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/episode 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/episode 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 Today button (1) allows to select the current day.
1.2 Change zoom level
By zooming in and zooming out, users can determine how much of the plan is visible, enabling to focus on specific parts of the plan.
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).
1.3 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/episode versions and series
There is a variety of options to collect and find the program/episode 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/episode 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 Add filter, 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:
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:
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:
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:
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/episode versions and series
Before dealing with the specific steps involved in scheduling program/episode 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 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 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.
3.4 Fit to window
3.5 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.
The quick settings an be exited by clicking Close (9) or by clicking an empty space.
3.6 Overlapping on/off
Users can determine whether overlapping between events is allowed or not.
Screenshot, wenn richtig angezeigt
Via the ribbon above the plan, overlapping (1) can be switched on and off.
Screenshot mit Symbol für eingeschaltet + konkretes Beispiel später?
When overlapping is switched on, events are allowed to start during the runtime of another event. In this case, the first event ends at 11:30 am, and the second event starts at 11 am.
Screenshot mit Symbol für ausgeschaltet
When overlapping is switched off, 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 other event.
4 Schedule content
As soon as content is scheduled, it is refered to as events – whether that is programs, commercials, secondary elements etc.
While the scheduling of (individual) program and episode versions works the same, the scheduling of series differs since it involves multiple episode versions.
NOTE
Even though programs and episodes (and therefore program and episode versions) are technically the same, there is a distinction in the the Programmer App between versions of an episode (episode versions) and versions of other program types such as movies and documentaries (program versions).
4.1 Schedule program and episode versions
Program and episode versions are scheduled the same way.
Before scheduling, versions can be selected from various tabs in the left-side menu, including:
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/episode versions can be selected (1) and scheduled by drag and drop (2).
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:
4.2.1 Add series to plan
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 episode versions to be scheduled)
- Episode repeats
- Confirm
4.2.2 Specify planning data in series planning assistant
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 Continue (8) allows to move on to next tab, Versions.
Episode 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 fixed 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 and episode versions
- Schedule content
- (Define series length?) / episodes
In the Material tab, the information about the asset is connected.
Changes are confirmed by clicking OK.
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)
Those data can be managed in the SI data tab, another sub tab of the 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
The Attributes tab is where special tags or characteristics of an event can be activated/deactivated and specified. The exact selection of attributes is a customer-specific matter.
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/episode 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 program/episode versions
There are two ways to edit program and episode versions, 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/episode 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:
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).
4.10 Live-Events: Live circuits
For live events, there are specific settings that have to be managed. For those settings, templates can be created and adapted if needed.
First of all, a live event has to be selected. By opening the context menu and clicking Live circuits (1), a new dialog will open.
Now a template can be loaded.
When selecting multiple versions using Shift, the particular version to apply the template on can be selected (1) above.
The table allows to edit the values of an event line, e. g. source (2) or feed converter (3). Event lines included in the template can, in turn, be added by clicking the plus icon (4).
The bin icon (5) allows to delete the template.
The information entered is saved by clicking the Save button (6) in the upper right corner. After saving a template, a new one can be selected (7), leading to the drop-down menu shown in the previous screenshot.
4.11 Lock and unlock events
If there are no more changes are performed, an event can be locked so it cannot be rescheduled anymore.
Versions can be locked 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 locked, an event can no longer be rescheduled.
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:
5 How to manage slot schemes, slot types and slots
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.
NOTE
Content can both be planned with or without the use of slots. Slots can simply be used as an orientation, e. g. in terms of specific genres, seasons etc.
5.1 Create and edit slot schemes
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).
5.2 Create and edit slot types
The next step is to create a slot type. Slot types can both be created as part of a slot scheme or independently.
5.2.1 Create and edit slot types as part of a scheme
After navigating to the Scheme tab, slot schemes can be added by clicking the Add slottype button (1), opening a new dialog.
There are three tabs to this dialog, including General (1), 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 fixed duration or adjust automatically to its content. If the duration is neither fixed nor adjusts automatically to the content, it will have to be adjusted manually, independent of its content.
There is also a section where comments can be added.
The search bar (1) allows to find specific slot types.
5.2.2 Create and edit slot types outside a scheme
Slot types can also be created independent of a scheme. This is done in the plan.
Slot types can also be created (1) the same way in the plan (2) – outside of a scheme.
The slot types created as part of a scheme can be found (3) here, as well. On the other hand, slot types created here can be found among the schemes, as well.
