Programmer is the app for linear TV channel planning. Multiple users can work on program plans at the same time. Content and assets are used from the corresponding Web Apps (Content and Asset).

The following article will cover the following topics:

• How to load basic plan data
• How to find program versions and series
• General functions and settings for scheduling program versions and series
• Schedule content
• How to create and edit slot schemes
• Import slot schemes into the plan
• Create and edit slots
• How to create and edit slot chains
• How to apply wizards
• Forecast planning

First of all, here is an overview of the functions associated with the planning of program and episode versions and series, which are included in the Plan tab:

1. Configuration of plan data: This is where all kind of plan settings are specified, e.g. channel, date, time span and zoom level.

2. Content section: Here, content can be searched, filtered, edited, added to folders and favorites and planned.

3. Plan: This is the broadcast plan.

4. Left-side menu: The left-side menu contains a variety of functionalities, including (from top to bottom):

• Versions: This is where content, including all program versions and series, can be managed and added to the plan.
• Slot types: Here, slot types can be created and edited and added to the plan.
• Folders, Favorites and Clipboard: Both folders, favorites and the clipboard are places to collect content. From there, it can be added to the plan.
• Forecast: Regarding planning that lies further in the future, scenarios created in the Forecast App can found here. Form these secenarios, content can be added to the plan.
• Schemes: This is also where wizards are executed. Wizards facilitate processes that would otherwise be time-consuming, often-times with large amounts of information involved.

1 How to load basic plan data

In order to find the right position in the plan to schedule program versions and series, plan data has to be defined, including channel, date and time span. In addition, there are other features such as zoom level and display of active users.

1.1 Set channel, date and time span

Starting off with the most fundamental data of the plan, channel, date and time span have to be defined.

After selecting the channel (1) and date (2), the time span (3) has to be specified, starting with the selected date. The time span ranges from one day to 6 weeks.

The Today button (1) allows to select the current day.

1.2 Change the displayed start time of a channel in the plan

The app settings allow to adapt the default starting time of the plan.

First of all, the app settings (1) have to be accessed via the user settings.

After navigating to the Plan tab (1), the start time can either be set individually (starting hour – 2) or or be taken over from the channel configuration (Take start time from channel – 3).

Changes in plan configuration become effective by clicking the Apply button (4).

1.3 Change zoom level

By zooming in and zooming out, users can determine how large the individual hours in the plan are displayed.

A drop-down menu (1) allows to determine how much of the plan is visible by selecting the zoom level.It is also possible to type in the desired zoom level (framed) or to adapt it gradually by clicking the arrows pointing up and down (underlined).

1.4 Display active users

In order to obtain an overview when working in the plan together, the app allows to view information about other users working with the plan.

The application provides a feature (1) to see how many users are currently online and active within the currently loaded time period of the plan.

The respective user (2) can be viewed by hovering the mouse above the display of users online (1).

2 How to find program versions and series

There is a variety of options to collect and find the program versions and series to be planned.

2.1. Filter and find content in versions side tab

One way to find the content needed is in the Versions side tab. Here, content can be filtered for series and program versions and be sorted according to various categories.

Content can be searched according to its title(s) or reference number(s) in the search bar (1).

By clicking the funnel icon (1), both filter (2) and sorting options (3) can be managed.

With all content types (1) being the default, content can be filtered for series, episode versions and program versions.

It is also possible to add filters (2).

When clicking the Add filter button, the following dialog will open where filter conditions can be added by clicking plus and specified (1). Finally , the selected filter can be applied (2).

Individual filter conditions can be removed by clicking x (1). If there are several filter conditions, they can be removed by clicking Clear All (2).

Also, content can be sorted (1) according to various categories in an ascending or descending order (2).

There is an additional view to manage filters and sorting, which can be shown or hidden (1).

The view can both be expanded or collapsed (2).

After finding the desired content, it can be scheduled:

• see Schedule content.

Furthermore, the context menu (1) of a selected content allows to edit (2) it and to add it to folders (3) and favorites (4):

Related topics:

• see create and edit series
• see create and edit program and episode versions
• see manage folders
• see manage favorites

2.2 Find content in folders

Another place to collect and manage content is to use folders. Content added to folders can be accessed and added from the Folders side tab.

By clicking the Folders tab in the left-side menu and selecting a folder (1), the content added to the respective folders will become visible.

From here, the content included in the folders can be scheduled.

Related topics:

• Schedule content
• Manage folders

Furthermore, the context menu (1) of a selected content allows to edit (2) a content in the Content App. Also, content can be added to folders (3), added to favorites (4) and removed from folders (5):

Related topics:

• see create and edit series
• see create and edit program and episode versions
• see manage folders
• see manage favorites

2.3 Find content in favorites

Frequently used content can also be added to favorites to facilitate its reuse. When added to favorites, content can also be added from there.

By clicking the Favorites tab (1), content added to favorites will become visible. From here, the content (2) can be scheduled.

Related topics:

• Schedule content
• Manage favorites

Furthermore, the context menu (1) of a selected content allows to edit (2) a content in the Content App. Also, content can be added to folders (3), added to favorites (4) and removed from folders (5):

Related topics:

• see create and edit series
• see create and edit program and episode versions
• see manage folders
• see manage favorites

2.4 Find content in clipboard

Frequently used content can also be added to the clipboard to facilitate its reuse. When added to the clipboard, content can also be added from there.

Related topics:

• Schedule content
• Add content to the clipboard

Furthermore, the context menu (1) of a selected content allows to edit (2) it and to add it to folders (3) and favorites (4):

Related topics:

• see create and edit series
• see create and edit program and episode versions
• see manage folders
• see manage favorites

3 General functions and settings for scheduling program versions and series

Before dealing with the specific steps involved in scheduling program versions and series, fundamental functions and settings are briefly explained beforehand, including:

• Undo and redo
• Shortcuts
• Quick settings
• Overlapping on/off

3.1 Undo and redo

Since undoing and redoing actions is relevant in all stages of scheduling content, it is briefly explained beforehand.

