A window is a time period subordinate to a license. Windows allow content to be broadcast (linear content) or viewed on demand (VOD content) on several channels by equipping the channels with windows (see Contracts for the relation between contracts, licences and windows).
The following article explains how windows are created and edited, searched and deleted. In addition, this article covers how relations of a window to all kinds of items, including contracts, licenses and content rights, can be managed.
1 How to edit and create windows
In the first step, existing windows are edited or new windows are created. Both functions apply the same dialog. There are several ways to enter the editing dialog.
1.1 Edit windows
Before modifying a Window's configuration — whether adjusting broadcast periods or updating channel assignments — the Window editing dialog needs to be accessed fist. The License App provides multiple pathways to reach existing Windows, each designed for different workflows.
In order to find existing windows, the Stock page needs to be accessed first.
In order to narrow down the search for windows, there is a stock filter that allows to filter specifically for contracts, licenses or windows.
Specific window names can be entered into the search bar (1).
The context menu (1) allows to edit existing windows (2).
Another option to enter the dialog is via the Dashboard, where most recently edited and created licenses are listed.
There is also an overview in the editing dialog of contracts where all windows included in the corresponding contract are listed. From this dialog, windows can be edited.
The Windows tab is accessed via the Edit contract dialog (1) and is located on the very right (2).
By clicking the context menu (3) of an individual window in the overview table, it can be edited by clicking the edit button (4).
If a window cannot be found at first glance, it can be entered into the search bar (5).
Like in all tabs, there is a save and exit button (6) (see Save and exit button).
While the editing dialog of contracts shows all windows included in a contract, the editing dialog of licenses shows all windows associated with the given license. From this dialog, windows can be edited, as well:
Via the Edit license dialog (1), the Windows tab (2) is accessed.
The Dashboard tab represents another entry point for the editing dialog by showing the windows most recently edited or created.
Related topics:
- Create and edit contracts
- Create and edit licenses
- Adjust table columns
- Save and exit button
- Dashboard tab
1.2 Create windows
Since windows are directly associated with licenses, new windows are created from the editing dialog of a specific license.
In this example. there are no windows yet for the license created previously (see Create and edit licenses).
Windows are created from the Edit license dialog (1) (see Create and edit licenses). There is an own tab called Windows (2) where this is done. Finally, the New window button (3) has to be clicked.
Here, there is also a search bar (underlined) that allows to find windows that have already been created for the given license.
After being created, windows can be edited here, as well.
The editing dialog of windows is divided into three different tabs, including Windows (1), Matrix (2) and Schedule (3).
Related topics:
1.2.1 Windows tab
The Windows tab, in turn, contains the following sections, which will be shown in the following screenshot.
1. Edit mode
2. Basic window data
3. References
4. Runs/Reruns
5. VOD window data
6. Description
7. Comments
8. Attributes
Adjust sections in the edit mode
Before getting started, users can adjust sections in terms of visibility, size and position using the edit mode.
This chapter explains how this is done: Edit mode.
Define basic window data
Defining basic window data such as title, start and end date is where to get started. There are various fields to define the individual pieces of information.
Content name & Ref. Number (1): Before defining window-specific data, the system displays several read-only, informational fields that are automatically inherited from the content associated with the parent license, including the content title and content reference number.
License period (2): The license period shows the date range of the parent license, providing context about the overall license timeframe. This field is also read-only.
Contract reference number (3): This field displays the reference number of the associated partent contract. The information is automatically inherited from the contract and cannot be modified.
Contract Name (4): This field indicates the name of the partent contract and is also read-only.
Start (5) and end date (6): The start (5) and end dates (6) of a window can be selected in the marked fields. In addition to the date (DD.MM.YYYY format), both fields include time selectors in HH:MM:SS format (hours:minutes:seconds), allowing precise scheduling of window start and end times.
Window type (7): This is where the window type can be determined.
Channel (8): The channel of a window is selected in a drop-down menu, as well.
Playout format (9): The playout format can also be specified.
Version type (10): This field serves to determine the version type.