Related topics:
5.3 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).
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:
5.4 Create and edit slots
Slot types are created outside of the plan – either as part of a scheme or independently (see previous two chapters). When slot types are added to the plan, slots are created, serving as containers and as topical orientation for content. Content can both be planned with or without the use of slots.
First of all, a slot scheme (1) can be selected.
Within the selected slot scheme, slot types (2) can be scheduled (3) by drag and drop.
5.4.1 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
One option is to drag the spot to make it the desired duration.
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).
5.4.2 Move slots
In order to move slots to a different time or day, there are two ways, including:
- Drag and drop
- Via slot settings
- Slot actions via context menu
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.
Another option to move a slot in the plan is via the slot settings. In addition to expanding the slot length, the slot settings also allow to move a slot (see previous chapter).
By selecting a slot, opening the context menu and clicking Slot actions (1), there is a variety of options to choose from.
Slots can, for example, be moved to the next or previous object.
Another option is to enhance the duration to the previous object (4), which is the end of the previous slot, making the slot start at 10 am in this example.
5.4.3 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.
5.4.4 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.
NOTE
It is important to add the version to the first slot. Otherwise, it will only be scheduled in the second slot.
5.4.5 Remove repeat connector
There are several scenarios for removing repeat connectors that can affect the slot chain in a variety of ways, including:
- Delete connections (repeat connectors) and reconnect the other slots to keep the chain
- Delete selected connection and break the chain
- Remove all connections from the whole slot chain
By opening the context menu and clicking Remove repeat connector (1), a follow-up dialog opens where the different options are listed.
- When choosing this option, …
5.5 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.
6 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 with episodes of a series 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
6.1 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
6.1.1 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).
6.1.2 Selecting multiple slots and setting follow connectors using the context menu
If slots are not connected to a slot chain yet, follow connectors can also be set (1) and removed (2) afterwards via the context menu.
6.2 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).
6.3 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).
6.4 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 episode versions opens.
Related topics:
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, episode versions 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.
NOTE
The maximum number of episodes is determined by the length of the slot chain. Beyond this number, no further episodes can be selected.
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).
6.5 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.
Screenshot, wenn erklärt
In this part of the dialog, the starting date (1) of the slot chain can be adapted as well as days included (2). Again, the end can be set to a certain date or to a certain number of slots (3).
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 4 pm.
6.6 Delete slot chains
Since there are different deleting options depending on whether a slot chain is filled with content or not, the two scenarios are explained separately.
When it comes to deleting slot chains, there are two scenarios:
- Deleting multiple slots or a slot in between
- Deleting the first slot of the slot chain
6.6.1 Deleting the first slot of the chain
The slot to be deleted is 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 two different deleting options, including:
- By choosing this option, the selected slots are deleted, but the slot chain is kept. If the slots contain content, it can be either be deleted, as well, or be kept. This is determined by using the toggle.
- By choosing this option, the whole slot chain is deleted.
By clicking Delete (3), the selected deleting option is performed.
NOTE
When deleting the first slot of a chain, it is not possible to break the slot chain since the chain is not interrupted this way. This option is only available if another slot further up the chain or several slots are deleted.
When deleting the selected slot and its content (episode), there will neither be a slot nor an episode on the respective day (1). However, the slot chain that comes after the slot will persist in the plan, but consisting of only four slots. Since the deleting of the episode only affects the deleted slot, the episodes are still contained in the remaining slots of the chain.
In the other deleting scenario, the episode (1) will remain in the plan, but without being part of a slot or slot chain.
When deleting the whole chain, the content within the slots can – again – either be deleted, as well, or be kept. This is determined by using the toggle (1).
By clicking Delete (2), the selected deleting option is performed.
When the entire slot chain is deleted without deleting the episodes, episodes will still be scheduled outside of a slot chain.
6.6.2 Deleting multiple slots of the chain
When deleting multiple slots of the chain, it is possible to delete the selected slots and to break the slot chain. This option is also available when deleting a single slot that is not the first one (see info box above).
The individual 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:
- By choosing this option, the selected slots are deleted, but the slot chain is kept.
- By choosing this option, the selected slots are deleted, and the slot chain is broken.
- By choosing this option, the whole slot chain is deleted.
By clicking Delete (4), the selected deleting option is performed.
Screenshot mit Option 2, wenn erklärt
6.7 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
By clicking Delete (3), the deletions are performed.