The left-pointing arrow (1) represents the Undo button. Clicking it reverses the last action, which can also be done by using the shortcut CTRL + Z.

The right-pointing arrow (2) represents the Redo button. Clicking it reverses the last undo action, which can also be done by using the shortcut CTRL + SHIFT + Z. 

3.2 Shortcuts

There is a variety of shortcuts to use for the actions executed in the plan. All of those shortcuts can be found in a list.

The list of shortcuts can be accessed in the menu bar above the plan by expanding additional tools (1).

By clicking Show shortcuts (1), the list of shortcuts opens in a new window.

In this list, all shortcuts available for plan actions are listed, along with the functions they perform:

3.3 Draw to select

Draw to select is a feature that can both be switched on and off. If it is switched on, it allows users to select multiple elements while dragging the mouse across the plan.

The Draw to select feature can be found in the menu bar above the plan by expanding additional tools (1)

By clicking the icon shown in the screenshot (1), the feature is activated.

Here, multiple elements can be selected while dragging the mouse across the corresponding part in the plan.

3.4 Add notes

Another basic feature is to add notes. Notes can be used to leave remarks for individual days in the plan.

First of all, the additional tools have to be expanded by clicking the More tools button (1).

From this list, notes can be opened by clicking the Open notes button (1).

The individual days can be left with a note by clicking the Add note button (1) in the upper line, leading to a new dialog.

This dialog contains various fields, allowing to define a title (1), note color (2), channel (3), time span (4) and the note itself (5).

Setting a time range allows to provide multiple days at once with a note. 

The note color (2) can be determined using a color picker.

The information entered in this dialog can be saved (6) or discarded (7) at the end.

By clicking the plus icon (1), new notes can be added. 

By clicking the Open notes button (2), existing notes can be expanded or collapsed.

3.5 Fit to window

In order to obtain an overview of the entire plan, there is also a feature that adapts the size of the plan to the screen size.

This feature is also accessed by opening additional tools (1) in the ribbon above the plan.

By clicking the window icon (1), the plan will be visible in its entire width. The height of the plan, however, has a minimum size, it is minimized to. The size of the plan is reset by clicking the window icon again.

3.6 Quick settings

There is a variety of settings regarding coloring, visibility of elements, checks etc. that affect the planning process. The quick settings allow to define all of those things beforehand. However, they can be changed at any time during the planing process.

The ribbon above the plan is where the quick settings (1) are accessed.

On the left hand-side, specific numbers can be specified regarding the rounding times (1), slot length (2) and ad breaks (3). Also, there is a variety of options what the coloring (4) can go by, e.g. program or version type.

Also, the quick settings allow to activate and deactivate assets (5), license checks (6) and the tool tip (7), for example.

It is also possible to determine whether to copy only the slots or the slots together with their programs (see Copy slots).

The quick settings an be exited by clicking the Close button (8) or by clicking an empty space.

3.7 Overlapping on/off

Users can determine whether overlapping between events is allowed or not.

Via the ribbon above the plan, overlapping (1) can be switched on and off.

When overlapping is switched on (1), events are allowed to start during the runtime of another event. In this case, the first event starts at 6 am and ends at 6:50 am, and the second event starts at 6:09 am and ends at 7:54:31, so the events have a shared runtime between 6:09 to 6:50 am.

When overlapping is switched off (1), events are not allowed to start during the runtime of another event, which means that the event will automatically be shifted to start (without a gap) after the end of the previous event.

4 Schedule content

As soon as content is scheduled, it is refered to as events – whether that is programs, commercials, secondary elements etc.

Since the scheduling of series involves the scheduling of multiple episode versions at once, it differs from the scheduling of individual program versions (including episode versions).

4.1 Schedule program versions

First of all, the scheduling of program versions will be explained.

Before scheduling, versions can be selected  from various tabs in the left-side menu, including:

• Versions (plus filtering for program versions and series)
• Folders
• Favorites
• Clipboard

Content is put to the desired position (1) in the plan by drag and drop.

When scheduled, both the name, start time and end time will be visible. While the start time is determined by moving the content into the desired spot, the end time will adapt based on the length of the content.

The basic settings allow to determine both the start and end of an event precisely (see Manage basic settings) – in addition to activating and setting logos.

Using shift, several program versions can be selected (1) and scheduled by drag and drop (2).

As soon as an asset has been added to the program version, the camera icon (1) will appear in green, and the event length can be adapted to the length of the asset by opening the context menu and clicking Correct event length (2). Otherwise, the length will be that of the program version.

Also, the asset attached to the program version can be edited in the Asset App by clicking the Edit asset button (3).

Related topics:

• In the editing dialog of program versions, asset files can be added to program versions.

4.2 Schedule series

Instead of scheduling the series episodes individually, multiple episodes of an series can also be scheduled at once over the course of several days or weeks.

Before scheduling, series can be selected  from various tabs in the left-side menu, including:

• Versions (plus filtering for program versions and series)
• Folders
• Favorites
• Clipboard

Series are also added to the desired position in the plan (1) by drag and drop, leading to the series planning assistant.

In the series planning assistant, all the details about the scheduling of the individual episodes are specified in various tabs, including:

• Series planning (starting episode, starting date, starting time, scheduled days and end date)
• Versions (selection of program versions to be scheduled)
• Episode repeats 
• Confirm

First of all, a starting point has to be defined, including the season (1), episode (2), date (3) and time (4). By default, the scheduling of a series will start at season 1, episode 1. However, this can be adapted.

Below, the days to schedule (5) are selected.

The end of the scheduling can either be set to a certain date (6) or a certain episode (7). Here, all episodes allowed on the channel loaded in the plan are shown.

Clicking the Continue button (8) allows to move on to next tab, Versions.

Program versions can be selected by using the checkboxes (1).

Clicking Continue (2) allows to move on to next tab, Episode repeats.

This part of the dialog allows to set up a pattern for when episodes will repeat throughout the week.

In order to repeat the scheduled episode of one day, the toggle switch (1) of the respective day has to be switched on. Then the day the repetition (2) shall take place and the starting time (3) on that day has to be selected.