NOTE
Contents appearing in drop-down menus, including channels and version types, are defined in the parameters.
Parameters set as default will be preselected in the respective drop-down menus.
Parameters can be accessed and edited by users with administration rights. If you need more information, please contact your admin or our CreateCtrl support.
Add references
In this section, predecessor windows and purchasing windows can be added.
This section allows to link purchase windows with selling windows.
1. Predecessor windows
2. Purchasing windows
By clicking Add predecessor window, this dialog opens:
From this dialog, a particular window can be entered into the search bar (1) and be selected (2).
Finally, it can be applied (3). There is also the option to continue without selection (4).
By clicking Add purchasing window, this dialog opens.
From this dialog, purchasing windows are selected the same way as predecessor windows are, following the steps and options from 1 to 4.
After being added, the predecessor window and the purchasing window will appear here. By clicking 
(1 and 2) , the predecessor window (1) and the purchasing window (2) will open in the editing dialog for windows in a new tab.
Related topics:
- Read this article to see how table columns are adjusted: Adjust table columns.
Define VOD window data
Depending on whether the channel selected in the Basic window data (see Basic window data) is a VOD or linear channel, the VOD section will be available or not. The VOD section also appears for channels that offer both VOD and linear programs.
Here, the price can be specified regarding the currency (1) and amount (2).
It is also possible to set a minimum price (3) and a licensor fee (4), which is calculated from the total amount (2).
The price category (5) has to be determined in the VOD App for the channel selected in the basic window data (see Basic window data). If no price category has been defined for the channel, it cannot be selected.
The source channel of the VoD window (6) and the VoD version (7) can also be selected.
The PPV Viewing Limit field (8) allows to set how long a VOD content is available after purchasing it.
The checkboxes (framed) at the bottom allow to further specify a VOD window.
Related topics:
Manage runs and reruns
In order to distribute the runs and reruns of a license to its individual windows, the editing dialog of windows contains a Runs / Reruns section, as well:
Filling the fields works the same way as for licenses:
There are set rules that define the way reruns are scheduled. The rules for the reruns are defined under Admin > Edit parameter> Reruns. The Abbreviation field allows to enter different combinations of rerun rules with specific meanings.
In the following table, there is a list of rules:
Rules for runs and reruns
| Name | Abbreviation | Examples | Description |
| Global counting | WGxxx |
WG24, WG48, WG120 |
The reruns can be set globally, which means they can be scheduled independently of the runs within the valid license period. This is defined by the abbreviations “Wxxx” or “WGxxx”. These parameters allow valid reruns within xxx hours after each run.  |
| Reruns per run | WRxxx |
WR24, WR48, WR120 |
The reruns are counted per run. In this case, the number of the allowed reruns is counted per each scheduled run. This rule is defined via the abbreviation “WRxxx”.  |
| Exceptions for certain days | WGxxxZdxxx and WRxxxZdxxx | WG24Z572 WG24Z6120, WG24Z372Z624, WR24Z572, WR24Z6120, WR24Z372Z624 |
In addition to the normal rerun period (WG24/WR24), it is also possible to specify exceptions for certain days.
The rule is as follows: “Zdxxx”, with “d” meaning day (1= Mon. 2 = Tues. 3 = Wed. 4 =Thurs …) and “xxx” indicating the number of hours.
The rules regarding the reruns have to be specified before the rules regarding the days (i.e. WG24Z572 instead of Z572WG24). For example: “WG24Z572Z672” = 24 hours for weekdays, 72 hours on Fridays (=5) or Saturdays (=6).  |
| Prime Time rules | Phhmm-hhmm-yyyWGxxx, and Phhmm-hhmm-yyyWRxxx | P2000-2300-001WG24, P2000-2300-002WG24, P2000-2300-001WR24, P2000-2300-002WR24 |
Here, the time rules and counting methods of WRxxx or WGxxx apply: However, only yyy (number) of the reruns are allowed to lie within the prime time of hhmm (hours/minutes) to hhmm (hours/minutes).
