. You will need to define the tags first of course: a maximum of 24 (hours) + 7 (week days) = 31 tags that you need to define. Most likely, it'll be enough to only create Morning/Day/Evening/Night tags instead of specific hour tags (depending on the level of control you need).
Advantage of the tags is that it's easy to assign/remove tags, there are already filters, searches, and other things in place so it's readily available to use. There's really no point in creating a separate UI to manage time/day. With the same amount of effort the same result is achieved using tags.
Last edited:
No, do not assign weights for this. If you want to select specific tracks, set up Filters instead: include/exclude set tags.
I'm not sure how a UI to set days/time for track will change that. You will still have exactly the same number of presets, that are the same except they configured to choose different days.
Weights are used for a different purpose e.g. playing new releases more often. You need to use Filters, in the Filters tab e.g.:
- Include tracks with "Monday" tag
- Exclude tracks with "Night" tag
- Include tracks with "Monday" tag
- Include tracks with "Day" tag
I guess this is for the same reason (historical) why RadioBOSS doesn't have it: they did not have tags system (a universal solution) so they added day/time option. But as RadioBOSS has tags, there's no need to duplicate this creating essentially the same thing but somewhat specialized.
This is, also, for a different thing - when you want more control like prevent two "male" tracks or make it select "classic" track after "ballade" or something like this.
Last edited:
I don't see what benefits this proposed feature will provide compared to using the Tags. What I mean is:
- It does not eliminate the need to "mark" tracks for certain day/time, you still need to do this one way or another. Assign proper tags, or set day/time - exactly the same amount of work in any case;
- It does not reduce the number of playlist generator presets you will need, because with Tags you configure filters. With day/time option you will, again, configure filters.
NickPollock
Member
What needs to be added is a grid, which is similar to the ad scheduler.
What this grid should do?
Guillaume
Member
I offer two types of solutions:
Add start and end times for a track as found in Tag Editor and Track Tool: Start and End Date (screenshots attached).
However, what should we do with jingles that are only to be broadcast on certain days of the week? Example: weekend, Monday…
Tags are indeed a very good tool. I am very happy with the options that are offered in the Playlist Generator. This allows you to optimize the creation of a category to only broadcast certain tracks. For me, it's quick and effective.
But this forces me to create other categories for the same type of tracks.
Example: morning jingles, daytime jingles, evening jingle, weekend jingle… And I made mistakes when creating the rotation: putting a “weekend” jingle on a Wednesday.
The idea is therefore, for me and perhaps also for the others who commented on this subject proposed by tomimatko, to avoid errors when creating rotations.
Because I have more than 300 categories to date. And I know I will be able to decrease this number with further optimization.
I have read the proposals to create a grid and take inspiration from the ads scheduler.
I am proposing a configuration that would include all of the requests and using a tool that is already in RadioBOSS: the Scheduled Event (See attachment).
And I will have other interests on musical tracks.
The tags play their role well. But, to achieve an optimal and certain result, I must multiply the categories and therefore the rotations as well as the events.
Relying on priority rules is too uncertain. Moreover, it is a probability and not a certainty to see a track broadcast according to one's wishes with the priority rules.
The request to see a grid with a pop-up window in RadioBOSS with these new options for each track is therefore not just a copy of the actions that tags can offer. This is about optimizing the work of the tags. It is an important complement to carry out specific, rigorous actions in order to be more efficient, less stressed by oversights and possible errors.
For my part, I support this important new feature appearing in a future version of RadioBOSS.
Sorry for this long description and argument. But it is important, and it is to improve the development of good software
Add start and end times for a track as found in Tag Editor and Track Tool: Start and End Date (screenshots attached).
Example #1:
“All I Want For Christmas Is You – Mariah Carey” is in my “Pop Dance” category.
The start date is December 10 and the end date is December 25 (configuration already possible and it works perfectly)
This year I only want the broadcaster between 8 p.m. and midnight.
The advantage of this new configuration:
• I immediately set up for broadcast on the desired dates and at the desired time slots;
• I'm not going into the Playlist Generator to create a new "Pop Dance" category with a "Mariah Carey, I love you tonight" tag. For your information, this category is already complicated to manage on my side and I do not want to add yet another constraint…
Example #2: I have a “Jingle” category that is broadcast in all my rotations between midnight and 11:59 p.m.
This category includes morning, day, evening and night jingles. Each jingle is associated with the new configuration with the choice of time slot.
The advantage of this new configuration:
• All my “morning, day, evening and night” jingles are combined into one category.
• I don't go into the Playlist Generator to create 4 categories but just one.
• I avoid mistakes by selecting the “good night jingle” category too quickly when I have just put it in the 2 p.m. rotation…
However, what should we do with jingles that are only to be broadcast on certain days of the week? Example: weekend, Monday…
Tags are indeed a very good tool. I am very happy with the options that are offered in the Playlist Generator. This allows you to optimize the creation of a category to only broadcast certain tracks. For me, it's quick and effective.
