The SMARTCASTER is one of the most sophisticated automation systems ever developed. It is versatile and powerful. This handbook is designed to help the user unlock the potential of the SMARTCASTER.

There are two main modes that the SMARTCASTER operates in: Satellite (or Clock), and Music on Hard Drive. This handbook discusses SMARTCASTER operations in terms of these modes.

CLOCK refers to Clock satellite operation. Where needed there are additional notes for Non-Clock operation.

Continuous refers to the Music on Hard Drive.

Generation 2000 refers to the Generation 2000 system.

The SMARTCASTER is capable of using several audio devices to digitize and store audio. The two main categories for audio devices are called "Antex" and "Ace." Only Generation 2000 systems use the Ace cards. Differences between these categories (if any) are noted in the descriptions.

For the beginning user...

Don't Panic!

The SMARTCASTER is set up in the factory before it is shipped. It has most of the Setup Options activated for the type of operation specified on your contract. The system can be customized to the user's preference as he/she reads along in this section. It is recommended that one start slowly and understand the basics for the type of system that was purchased.

Support...

This automation system has the capacity to run a radio station. At the very least it alters nearly every operation of the station. This handbook goes a long way toward helping everyone to adjust, but, of course, more may be needed. See the introduction section of the manual about Support hours and policy.

What Is Clock And How Does It Work?

Warning...

Even though the software package referred to as "CLOCK" is used on nearly all types of SMARTCASTERS, the CLOCK mode is used only on Satellite systems. Continuous (Music on Hard Drive) customers should have the Clock Option disabled (Option 5 in OPTION SETUP). CLOCK mode should never be on at the same time as Continuous Play mode (Option 7 in USER SETUP).

Description...

CLOCK is the name of a special mode that the SMARTCASTER can enter. In this mode, the SMARTCASTER uses the time of day to determine when to load and play breaks. Prior to the development of CLOCK, SMARTCASTERS ran in a sequential mode (i.e. when one break played, it simply went on to the next break and waited for a closure from the satellite). Sequential operation works well until a break is missed, or two break closures are accidentally fired. When this happens, the SMARTCASTER is off a break until the top of the hour when the system updates its breaks.

CLOCK changed all that. Now the user has a CLOCK SETUP Screen that allows him/her to define when the breaks are, how long they are, and whether they are mandatory or not (Mandatory means that the break contains closed circuit feeds or is silent and MUST be filled to insure that inappropriate audio or silence doesn’t get on the air).

This information gives the SMARTCASTER a lot more power. Since it knows when a break is supposed to fire, it knows when a break closure is missed and automatically updates to the next break. Also, since it knows how long the break is, if a break is accidentally under-programmed, it pulls material (Public Service Announcements, promos, or any other audio cuts the station chooses) and fills the break to the proper length. All SMARTCASTERS running in CLOCK mode fill to within a few seconds of the proper length of the break. However, if the SMARTCASTER is equipped with an SX-8, SX-12, SX-20, SX-7 or SX-22 audio card the SMARTCASTER varies the speed of the audio just a little to make sure that it fits as close as possible to the break length! This is the Shrink-and-Expand feature.

Of course, if so desired, one or all of these features may be disabled. See the SETUP SCREEN APPENDIX. Especially USER SETUP Options 17 and 18 for details on how to set up the SMARTCASTER for CLOCK operation.

TRICKS...

Though the number of SMARTCASTER Setup Screens is daunting, they allow a user to configure the SMARTCASTER to fit a station like a glove fits a hand. As users become familiar with their unit's capabilities, they love to "tweak" the system to fit their operation.

*CAUTION*

Changing Setup Screens without the aid of SMARTS Support can render the SMARTCASTER inoperable! Do not change settings without help from SMARTS Support!

For Satellite users, the CLOCK Options are a Program Director's playground. A little originality produces fantastic results using these features.