1 Prime time WHS (e. g. P2000-2300-001WR24) or 2 prime time WHS (e. g. P2000-2300-002WR024). Per each run, one or two reruns can be scheduled across channels, and one of them can be scheduled in the prime time between 8 PM and 11 PM. Here, prime-time and cross-channel rules can be combined (e.g. PxxxWqyyy or PxxxXWqyyy).  |
| Weekend Rule | Phhmm-hhmm-yyyWGxxxEee, and Phhmm-hhmm-yyyWRxxxEee | P2000-2300-001WG24 2, P2000-2300-001WG24E2 |
“E” introduces the weekend rule, with „ee“ standing for the number of reruns. For example e.g. “E2” = two reruns on weekends.
If a rerun takes place during the weekend (with a run from Monday to Friday: rerun during the following weekend, with a run during the weekend: rerun during the next weekend) and if a weekend rule is available, the prime-time check is not valid anymore. Instead, the system counts the reruns during the weekend. If the normal rerun period extends into the weekend, the prime time rule check is not carried out during the weekend either. However, the number of reruns is merged with those of the weekend rule. This means that it is possible to plan 4 reruns, with 2 reruns within 24 hours and 2 reruns during the weekend.  |
| Cross-channel rule | X[kkk]aaWRxxx, and X[kkk]aaWGxxx |
XWR30, X[DC]WG120, X[S1]2WR60, X2WR180 |
Here, the “WRxxx” or “WGxxx” time rules and counting methods are effective. However, the reruns can be scheduled on any channel. "X[kkk]aaWxhhh"
It is possible that several x rules (for different channels) are active at the same time. In order to limit the number of reruns on the original channel, as well, a cross channel rule for the original channel has to be added. For example "X[RRR]0X[CTV]2WR24": → No reruns are allowed on the original channel [RRR], while two reruns are allowed on the cross channel [CTV] within 24 hours.  |
| Timeshift rule | TSxx[kkk]mmm |
TS[S1]40, TSWH[DC]60 |
If the time-shift rule applies, reruns within “mmm” minutes on the time-shift channel [kkk] will not be counted as used run or rerun. If the “xx” specification is empty, only runs are linked with time-shift events, while reruns remain unlinked. The specification of the channel is optional. There may be several rules for timeshifting active at the same time (for different channels). A time-shift event has a time-shift flag, but it displays the exact information about the original event in the normal license fields. Only one timeshift event is allowed to exist per event on the main channel.  |
| Reruns until the end of the broadcast Day | WRB[dd]xxx and WGB[dd]xxx |
WGB[3]24, WRB24 |
 |
Add descriptions, comments and attributes
In this section, descriptions and comments can be added. Also, customer-specific attributes are shown.
Unlike contracts and licenses, no texts and documents can be added. Therefore, only the following parts of this article (Add extras and attachments) are relevant:
1.2 Matrix tab
As with licenses, the Matrix is the tool to assign rights to regions and countries.
If there is a need to specifically set the rights distribution of a window in addition to the rights distribution set in the respective license, this can be done in the Matrix tab (1).
Setting the rights works the same as for licenses (see Matrix tab):
1.3 Schedule tab
The Schedule tab provides an overview of the scheduled content within the given window.
It represents the last tab (1) in the editing dialog for windows.
In contrast to the Schedule tab in the editing dialog for licenses (see Schedule tab), it just refers to a specific window within a license, allowing to view the runs and reruns in terms of planning (2), takes (3), airing (4) and forecast (5) in an overview table.
Related topics:
2 How to find windows
The License App offers three complementary approaches to locating Windows, each designed for different workflows and use cases, including:
- Context-specific search within contracts and licenses: Allows to manage windows while working within a specific contract or license.
- Activity-based discovery through the Dashboard: Provides quick access to windows most recently created or edited.
- Global search from the stock: Enables system-wide Windows discovery across all contracts and licenses.
2.1 Find windows associated with specific contracts or licenses
The License App provides comprehensive search and filtering capabilities directly within the Windows tab of the editing dialogs of the respective contract or license.