Clicking Continue (4) opens the last tab, the confirmation of all data.

Finally, the series planning assistant provides an overview of all the data entered previously, including a serie schedule (1) and a repeat matrix (2).

The serie schedule contains information such as starting season and episode and schedule days.

The repeat matrix lists the episodes and reruns that are scheduled. In this example, the episode on Friday (3) is repeated on Saturday (4). Thus, both days are the same color.

By clicking Save (5), the scheduling is executed.

This is what one week of scheduled episodes looks like, with Saturday´s episode (1) being the repetition of Friday´s episode (2).

4.3 Manage basic event settings

Basic settings are part of the event settings and include:

• Date
• Setting length as fixated or flexible & begin and end time
• Activating and deactivating logos & selecting logos

Via the context menu, event settings (1) can be accessed.

First of all, the date (1) of an event can be changed, with the current date being preselected.

By using the toggle switch (2), the length of a content can be set flexible, allowing to adapt the length of the event by changing the begin or end date.

Furthermore, there is a checkbox (3) to define whether logos are applied or not. Ticking the checkbox allows to select a logo from the drop-down menu.

This dialog also contains a comment field (4).

Changes are confirmed by clicking OK (5).

Related topics:

• Define length of program versions
• Schedule content

4.4 Manage material

Data regarding assets, including assets, can be managed in the Material tab.

In the Material tab, the information about the asset and ad cuts can be found. 

Ad cuts can be added here (see Add ad cuts).

4.4 Manage SI data

Service information data (SI data) are essential when it comes to program plan exports (epg exports), including:

• Title
• Start time and duration
• Genres
• Audio options
• Epg texts (both long and short texts)

In order to manage those data, event settings have to be accessed first:

• Access event settings

The SI data tab is where program information is entered that is typically used for metadata services such as electronic program guides (epg).

The name of the selected event resembles the title of the program version (1). The title can be adjusted for the epg if needed.

This start field (2) and duration (3) are inherited from the program schedule. Like in the basic settings, it can be edited. However, time changes executed in the SI data will not affect the time in the schedule since they are only associated with the epg data. Actual time changes can be executed via the basic settings or manually.

From a drop-down menu, programs can be assigned a genre (4), as well.

The Audio options field (5) can be used to specify special audio characteristics.

Both short (6) and long epg texts (7) can be added to provide more comprehensive or brief summaries of a program´s plot.

Changes are confirmed by clicking OK (8).

4.5 Manage attributes

Attributes serve to activate, deactivate and specify special tags or characteristics of an event. The exact selection of attributes is a customer-specific matter.

In order to manage those data, event settings have to be accessed first:

• Access event settings

Attributes can be activated or deactivated by ticking the checkboxes (1), e. g. whether an event is live or not.

Changes are confirmed by clicking OK.

Attributes can also be managed via the context menu. By clicking Add attributes (1), attributes appear in a list where they can be managed the same way as in the event settings.

Furthermore, it is possible to highlight events with attributes.

By navigating to the ribbon and clicking Highlight events with attributes (1), a drop-down menu opens to select an attribute, e. g. Press release (2).

Then events where the attribute applies will be highlighted (1).

If the selected attribute (1) does not apply to an event, the event (2) will remain in the background.

4.6 Replace program versions

Another feature in the plan is to replace versions of a program or episode.

Versions can be replaced by opening the context menu of an event and clicking Change version (1), opening a new dialog.

In this dialog, all versions of the given program are listed. 

The version to replace the old one (1) is selected by clicking on it. By using the toggle (2), all events of the selected versions in the loaded time period can be replaced.

Actions are confirmed by clicking OK (3).

It is also possible to replace the given version with a version that does not belong to the respective program:

If a version shall be replaced by a version that belongs to a different program/series, it can be found via the search bar (1) or within a particular folder (2), which can either be selected from the list or be typed in, as well.

In the next step, a content can be selected from the folder. Again, it is also possible to replace all events of the selected version in the loaded period by using the toggle (1).

The swap is executed by clicking OK (2).

4.7 Edit content

There are two ways to edit content, including:

• Via Versions tab in the left-side menu
• Via the context menu in the plan

Via Versions tab in the left-side menu:

The Versions tab (1) in the left-side menu is where all content, including program versions and series can be found (and scheduled). 

By opening the context menu (2) and clicking the edit button (3), the respective editing dialogs will open in the Content App.

Before entering the Content App in a new tab, users will be asked to confirm the action.

By ticking the checkbox (1), this dialog will not appear anymore.

Via the context menu in the plan:

Another option is to open the context menu of a content in the plan and click Edit version (1), leading to the dialog to open the Content App displayed above.

Related topics:

• Programs, series, episodes and sequences 
• Create and edit program versions

4.8 View scheduling of events

There is also a feature that provides an overview of the scheduling of an event in the entire plan across all channels and dates.

By opening the context menu and clicking Scheduling (1), a new dialog opens which will show a detailed overview of the program's scheduled airings.

At the top of the dialog, the channel (1) and date range (2) for the overview can be selected.

Below, the dialog displays a list of all planned airings of the event within the specified channel (3) and date range (4).

4.9 View planning status of events

In contrast to the scheduling overview, the planning status

In addition to viewing all airings across the entire plan, it is also possible to view the scheduling inside the visible, loaded part of the plan, e. g. within a week.

Viewing the planning status (1) is also a feature accessed via the context menu.

After clicking this button, all versions scheduled within the loaded section of the plan will be highlighted (see 1, 2 and 3).

4.11 Fixate events

If an event is not supposed to move anymore in the plan, its can be fixated.

Events can be fixated via the context menu by clicking Lock event (1).

After clicking the Lock event button, the corresponding event will be marked with a key icon (1). When fixated, an event can no longer be rescheduled by drag and drop. However, an event can still be rescheduled via the event settings (context menu).

Related topics:

• Schedule events via event settings

As soon as an event is fixated, all other events (1) scheduled during the runtime of the locked event (2), will be placed in front the fixated event (overlapping off).