For instance, users who cannot use the Shrink-and-Expand feature (ACE, SX-3, SX-6, SX-15, SX-34, SX-36, and AudioPort) could make use of the Unmute On Time (Option 16 in USER SETUP). When this feature is activated, the SMARTCASTER unmutes satellite audio at the end of the break time instead of when the SMARTCASTER audio is done playing. If the SMARTCASTER is setup to fill the breaks, the breaks are slightly over-programmed. This causes an overlap of break audio and satellite audio when the SMARTCASTER rejoins the music network. Creative operators can create a "seamless" flow that helps to get rid of the "cookie cutter" satellite sound.

How CLOCK relates to Live Assist...

When the user enters Live Assist, all of the CLOCK features disappear since they would only get in the way of a live operation.

Change Break goes back to asking for a break number and the SMARTCASTER does not automatically update from break to break.

One problem that users may have is that during Live Assist, a station may have a variable number of breaks from day to day. Often, the rigid CLOCK structure is too restrictive for live operators.

To get around this problem, the user must build a "dummy" Clock in the Clock Setup Screen and define 12 breaks (the system maximum) on it. Then, by scheduling this Clock (using Set Active) during their live hours, they ensure that no matter how many breaks come over from traffic for that hour, there will be enough break slots to cover it. ESETUP contains a place to input this Clock.

If an hour is half live, half satellite, a special "transition" Clock may be built that has enough breaks to cover the live half then start into the normal satellite format.

Using CLOCK some of the time...

In systems that are both Satellite and Continuous (Music on Hard Drive), the user has the option of turning the CLOCK off and on as needed. Timed Events has the capability of turning on and off CLOCK, or Continuous Play. Using these features in combination is a very powerful programming tool that creative operators can use to their advantage.

Continuous Play is incompatible with CLOCK. In order to turn Continuous Play on, CLOCK must be turned off first and visa-versa. When the CLOCK is on during the Satellite times, all the differences mentioned previously take effect. The Breaks Screen shrinks down to the number of breaks defined in the CLOCK SETUP Screen.

It is very important to generate a "dummy" Clock containing 12 breaks, and assign it (using Set Active) to the non-satellite hours, just as would happen during Live Assist (described above). That way, when the SMARTCASTER enters CLOCK mode, it doesn't effect the programming information for Music on Hard Drive.

Sequential (or Non-CLOCK Satellite) Programming....

CLOCK is not for everyone. Some people prefer the simplicity of the sequentially based SMARTCASTER. It also may occasionally be necessary to run without CLOCK in order to diagnose a problem.

A non-CLOCK satellite operation waits for a local break closure from the satellite receiver. When it gets one, it plays the current break, rejoins the satellite, then loads the next break and waits again. A safety feature can be activated that at a specific time in the hour causes the SMARTCASTER to jump to the first, second, third, etc. break in the hour (The break number is user definable in options 4 and 12 in USER SETUP).

Note: When the CLOCK Option is disabled, the SMARTCASTER no longer has the ability to Shrink-and-Expand, Fill, or automatically update from break to break.

Continuous (Music on Hard Drive)

The Music on Hard Drive system uses the SMARTCASTER in a different way. The Breaks Screen becomes a sequential list of "sets." These are sets of audio cuts, usually spots or music. As the last item in a set plays, the next set loads and readies itself for playback. When the previous set finally concludes, the new set begins its playback. This cycle continues through the log for the day.

This is one of the simplest systems to run. No external music network wiring is necessary, though a news network may be desired. The newer hard drives are big enough to hold hundreds of songs. The system can be fitted to have enough drive space to comfortably hold an entire music library. The news network would be used for news and a time update closure.

Music is added to the traffic log through a separate program called Log Manager. See the appendix on the SMARTS Digital Program Director for details about this procedure.

Jock-In-the-Box (JIB) (CD System)

(NOTE: AS OF JULY 1998 – JIB SYSTEMS ARE NO LONGER SOLD)

The Jock-In-the-Box system runs in similar fashion to the Music on Hard Drive. JIB systems use a playlist generated on a separate machine. The playlist is loaded onto the SMARTCASTER via floppy. Generation 2000 systems can load the playlist across the network from another machine.

Getting started...

