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StudioScreen - OnAir Display
Last updated 21 February 2010
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Introduction
StudioScreen is the successor to MiniClock which was a simple analogue clock and status display that interfaced to mAirList playout software.

At a very basic level, it tells you the time and can read a text-file to show you what is playing on your radio station - For this to work, you need to tell your playout software to create a simple Artist - Title text file each time it plays a song.  An internet-time-client (such as Dimension4) is also recommended in order to keep the clock accurate (especially as the software is capable of playing the BBC Time Pips!).

At present, I regard this as a fairly custom project - something for me to use - and others, if they find it useful.  To that end, I will put the puny sum of £25 as a price tag on the software simply to serve as a "thanks for some useful software" payment.

Current Status - 2nd January 2010
There is no download available at present as the project is not ready for use.  A download will be available shortly...
There's still a fair bit to do with this software but much of the GUI is complete and now it remains to tidy-up my messy code!

The "clever stuff" behind the scenes relies on "Windows Messages" to handle the status/control of the playout software (at present I am working with mAirList and StationPlaylist Studio).  This removes the need for INI files to be created and watched ;)

This application builds on the proven features of mAirListClock and adds further functionality such as:

  • Dual Monitor Support
    Designed for twin-screen systems allowing you to display the large status window on a wall-mounted TFT and the audio/routing window on a desk-mounted TFT in front of the presenter - possibly on a touch-screen.

  • SHOUTcast Server Status
    See how many listeners you have - either per server or a total

  • Serial and Parallel Switching
    If you have "old fashioned" COM+Printer ports available, you can take advantage of the various input/output pins on them.
    A COM port gives you 2 inputs and 2 outputs (+5v DC) whilst a Parallel port offers 5 inputs and 8 outputs (+5v DC).

  • Audio I/O Routing - via the Digi-Bee+ USB 16in/16out I/O Module (£30)
    In conjunction with USB hardware, audio can be routed to various outputs/transmitters.  It can also be used as a "remote source" selector in the same way that the BBC's BNCS software does.  Using a series of USB-based I/O modules, it can route the studio output to 10 destinations - ideal if the studio is used for network shows.  A further 2 outputs, designated "Local" and "Remote" allow for the option of split-ads and local content to be inserted.

    In this situation, the "Local" feed would be set to the radio station's local transmitters and the "Network" feed would be IP/satellite link.  Using a split-playout program (such as mAirList), you can then fire-off localised content (such as adverts, jingles etc) over your "mixer" output.

    I will also add support for scheduled I/O routing (in the case of network programming).

    There will (hopefully) be a 1U 19" rack-unit to house the USB board and extra relays/switching circuitry - XLR+DSub connectors on the rear for connectivity and some LEDs on the front for display status/warnings etc.

  • 3 VU Meters
    Up to 3 audio levels can be monitored (subject to available sound hardware) - including a not-so-subtle "TOO LOUD" warning when your presenters hit the red-zone.

  • Visual Talkback between Studios
    Simple text-talkback aka: instant messenger

  • Presenter Log-In/Out and Website Integration
    StudioScreen can upload details of your on-air DJ to your website (ie: text link and/or image) and also Webcam on/off control.  It will also keep track of your 10 last played songs and generate a file of PHP strings which you can use to display on your website.

  • BBC Greenwich Time Pips
    Broadcast the BBC 1KHz pips ;)

  • Test Tone Output
    Send a line-up tone to test feeds, levels etc - the frequency and left/right outputs are configurable

  • Out of Hours Audio Player
    Define audio files to play periodically to identify a feed/output etc, ie: "this is the studio feed for Blonde FM".

  • No Installer - just unzip and run!
    At present, there are no external DLL or OCX files to worry about - just unzip into C:\StudioScreen and run...

Please visit the forum for more information and the latest developments...

Routing Buttons

StudioScreen - Configuration

StudioScreen in my studio

    

 


 

StudioScreen - "Status" and "Routing" screens

 

 

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