If the event was not fixated, the first element would be placed after the event, and the second event would be placed before the event.

Related topics:

• Schedule events
• Overlapping off

The context menu is also where locked events are unlocked again. By pressing and holding the Longer click to unlock button (1), the action is performed.

4.12 Delete events

In the following, there will be an explanation of how to delete events from the plan.

First of all, the context menu of the event to be deleted has to be opened. By clicking the bin icon (1), an event can be deleted. C

Clicking the Delete key offers an alternative method to delete events. Multiple events can be selected using the Shift key.

Before finally deleting the event, users will be asked to confirm the action. By ticking the checkbox (1), this dialog will not appear anymore.

Related topics:

• Shortcuts

5 How to create and edit slot schemes

Slot schemes represent categories, e.g. related to the time of the year or content genre. After adding slot types and eventually slots to a slot scheme, a scheme can be imported into the plan. In the plan, content can be scheduled based on the slot scheme.

First of all, a slot scheme can be created to contain a slot type, e g. a Winter scheme:

After navigating to the Scheme tab, slot schemes can be added by clicking the plus icon (1), opening a new dialog.

The program scheme needs to have a name (1) to be created. A scheme can also be set private (2), making it accessible only to the user who set it so. 

In case of a weekly schedule (3), the number of days is set to the duration of an entire week, i. e. 7 days (4). Timewise, the starting day can be defined as well as the start and end time.

Instead of a weekly schedule, customized schedules (1) with a specific number of days (2).

Slot schemes can both be searched (1) and filtered (2)

Slot schemes can be searched by name in the search bar (1), and they can be filtered (2) by title and creation date in an ascending and descending order (3).

Slot schemes allow to create a certain slot structure that can be reused for planning as often as desired. A slot scheme and the slot types it contains can, for example, be based on seasons and/or topics, which can serve as an orientation when scheduling content:

After navigating to the Scheme tab, slot types can be added by clicking the Add slottype button (1), opening a new dialog.

There are three tabs to this dialog, including General, Slot profile and values.

The General tab is where the slot type can be given a name and be assigned a group and program type.

In addition, the color can be selected.

A slot can either have a fixated duration or adjust automatically to its content. If the duration is neither fixated nor adjusts automatically to the content, it will have to be adjusted manually, independent of its content.

There is a toggle switch (1) for automatically adjusting the slot length to the event length(s). Consequently, the slot length is fixated when this feature is deactivated.

There is also a section where comments can be added.

After searching (1) and selecting (2) a slot type, it can be added to scheme by drag and drop (3). This is how slots are created in the plan.

As soon as slots have been added to the scheme, they can be managed in a variety of ways, just like in the plan:

• Expand slots
• Move slots
• Copy slots
• Set repeat connectors
• Further slot settings
• Delete slots

Slots can be connected to slot chains, which can also be managed in a multitude of ways. Slot chains are useful for any type of large-scale planning such as series planning since all episodes can be planned at once for the entire duration of the slot chain.

• Connect slots to a slot chain
• Move slot chains
• Copy slot chains
• Set repeat connectors to other slots
• Delete slot chains

In order to have a set ad break structure later on in the plan, ad breaks can already be added when creating slot schemes:

This feature can be accessed via the context menu by clicking Edit ad breaks (1), which opens the corresponding dialog.

In this dialog, ad break types can be selected and placed into the desired positions around the segment(s) by drag and drop. Also, the begin and duration of the segments and ad blocks can be specified:

• see Edit ad breaks in the plan on events
• see Specify ad breaks as part of an ad break scheme: Schemes cannot only be created for slots, but also for ad breaks (also see for more details on the editing dialog of slots).

6 Import slot schemes into the plan

In order to apply a slot scheme with its slot types, it has to be imported into the plan.

Slot schemes are imported from Schemes tab (1) in the left-side menu.

After accessing the Schemes tab, a slot scheme has to be selected (2) by clicking on it.

Before importing the scheme, it can both be cut to a specific time period (1) and moved to a specific date and time (2) by switching the toggles. By default, a slot scheme will st take up the time period it was created with and start on the corresponding day and time.

By ticking the checkboxes at the bottom, a scheme can overwrite the current plan (3) instead of just being added to the current plan. Also, it can be applied several times (4). This is useful, for example, when a weekly plan shall be applied for an entire month or year.

By clicking the Import button at the bottom, the import of the scheme is executed

When imported into the plan, the slot scheme will appear in the form it was set up previously.

Related topics:

• Create and edit slot schemes

7 Create and edit slots

Slot can either be created when being imported as part of a scheme or directly in the plan without using a scheme. Slots serve as containers and as topical orientation for content. Content can both be planned with or without the use of slots.

Related topics:

• Create and edit slot schemes
• Import slot schemes

This is how slots are manually added to the plan without using a slot scheme:

After navigating to the slot types in the left-side menu (1), slot types can be searched (2), selected (3) and added by drag and drop (4).

7.1 Expand slots

When it comes to expanding the duration of a slot, there are two options, including:

• Drag and drop
• Slot settings via context menu

7.1.1 Expand slots manually

The first option to expand slots is to drag the slot (1) manually to the desired duration:

7.1.2 Expand slots via slot settings

The other option is to enter the slot settings (1) via the context menu, opening a new dialog:

In this dialog, the start (1) and end time (2) of a slot can be defined, as well. There is also a section above (3) where slots can be selected. This is relevant when multiple slots and slot settings are selected ( Select multiple slots with shift |context menu | slot settings):

7.1.3 Enhance duration to next or previous object or between objects

In order to close gaps to next and/or previous slots, the duration of a slot can be enhanced in both directions.

By selecting a slot, opening the context menu and clicking Slot actions (1), there are three ways to enhance the duration of a slot:

• Enhance duration to next object (2) – The slot duration is enhanced to end at 9 am, which is the starting time of the next slot.
• Enhance duration to previous object (3) – The slot duration is enhanced to begin at 7 pm, where the previous event ends.
• Enhance duration between objects (4) – The slot duration is enhanced in both directions, starting at 7 pm and ending at 9 pm to close the gap to the other two events.