But this forces me to create other categories for the same type of tracks.
Example: morning jingles, daytime jingles, evening jingle, weekend jingle… And I made mistakes when creating the rotation: putting a “weekend” jingle on a Wednesday.
The idea is therefore, for me and perhaps also for the others who commented on this subject proposed by tomimatko, to avoid errors when creating rotations.
Because I have more than 300 categories to date. And I know I will be able to decrease this number with further optimization.
I have read the proposals to create a grid and take inspiration from the ads scheduler.
I am proposing a configuration that would include all of the requests and using a tool that is already in RadioBOSS: the Scheduled Event (See attachment).
• Date: Start and end date (this already exists)
• Hours: Selection of hours, minutes, seconds – With the “Select all/deselect all” option.
• Days: selection of days of the week
• Week: Week number
• Repeat: the track must repeat after “X” minutes.
• Limit: the track must not be played more than “X” times.
Each option would have an enable/disable checkbox.
Example: I take my example from Mariah Carey’s title in my “Pop Dance” category.
In the Tag Editor & Track Tool, we would have the display of a “Set Time and Day” button. And I will have configured the track as in the attachment.
Accuracy for:
• Hours: Selection of hours, minutes, seconds. This is not an event. This is a constraint: When I select Mariah Carey’s title at 8:00 p.m. I force him to play at 8:00 p.m. as soon as there is the “Pop Dance” category.
• Repeat: the track must repeat after “X” minutes. In my example: after 24 hours, the track should play again. This is not an event. This is a constraint: When Mariah Carey’s title has just been played at 8:15 p.m. I force him to play next time in 24 hours. But it will only be when there is the “Pop Dance” category from 8:15 p.m. the next day.
Interest in jingles:
• We choose a single category that goes in all rotations
• For my part, this will delete 6 categories and around thirty rotations
And I will have other interests on musical tracks.
Example :
I have my “Top French” category which includes around twenty tracks. And I have 4 which must absolutely broadcast twice during the day and 7 which must absolutely broadcast once during the day. This category appears 16 times during the day.
My current solution is to create 2 other almost similar categories. Tracks which should be part of an existing category but with unique particularities.
In my example, I will keep my “Top French” category. For the 4 tracks with two passes per day, I will use the desired time or repeat with this new option in the Tag Editor & Track Tool. Ditto for the 7 tracks which must broadcast once a day. I would have 5 tracks left during the day which will be chosen by Playlist Generator to arrive at my 16 “Top French” passages per day.
Instead of having 3 categories, I only have one category.
The tags play their role well. But, to achieve an optimal and certain result, I must multiply the categories and therefore the rotations as well as the events.
Relying on priority rules is too uncertain. Moreover, it is a probability and not a certainty to see a track broadcast according to one's wishes with the priority rules.
The request to see a grid with a pop-up window in RadioBOSS with these new options for each track is therefore not just a copy of the actions that tags can offer. This is about optimizing the work of the tags. It is an important complement to carry out specific, rigorous actions in order to be more efficient, less stressed by oversights and possible errors.
For my part, I support this important new feature appearing in a future version of RadioBOSS.
Sorry for this long description and argument. But it is important, and it is to improve the development of good software
Attachments
There's also color options for tags, and you can change the naming, as Weekend and Wednesday may look similar, change it to End of the week or something.
This will be really difficult to achieve, due to the nature how a Playlist Generator functions. It selects tracks randomly and checks if it passes the rules. It's not designed at all to select a specific track. Also, it will have to keep a registry of what track must start when - resulting in lots of hidden dependencies.
More than that, we have an exactly opposite request: prevent repeating a track at the same time on the following day. Which makes a lot of sense actually - generally no one wants to hear the same track at the same time track every day when driving home.
Is there really a need to play a specific track at the specific time? There's a very high possibility, as time passes, that there will be conflicts - multiple tracks competing for the same start time. And it's all hidden in Track Tool or somewhere, and can't be managed in a centralized way. And there are also repeat protection rules, that means, when selecting a track before 8.00pm it will have to take into account that there's a track that must be ran at 8.00pm... I see it makes things extremely complicated, mostly because of such hidden and non-obvious things.
Yes, it's a price to pay, but I don't see a practical solution that will actually make things simpler. It's easier to manage the many categories, that keep track of hidden start times that are set in Track Tool, or those that Playlist Generator will keep in "mind" for the future.
That's actually the point, making diverse playlists so there is as less repeats as possible.
What can be done, is implementing a Start Time constraint in addition to Start/End date. This is doable and easy to manage and doesn't cause conflicts, at least I can't think of any now. This will allow reusing the same presets/categories, but specifying a different start time for playlist, it will filter out different tracks. Same is true for limiting a track by day of the week. It's supposed to be implemented in the upcoming RadioBOSS 7.1.