The first option is to navigate to the Windows tab in the editing dialog of contracts and search windows from there:
Windows can be searched via the search bar (1).
Within the Windows tab, users have access to additional tools for managing the window list:
- Show archived checkbox (2): By default, archived windows are hidden from the list. To display archived windows alongside active ones, users can enable the Show archived checkbox located next to the search bar. When checked, the list will include both active and archived windows. Windows are archived via the context menu.
- Filter button (3): In addition to the search bar, the Filter button (indicated by a funnel icon) allows for granular filtering of the windows. Clicking this button opens a filter panel where users can create complex filter conditions based on multiple window attributes. Available filter fields include both window-specific properties such as window types as well as contract-specific properites such as contract category. Users can combine multiple filter conditions to narrow down the windows list precisely. The filter remains active until it is cleared using the Reset filter option (4).
This is how to access the Windows tab of the editing dialog of contracts: see chapter 1.1.
The other option is to navigate to the Windows tab in the editing dialog of licenses and search windows from there:
The procedure is the same from the Windows tab (1) in the Edit license dialog.
This is how to access the Windows tab of the editing dialog of licenses: see chapter 1.1.
2.2 Find recently edited or created windows
Windows most recently created or edited are displayed in the Dashboard tab.
2.3 Find windows in the stock
In addition to searching within specific contracts or licenses, the License App provides allows to find Windows system-wide through the stock. This enables searching for Windows across all contracts and licenses.
For more information on accessing the stock, see chapter 1.1.
3 How to manage windows
This chapter covers two essential Windows management operations:
- Copy windows & Copy windows as preorder: Creating multiple Windows with identical or similar configurations instead of manually recreating each Window from scratch.
- Delete windows: Removing windows that are no longer relevant.
3.1 Copy windows and copy windows as preorder
When multiple windows with the same or similar configuration are required, the License App offers efficient duplication features that save time and reduce the risk of configuration errors.
The first option is to navigate to the Windows tab in the editing dialog of contracts and copy windows from there:
In the Windows tab (1) of the Edit license or Edit contract dialog, one or more windows can be selected by ticking the checkbox (2) next to the respective window. The checkbox above (3) allows to select all windows at the same time so that all windows can be copied at the same time.
By clicking the Copy windows (4) or the Copy windows as preorder button (5). The selected windows will be duplicated with the same configuration as the original.
The copied windows (6) will appear immediately in the windows list.
Both copy functions can also be accessed from the context menu (7) of individual windows. By opening the context menu, either Copy window (8) or Copy window as preorder (9) can be selected to duplicate a window.
This is how to access the Windows tab of the editing dialog of contracts: see chapter 1.1.
The other option is to navigate to the Windows tab in the editing dialog of licenses and copy windows from there:
The procedure is the same from the Windows tab (1) in the Edit license dialog.
This is how to access the Windows tab of the editing dialog of licenses: see chapter 1.1.
3.2 Delete windows
Windows that are no longer needed can be efficiently deleted to maintain a clean overview of the licensing structure.
The License App provides multiple options for deleting Windows, allowing to remove them both from the contract editing dialog and from the license editing dialog.
The first option is to delete windows from the Windows tab in the editing dialog of contracts:
By clicking the context menu (1) of an individual window in the overview table, it can be deleted (2).
If a window cannot be found at first glance, it can be entered into the search bar (3).
This is how to access the Windows tab of the editing dialog of contracts: see chapter 1.1.
The other option is to delete windows from the Windows tab in the editing dialog of licenses:
Here, the same steps from 1 to 3 apply (see previous screenshot).
This is how to access the Windows tab of the editing dialog of licenses: see chapter 1.1.
4 How to manage relations of a window
Windows are associated with different types of items. Those relations can be managed in the Relations and Rights tab.
4.1 Relations tab
As mentioned in chapter 2.2, relations to different types of content can be managed in the Relations tab based on windows, contracts and licenses.
4.2 Rights tab
The Rights tab, in turn, allows to manage content rights in relation to windows, contracts and licenses and the accounting of licenses.