7.2 Move slots

In order to move slots to a different time or day, there are various ways, including:

• Drag and drop
• Via slot settings
• Move slot to next or previous object via context menu

7.2.1 Move slots by drag and drop

The first option to move a slot is by drag and drop.

Slots can be moved within the plan by drag and drop. For this purpose, all individual slots of the chain have to be marked using Shift and dropped into the desired position.

7.2.2 Move slots via slot settings

An alternative way is to move a slot using the slot settings, which can be accessed via the context menu of the corresponding slot (see chapter 7.1.2).

By changing the start and end time, a slot can be moved to a different position.

7.2.3 Move slot to next or previous object

In addition to enhancing the slot duration, slots can be moved to close gaps to next or previous slots.

In contrast to enhancing the slot duration, however, the duration remains the same with this method.

By selecting a slot, opening the context menu and clicking Slot actions (1), slots can be moved two ways:

• Move slot to next object (2) – With the slot duration being kept the same (40 minutes), the slot is moved to the next slot, making it start 8:20 am and end at 9 am, which is when the next slot begins.
• Move slot to previous object (3) – With the slot duration being kept the same (40 minutes), the slot is moved to the end of the previous slot, making it start at 7am and end at 7:40 am.

7.3 Copy slots

By copying them, slots can be moved to any position in the plan.

Slot can also be repeated by copying them (Ctrl + C) and dropping them into the desired spot (1), keeping the name and length of the slot.

In the Quick section, there’s a switch that allows to choose whether to copy only the slots (toggle off, as shown in the picture) or the slots together with their content (toggle on).

The amount of what is copied can be selected using the shortcuts (see Shortcuts).

When a slot is supposed to be copied alone while the toggle is switched on (copy slots & events altogether), an exact selection of the slot without the event is necessary.

7.4 Set repeat connectors

By setting repeat connectors between slots, content scheduled to one slot will automatically be scheduled into the other slot(s) that are connected, as well. 

By selecting multiple slots and opening the context menu, a repeat connector (1) can be set between the slots.

Once a repeat connector is set, a arrow pointing downwards will appear on both the initial (1) and follow-up slot (2).

If a content is now scheduled into the first of the two connected slots (1) by drag and drop, it is automatically scheduled into the other slot (2), as well.

7.5 Further slot settings

The slot settings not only allow to expand and move slots, but also to to define a variety of other slot information:

• Title, slot type name, number and comments
• Slot chain settings
• SI data
• Attributes
• Doku
• Viewership

The slot settings are accessed via the context menu (see chapter 7.1.2).

7.5.1 Title, slot type name, number and comment 

The basic settings is the part of the slot settings where the slot title, slot type name, slot number and comments are managed. 

Another functions that can be performed here are moving and expanding a slot:

• Expand slots
• Move slots

The basic settings (1) is the part of the slot settings where the title (2), slot type name (3) and number (4) can be determined. The slot type name is selected from a drop-down menu where the names of slot types are listed.

Last but not least, comments (5) can be added.

7.5.2 Slot chain settings

If a slot is part of a slot chain, the slot chains tab is where the connections between the individual slots can be viewed (see How to create and edit slot chains and View connections between individual slots of a slot chain).

In this case, the slot is not part of any slot chain.

7.5.3 SI data

As with events,  service information data (SI data) are essential when it comes to program plan exports (epg exports). 

The information that can be managed is the same as for events (see SI data for events).

7.5.4 Attributes

The Attributes tab is where special tags or characteristics of a slot can be activated/deactivated and specified. The exact selection of attributes is a customer-specific matter.

Attribute of slot settings are managed the same way as for events (see Manage SI data for events).

7.5.5 Doku

The information provided in the Doku tab is relevant for advertising marketers since it includes data such as genre and program type that are relevant when it comes to choosing advertisements appropriate for the respective target audience.

All values except for the run number (1) are defined in the parameters.

7.5.6 Viewership

There is also a tab in the slot settings that provides an overview of the viewership.

The Viewership tab (1) in the slot settings dialog allows you to see and define expected metrics for the program slot, broken down by different audience demographics – aka Quota types (2), which can be specified in terms of their expected number (3), percentage (4) and market share (5).

This overview is used to plan for and evaluate the performance of the program slot against predefined audience goals.

7.6 Schedule content into slots

Now that all editing options for slots have been explained, here is an explanation of how content is scheduled:

• Schedule program versions: Just like without slots, program versions are added into slots by drag and drop.
• Schedule series without slots & Schedule series using a slot chain: Scheduling series is explained in two different chapters since it differs depending on whether slot chains are used or not.
• Manage basic event settings
• Manage SI data
• Manage attributes
• Replace program versions
• Edit content
• View scheduling of events
• View planning status of events
• Lock and unlock events
• Delete events

7.7 Delete slots

Finally, slots can be deleted. There are two ways to perform this action, including:

• Via the context menu
• Using the delete key

Via the context menu, slots can be deleted (1). In order to delete multiple slots at once, they have to be selected with Shift.

An alternative way to delete slots is clicking the delete key.

The deleting of the slot(s) then has to be confirmed. By ticking Do not show again, this dialog will no longer appear.

When deleting a slot that contains a scheduled content, the content can be kept on the schedule by ticking the checkbox (1). Otherwise, it will be deleted, too.

8 How to create and edit slot chains

When slots are expanded to several days, the individual slots can be connected, creating a slot chain. Slot chains are useful for any type of large-scale planning such as series planning since all episodes can be planned at once for the entire duration of the slot chain.

The following sub chapters will cover the following topics:

• Connect slots to a slot chain
• Set follow connectors to individual slots afterwards
• Move slot chains
• Copy slot chains
• Set follow connectors between slot chains and individual slots
• Apply a slot chain
• Set repeat connectors between slot chains and individual slots
• Delete slot chains

8.1 Connect slots to a slot chain

There are two ways to create a slot chain, including:

• Dragging a slot to take up the desired amount of days
• Selecting multiple slots and setting follow connectors using the context menu

8.1.1 Dragging a slot to take up the desired amount of days

By dragging the slot, it will occupy the desired amount of days:

Then there are two options. One option is to set follow connectors between the slots, creating a slot chain, and the other option is to just create several slots without a connection between them.

