In the following, there is a list of frequently asked questions, along with corresponding answers.
1 How can I choose multiple channels?
Multiple channels are always selected by opening a drop-down menu and ticking the checkboxes for the desired channels – given that a multi-selection of channels is possible in that specific case.
2 How to archive and unarchive content?
Content is archived via the context menu. This can be done either from the respective stock or from the favorite or folder tab. The procedure is always the same.
Via the context menu (1), content can be archived (2).
If versions and assets/material are attached to a content, those will be archived, as well. Thus, the system will ask for confirmation.
Since content are not removed when archived, they can be displayed again if wished.
There is a checkbox (1) in the search bar that allows to display archived content.
Via the context menu (1), content can be unarchived (2), including its versions and assets/material.
3 How can I add a new episode?
First of all, users need to enter the the editing dialog of series in the Stock.
Via the context menu (three dots in the upper right corner of an entry), users can edit a series by clicking the Edit button (1).
Then, users have to navigate to the Episodes tab and select the season to include the episode.
After selecting a season (1), new episodes can be created by clicking the plus icon (2).
The following article explains what information can be specified when creating episodes:
4 How to use the scheduling assistant?
Like planning actions, scheduling assistants allow to perform large-scale scheduling operations by creating rules. Those rules can be saved and reused.
Also, groups of rules can be created to perform multiple rules at once, with one rule executed after the other.
After accessing the Assistants side tab in the left-side menu, new rules can be created with Create new rule.
After giving the rule a name (1), multiple channels (2) can be selected via a drop-down menu. By assigning channels to the rule, the rule can be executed on those channels.
NOTE
The rule can only be performed on the channel that is currently loaded within the set time range. Performing the rule on multiple channels at the same time is therefore not possible.
4.1 How to use single rules
The first option is to create and use individual rules.
4.1.1 Define the source
In this part of the dialog, users can specify what content to schedule
Users can specify the source (1) in terms of content type and search conditions.
Content types include design elements, trailer versions, commercial versions and secondary elements.
The Search elements option allows searching for specific elements by typing their name or reference number into the search field.
The Choose folder option (1) allows users to select content within a folder. The folder name (2) can be entered in the search field. In addition, the content within the folder can be narrowed down by its type via the drop-down menu (3) on the left side.
When opting for folder content, users can determine to what extent and in which order the content within the selected folder is to be processed (scheduled or deleted). Users can therefore include either all content (4) or a certain number of it (5) (All or Count).
Furthermore, it is possible to define whether the folder content is processed in the order set in the folder or in random order (6 and 7).
The order only becomes relevant when elements are (re)scheduled, not when they are deleted (see Define time range and condition).
4.1.2 Define the target
In this part of the dialog, users can specify the target content.
Users can specify the target (1) in terms of content type (2), and they can select specific conditions (3) depending on the content type (e.g. on what segments to schedule the source content). Conditions vary depending on the target content type.
By clicking Add conditions (4), further conditions can be set depending on the target content type, e. g. specific age ratings, genre etc. for programs or specific tariff categories for ad breaks. This allows to further specify the target content to be processed by the rule.
When it comes to selecting the target content type, users can define how to place the source content by ticking the checkboxes (1) (e. g. before or after programs).
4.1.3 Define the time range and condition
Finally, the time period during which the rule should be executed can be configured, with two options available. Furthermore, users can define what action the assistant performs (scheduling and deleting).
The rule can either be executed within the currently loaded plan or within an individual period (1), for which a starting and end time can be determined.
Also, users can define what action the rule performs regarding the source and target under Choose condition (2).
For all content types selected as source and target, there are three conditions available:
- Schedule selected items, do not delete items in the plan
- Find and remove selected elements in the plan
- Schedule selected elements and delete identical elements in the plan
In addition, a minimum space can be defined between elements in the plan (in minutes) by ticking the checkbox (1) and adding a number into the field. The rule is then only applied to elements located in this space to each other.
The rule can be executed right away by clicking Apply (2). In this process, the rule is saved automatically.
Alternatively, a rule can be saved (3) first and then be executed from the list of all rules (see next chapter), or the dialog can be left without saving the rule by clicking Close (4).
4.1.4 Execute the rule
A rule is executed by selecting it from the list and clicking Apply. In this process, the rule is saved automatically.
Select from list:
Apply:
4.2 How to create and apply groups of rules
Group of rules serve to perform multiple rules in one run, with one rule executed after the other, according to their numbering.
Groups can be created by clicking Create new group.
After giving the group a name (1), channels (2) for the group to be available on can be selected.
Individual rules can be added to the group by clicking Add rules (3).