An arrow (1) will symbolize that a slot chain has been created. Consequently, the slots without follow connectors will appear without the arrow icon (2).

8.1.2 Selecting multiple slots and setting follow connectors using the context menu

If consecutive slots are not connected to a slot chain yet, follow connectors can also be set (1) and removed (2) afterwards via the context menu:

8.2 Move slot chains

Slot chains can easily be moved to whatever position in the plan.

Like single slots, slot chains can be moved within the plan by drag and drop. For this purpose, all individual slots of the chain have to be marked using Shift and dropped into the desired position (1).

8.3 Copy slot chains

Another feature is to copy slot chains, keeping the name and length of the slot chain.

Slot chains can also be repeated by copying them (Ctrl + C) and dropping them into the desired spot (1).

8.4 Set repeat connectors to other slots

In order to enable repetitions of program versions scheduled in the slot chain, repeat connectors can be set from slots inside the slot chain to slots outside of the slot chain.

By setting repeat connectors between slots, a program version scheduled to one slot will automatically be scheduled into the other connected slot(s), as well.

By selecting the respective slots and opening the context menu, a repeat connector (1) can be set between the slots.

8.5 Schedule series using a slot chain

After creating a slot chain in the Scheme tab, it can be imported to the plan and filled with content, e.g. a series.

By using drag and drop, a series is added into the first slot of the chain (1), leading to a new dialog, which will be illustrated in the following.

In this dialog, all the details regarding the scheduling can be determined, starting off with the number of episodes (1). By default, the number of episodes is set to the total number of days included in the slot chain. Using the drop-down menu, the number of days, which is also the number of episodes, can be changed. If more episodes are to be planned, the slot chain has to be expanded.

The start of the episodes (2) can be changed if  wished, as well. By default, the episodes will start at season 1, episode 1.

The start time (3), which is taken from the plan, can be adapted, as well.

If there are repetition slots, they can also be included by ticking the checkbox (4).

By clicking Continue (5) or Episode (6), the selection of program versions opens.

Related topics:

• Set repeat connectors between slots of a chain

The checkboxes (1) on the left-hand side indicate whether episodes will be scheduled or not, with red meaning that an episode will be scheduled into the slot chain.

By clicking these checkboxes, episodes can be included or excluded.

At the end, users can confirm the selection of episodes by clicking OK (2) or go back (3) to the previous tab of the dialog.

The 7 days of the slot chain are now filled with the episodes 1 to 7. Since a repeat connector has been set between the two slots on Saturday, the episode that runs at 1 pm (1) is repeated at 3 pm (2).

The deleting of slots within a slot chain affects the scheduling of series in variety of ways since there are different deleting options:

• Delete slots from a sot chain without breaking the slot chain
• Delete slots from a slot chain, breaking the slot chain

It is also possible to schedule an individual episode into the first slot instead of scheduling the entire series. Starting from the scheduled episode, all the other episodes can be scheduled by using the feature “Start series of episodes”:

This feature is accessed via the context menu by clicking Starting a series of episodes (1) from the context menu.

As a result, the slot chain planning assistant will open, where users can determine where where the scheduling of the episodes shall be continued (1). By default, the number of episodes to schedule (2) corresponds to the number of remaining slots in the slot ch, which can be set lower if desired.

Starting from chapter 2 (1), the episode count is continued.

Related topics:

• Schedule program versions

8.6 View relations of individual slots within a slot chain

The relations between the individual slots (follow and repeat connectors) can not only be seen in the plan, but also via the slot settings, which are entered via the context menu of a single slot, in the Slot chains tab:

8.7 Edit slot chain

If needed, slot chains can be adapted afterwards. Again, the individual settings are divided into different tabs, including:

• Slot chain (basic slot settings such as starting date and time, duration, end time, scheduled days, end date or slot)
• Slot repeats
• Confirm

By opening the context menu and clicking Edit slot chain (1), the respective dialog opens.

In this part of the dialog, the starting date (1) and time (2) of the slot chain can be adapted as well as days included (3). Again, the end can be set to a certain date (4) or to a certain number of slots (5).

Clicking Continue opens the next tab, Slot repeats.

This part of the dialog allows to set up a pattern for when episodes will repeat throughout the week.

In order to repeat the scheduled episode of one day, the toggle switch (1) of the respective day has to be switched on. Then the day the repetition (2) shall take place and the starting time (3) on that day has to be selected.

Clicking Continue (4) allows to move on to the last tab, the confirmation of all data.

Finally, the series planning assistant provides an overview of all the data entered previously, including the slot chain data (1) and a repeat matrix (2).

The serie schedule contains information such as starting season and episode and schedule days.

The repeat matrix lists the episodes and reruns that are scheduled. In this example, the episode on Friday (3) is repeated on Saturday (4). Thus, both days are the same color.

By clicking Save (5), the adaptions are executed.

This is what one week of scheduled episodes looks like, with Saturday´s episode (1) at 2pm being repeated (2) at 3 pm.

8.8 Delete slot chains

When it comes to deleting slot chains, there are three scenarios:

• Deleting the selected slot without breaking the slot chain
• Deleting the selected slot, breaking the slot chain
• Delete whole slot chain

In each of those scenarios, the content the slots are filled with can be deleted or remain in the schedule. 

The slots to be deleted are selected using Shift. Via the context menu, the Delete button (1) has to be clicked, leading to a follow-up dialog that lists various deleting options.

The follow-up dialog will list three different deleting options, including:

1. By choosing this option, the selected slots are deleted, but the slot chain is kept.
2. By choosing this option, the selected slots are deleted, and the slot chain is broken.
3. By choosing this option, the whole slot chain is deleted.

In all three deleting scenarios, the content of the slot can either remain on the schedule or be deleted by using the toggle switch.

By clicking Delete (4), the selected deleting option is performed.

8.8.1 Without breaking the slot chain

For the following example, an empty slot chain is used to demonstrate how a slot chain acts when scheduling a series after some of its slots have been deleted, keeping the slot chain intact.

Those are the two slots to delete (see previous chapter on how to delete slots in general).

This is what the slot chain looks like after deleting the two slots. Since the slot chain is kept, there are still follow connectors between all of the slots, which is symbolized by the arrows pointing to the right.

When scheduling the series by drag and drop, three of its episodes are scheduled since there are three remaining slots that are still connected to each other.

Related topics:

• Schedule series using a slot chain

8.8.2 Breaking the slot chain

This example demonstrates how a slot chain acts when scheduling a series after some of its slots have been deleted. In this case, however, the slot chain is broken instead of remaining intact.

Those are the two slots to delete (see chapter 9.7 on how to delete slots in general).

This is what the slot chain looks like after deleting the two slots. Since the slot chain is broken, the first slot of the chain is no longer connected to the other two slots, which are still connected to each other. For this reason, there is no follow connector sign (arrow pointing to the right) on the first slot anymore.

Now either one episode can be scheduled into the first slot or two episodes into the other two slots.

Related topics:

• Schedule series using a slot chain

8.9 Delete episodes from a slot chain

When it comes to deleting episodes and series from the plan, there are various deleting options in both cases that determine to what extent the deleting shall be performed.

First of all, an episode needs to be selected.

By opening the context menu and clicking Delete (1), two options appear, including the deleting of episodes (2) and the deleting of series (3). Clicking these two buttons leads to two different follow-up dialogs.

When clicking the Episode button, the deleting dialog of episodes opens, two different options are listed.

1. By selecting the first radio button, not only the selected episode will be deleted, but also every episode that comes after it in the slot chain.
2. By selecting the second radio button, only the selected episode will be deleted, and the other episodes in the slot chain will remain on the schedule.
3. By activating the toggle, the repetitions of the deleted episode(s), will also be removed from the schedule.

By clicking Delete (4), the deletions are performed.

When clicking the Series button, the deleting dialog of series opens, where two different options are listed.

1. By selecting the first radio button, all scheduled episodes of the series will be deleted from the corresponding date in the plan. The episodes scheduled before that date will remain unaffected. 
2. By selecting the second radio button, every single scheduled episode of the series will be removed from entire plan – also outside of the respective slot chain.

9 How to apply wizards

Wizards facilitate processes that would otherwise be time-consuming, often-times with large amounts of information involved.

The Wizards tab (1) in the left-side menu is where all wizards can be found and executed. Here is a list of all wizards:

• 2. Copy channel (see chapter 9.1)
• 3. Put gaps (see chapter 9.2)
• 4. Commercial transfer (see chapter 9.3)
• 5. Release plan (see chapter 9.4)
• 6. Load advertising scheme (see chapter 9.5)
• 7. Enable promotional pricing scheme (see chapter 9.7)
• 8. Ad break index number (see chapter 9.8)

9.1 Copy channel

In the Wizard section, there is a wizard that allows to copy events on a given period (as it is now, 1 week) from one channel to another or the same channel.

Both source (1) and target channel (2) can be specified in terms of channels and time ranges. The job is executed by clicking the Run button (3).

9.2 Put gaps

Besides copying events between channels, there is also wizard that allows to put gaps between events or slots.

1. This allows to select an area to put gaps between by clicking the corresponding radio buttons. This area can either be a manually selected area in the plan consisting of selected slots and/or events, individual days or the entire (loaded) plan.
2. Then, the gaps between the selected elements has to be specified. By switching the toggle (1), the gaps can be spread evenly. In this case, the gaps cannot be defined in terms of specific numbers since the size of the gaps depend on the distance between the events.
3. The last step before executing the wizard is to define where the gaps are placed since gaps can either be adjusted from the bottom to the top or vice versa.

Spread gaps evenly:

When spreading the gaps evenly, there are two gaps of one hour each between the three selected events.

Adjusting gaps from bottom to top

In this case, the gap from of 10 minutes is created by the second element moving upwards:

Adjusting gaps from top to bottom

Here, , the gap from of 10 minutes is created by the first element moving downwards:

Related topics:

• Select the date in the plan

9.3 Commercial transfer

Another feature that can be performed using a wizard is copying commercials between slots and events. For this purpose, the commercial transfer wizard can be used.

1. A commercial transfer can either be performed from slots to events or from events to slots. One of those options has to be selected here.
2. Then the plan area has to be specified since the wizard can be applied to different parts of the plan, including the following options:

• Manually select area: Applies the commercial transfer only to manually selected elements in the plan.
• Select individual days: Applies the commercial transfer only to selected days.
• Select entire plan: Applies the commercial transfer to the entire plan.
   

Finally, the wizard can be executed by clicking the Run button at the bottom.

9.4 Release plan

Events can be released internally, to the press or for broadcast planning, signaling that the schedule is ready for its next step.

1. In this section, the time period is determined, including the date and time.
2. Before execution, the type of release is selected, including internal and press release and broadcast planning:

• Internal release: Releases the plan internally.
• Press release: Releases the plan for the press.
• Broadcast planning: Releases the plan for broadcast planning in the Planner App.

In order to view the status set for an event, the event status has to be added as an macro. 

In order to edit macros, the app settings (1) have to be accessed first.

In the event editor, a new row has to be added (1) first. By clicking CTRL + ALT + @, the desired macro has to be typed in.

After selecting a status, e. g. press release. This status (1) will be visible on the corresponding events.

9.5 Apply ad break schemes

Ad break schemes can both be applied using the wizard or manually via the context menu.

9.5.1 Apply ad break schemes using the wizard

The Load advertising scheme wizard creates ad blocks by applying an ad break scheme to events or slots.