By clicking the plus button, the individual rules are added to the group. Rules will be displayed on the right side in the order they were added, which is also the order they will be executed.
The order of the rules can be changed by drag and drop.
Rules that have been added can then be configured individually by clicking the edit button (1), which leads to the dialog described previously (see chapters from Define the source to Define the time range).
Alternatively, they can be removed from the group by clicking the bin icon (2).
By clicking the highlighted button, existing groups can be edited.
In this dialog, the name (1) can be edited, channels (2) can be selected, rules can be added (3) or removed (4), and the order of rules can be changed by drag and drop (5).
5 How to set an offset for secondary elements
Users can define a default offset for secondary elements in the Content App in the Secondary event definition section in the editing dialog of secondary elements.
Macros become effective as soon as a secondary element is added to the broadcast plan – until it is changed manually.
After naviating to the Secondary event definition section (1), users can add a value (2) for AutoActionOffset.
Depending on the content of the layouts to be generated, different layout macros will be available to configure them.
Below all macros are explained, including example values and their meanings. Offsets can be defined in relation to the begin/end of the main event, in relation to the begin/end of the credits or in relation to the begin/end of ad cuts.
Definitions of macros
Layout Macro |
Example Values |
Short Description |
Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| AutoActionOffset | 250 |
Automatic offset (or end offset) on scheduling secondaries (default...) or re-applying secondary actions (auto...). Possible values:
X stands for the number of the insert (1–9), e.g. "Insert4". |
If you add a secondary event to an event, the secondary event is automatically set to a default position. You can define this default position with this macro. Possible examples:
|
| AutoActionDuration | 100 |
Automatic length on scheduling the secondary (default...) or re-applying secondary actions (auto...). Possible values:
|
Secondary events can have variable lenghts. With this macro, it is possible to define the default length of a secondary event. Possible examples:
|
| MinDuration | 250 | Minimal length of the secondary | If you define the variable length of the secondary event with the macro DefaultActionDuration, you can add a minimal duration with this macro. |
| VisibleFields | Titel1, Titel2 | Indication of the fields to be displayed in the secondary event; the fields are comma-separated | With this macro, you can define, which fields from the area Layout Event Template are visible for the broadcaster (if defined so in the playout export). Please take values from the column Name. |
| LayoutTypeKey | AGE, BA | Grouping of secondaries for the selection in drop-down lists, e. g. wizards. | With this macro, you can give this layout a type. This type can be selected and used by the scheduling assistant. |
| PlayoutID | LY02 | Name of the secondary element for the interface to address the graphic machine. | With this macro, you can add the ID of a layout. This information may be needed by the broadcaster. |
| ValueCnt | 2 | Number of variable fields for the interface to address the graphic machine. | With this macro, you can define how many variables follow. Some broadcasters may need to know this. |
| TargetTimerange | e.g. 20:00-22:00 | Timerange that contains the main event which is to be referenced (only for action „Next“ and „RefNext“) | With this macro, you can define usage periods. |
Example:
6 Which video formats are supported?
The various browsers (Mozilla Firefox/Chrome/Internet Explorer, etc.) do not support all video formats. For working with Shield, we recommend the Chrome browser - Mozilla Firefox and Internet Explorer are also possible options.
Theose browsers both support mp4, ogg and mov. format.
Other video formats must first be converted to make them playable.
7 What do the "i" symbols mean in Shield?
The "i" fields – with “i” standing for informtion – contain important information that serves as further description. Simply hover over the "i" fields with your mouse. Not every "i" field is populated.
8 Where can I find the screening protocols in the Content Explorer (CE)?
(only for customers with connected CE/Media Applications)
All screening protocols are automatically saved under the respective asset in the CE. If the asset is linked to a version, they can also be found under the version in the "Documents" tab. There may be multiple reports. Date and time are indicated for differentiation.
9 Where can I find the screening protocols in Shield?
10 Which matrix can I use for my screening?
Matrixes can be created and edited in the "Matrix" top tab (to the right of "Screening"), where they can also be set as default by clicking “Set as default”. This ensures that all users always access the latest version of a matrix.
Note: Once an annotation has been added based on a matrix, the matrix can no longer be changed, with the info text “Matrix is locked by Screenings” when selecting a matrix in the Matrix tab.
11 How are my annotations saved?
This happens automatically. Everything typed in Shield is immediately saved via autosave.
12 Can I directly navigate to the annotated TCs in the video?
With a simple click on the cover of the desired annotation (screenshot of the video), Shield jumps directly to the TC in in the video.
13 Can I play clips defined in Shield?
Yes. Clicking on the generated screenshot (cover of the annotation) plays the clip and automatically stops at the end of the TC out.