1. First of all, an ad break scheme has to be selected. Each schema displays its validity period and its associated channels (e.g., "All channels" or specific channel names). By switching the toggle, all schemes from all users are displayed.
2. Then the plan area has to be specified since the wizard can be applied to different parts of the plan

• Apply scheme to all events: Applies ad blocks of the selected scheme to all events in the plan
• Apply scheme to all slots: Applies ad blocks of the selected scheme to all slots in the plan
• Apply scheme to selected events: Applies ad blocks of the selected scheme to all selected events
• Apply scheme to selected slots: Applies ad blocks of the selected scheme to all selected slots

Finally, the wizard can be executed by clicking the Apply button at the bottom.

Related topics:

• Select events and slots using shortcuts

After applying the ad break scheme, the setup will be reflected in the Promo details. The promo details can be accessed by opening the context menu and clicking View details (1).

By navigating to the Promo details (1), the applied ad break setup within the block can be viewed below. The durations of the individual segments are based on the total length of the program version as long as no asset has been added yet. As soon as an asset has been added, the durations will be calculated based on the asset length. As long as there is no ad cut for the event, the segments have the same durations.

When adding an ad cut to an event, those specific lengths (based on TCs) will be considered.

Related topics:

• In the editing dialog of program versions, asset files can be added to program versions.
• Add ad cuts

9.5.2 Apply ad break schemes via the context menu

It is also possible to apply ad break schemes manually via the context menu.

Ad break schemes can also be applied to events or slots directly in the plan. This is done by opening the context menu by clicking the Apply advertising scheme button (1). 

From this dialog, the ad break scheme can be selected and applied to the selected event(s).

The assignment of ad blocks can be returned from events to slots, which is where ad blocks where originally assigned to in the slot scheme. With this feature, it is possible to keep ad breaks that have been assigned to events even after deleting the respective events. This way, the ad breaks that remain on slots can be returned again to newly scheduled events.

The feature can be performed via the context menu by clicking Return commercial scheduling of events to slots (1).

After ad blocks have been transferred to the slot, the details about the ad block setup can be viewed in the details. The details are accessed via the context menu by clicking View details (1) and entering the Commercials tab (2).

The assignment of ad blocks can be returned to the event by clicking Apply advertising blocks to event (3) via the context menu. 

9.5.3 Correct event length and edit ad breaks

In order to adapt the duration of the segments based on the asset length, the event length has to be adapted by clicking Correct event length (1) via the context menu.

The context menu allows to edit ad breaks (2), too.

This example shows a correctly encoded break, with a price group (1) being assigned to a tariff category (2).

9.6 Add ad cuts

While ad break schemes determines how segments and ad breaks are arranged, ad cuts provide specific numbers for the individual segments of a program version. 

After adding an asset, ad cuts can be created in the Asset App. 

The corresponding dialog is accessed by opening the context menu and clicking Edit asset (1).

After creating the ad cut, it can be applied via the context menu by clicking Correct event length (1).

The exact times and durations of the segments and breaks can be viewed in the Promo details (see previous chapter on how to access them).

The ad cut name (1) and ad cut type (2) will then be visible in the event settings in the Material tab.

If there are multiple ad cuts, they can be selected from the drop-down menu of Select advertising cut type (2).

9.7 Enable promotional pricing schemes

Using this wizard, add pricing schemes can be applied to slots and/or events.

Before applying pricing schemes, however, ad blocks have to be added to the corresponding slots and/or events:

• Apply ad break schemes

In the add break scheme, which is accessed via the context menu of an event, the tariff categories (1) of the ad breaks have to be selected first before the price groups are assigned to the tariff categories by the scheme.

The wizard will then look for ad breaks with classic commercials within the selected slots and/or events and will assign the according price group.

1. First of all, an a pricing scheme has to be selected. Each schema displays its validity period and its associated channels (e.g., "All channels" or specific channel names). By switching the toggle, all schemes from all users are displayed.
2. Then the plan area has to be specified since the wizard can be applied to different parts of the plan, including the following options:

• Apply only to selected objects: Applies the scheme only to manually selected items (including both slots and events) in the plan.
• Apply holiday regulations: Includes special pricing rules for holidays if the checkbox is ticked.
• Apply to slots: Applies the promotional pricing to slot-level objects.
• Ignore trailer blocks: Excludes trailer blocks from the promotional pricing application.
  
  These options can be combined to create a customized application scope for the promotional pricing
  scheme.

Finally, the wizard can be executed by clicking the Apply button at the bottom.

9.8 Ad break index number

Ad breaks can be assigned index numbers, which are managed with the Ad break index number wizard.

There are three different options available:

1. Assign index numbers: Assigns sequential index numbers to existing ad breaks that don't currently have
   index numbers.
2. Assign new index numbers to all adbreaks: Reassigns index numbers to all ad breaks in the plan, replacing
   any existing numbering with a new sequential order.
3. Check adbreak index numbers for duplicates: Scans the plan to identify and report any duplicate index
   numbers among ad breaks.

After selecting the desired option, clicking the Run button executes the indexing operation.

9.8.2 Export the break file

The Connect tab provides export selection and configuration options.

• see How to execute jobs and exports

Files are available for download at positions marked with arrow indicators.

10 Forecast planning

The Forecast planning, which is mainly managed in the Forecast App, can be specified by adding program versions to the plan.

Forecast planning is less precise than program planning and looks further into the future, e. g. for an entire year or a specific time of the year.

There are types, tag trees and scenarios. While types are categories such as certain content types or seasons etc., types, are, in turn, divided by a tree structure consisting of tree tags. Types, including their tag tree structure, can be used as a pattern for scenarios.

Scenarios, which are based on types with a tag tree structure, can be assigned to specific time periods and channels and be filled with content.

After navigating to the Forecast side tab (1), program versions can either be selected from entire types (2) and their associated tag trees or from specific scenarios (3) and their associated tree structure.

Since the types can be used in various scenarios, all program versions (1) that are used in in scenarios based on the selected type are displayed here within the corresponding tree structure, from where they can be added to the plan by drag and drop.

The tree structure can be expanded or collapsed by clicking this button (2).

Via the drop-down menus, a scenario (1) and a day/month/year (2) etc. within its time period can be selected.

By drag and drop, program versions (3) are added to the plan.