To begin SMARTCASTER operation, the user chooses option 1 from the "SMARTCASTER Digital Audio" main menu. This begins the SMARTCASTER initialization process. The screen indicates progress by displaying a percentage in the center of the screen. Each number shown indicates an operation.

SMARTCASTER Loading Guide

% Operation Area of failure:

0% Loading Paths Check PSETUP

1% Logging Start Rename Log.{day of week}*

2% Check Drives Check system Hardware*

3% Loading Addresses Check ASETUP

4% Loading Audio Info Check RSETUP

5% Loading Backup Drives Check BACKUPDR.FIL*

6% Loading Sample Rates Check USETUP

7% Loading Options Check OSETUP

8% Loading Comports Check com connections or turn off coms*

9% Loading Old Net Set Option 3 in OSETUP to N

10% Init Vars, Recvol.Fil Check Recvol.fil*

11% Load Switcher Check Switcher.fil*

12% Load AMX info Check AMX files, Tone File*

13% Init audio cards Check sample rate, mono/stereo etc.

14% Load Parameters Check Param.fil*

15% Load Fill Info Check Frotat.fil*

16% Get Fill Check Fill information*

17% Load CLOCK Info Check CLOCK Option on main menu

18% Load CLOCK Info (more) Check Set Active Option on main menu

19% Turn off Muting Call SMARTS*

19% Load Music Position Call SMARTS*

19% Load Wait Call SMARTS*

19% Load Mute Call SMARTS*

19% Load Hold Call SMARTS*

20% Get live info Check Live.fil*

21% Init Breaklogs Put traffic log on another disk, try again

23% Create Directories Let set for a while. If there are errors, call*

25% Init CD's Check Option 3 in USETUP

27% Init CD's Check PlayLists

30% Init SmartTouch Check ASETUP*

33% Init Function Rotation Check Offset.fil*

34% Init Menus Check Menu.fil's*

35% Init Announcers Check Announcer files*

40% Init Announcers Check Announcer files*

45% Init Unattended Record Check UnRecord.fil*

48% Init Timed Based Events Check Satswich.fil*

49% Init Drive Sizes Check Hidesize.fil*

50% Init Functions Check Function Files*

100% Get next Break Check Breaklog's*

*Call SMARTCASTER Support Staff for instructions

If the SMARTCASTER stops at a certain percentage and jumps back to the main menu an error has occurred. The preceding table indicates (in detail) what the SMARTCASTER is doing, or generates a gray fault screen, at the different percentages.

The Main Screen...

The blue screen is the first screen to show when the SMARTCASTER program loads. One "set" or "break" is displayed at a time. Within a break are up to 10 audio cuts that are recorded on the hard drive. To the right of the items in the break, the length is displayed. The length counts back from the total to 0 when the item plays. Down below, the current log day, date, time, break number, announcer, duration, break countdown, version number, and RIDZ network selections are displayed. In the far right column is the indicator for status of Clock, Digital Inputs, or Continuous Play.

All system capabilities can take place while at this screen. Unattended Records, Network Switching, and On Air playback may all take place.

There are three menu options at the bottom of the screen: ESC, F9 and F10.

ESC - Brings up the menu bar along the top of the screen. To use the menu bar, press the arrow keys to move the highlighted bar from selection to selection, then press ENTER. This reveals a vertical sub menu that contains more options.

F9 - Allows the user to edit the events displayed in the break without taking the SMARTCASTER off-line. In other words, the SMARTCASTER is still looking for closures, will continue to play, etc. (See Editing Keys below.)

F10 - Puts the SMARTCASTER in Live Assist mode. The user may edit items just as the F9 option allows, but the SMARTCASTER will not respond to any closures or roll from break to break (if it is in Continuous Play).

Live Assist was the predecessor to the Live Show and was used extensively in the early days of the SMARTCASTER. There are a few stations that still use Live Assist. Live Show is a more streamlined and beefed up tool for the live announcer. Live Show is discussed in depth later in the handbook.

Exercise: Main Screen Menus

What You Do	Comment
1. Press the ESC key.	The menu bar will appear across the top of the screen.
2. Use the LEFT and RIGHT ARROW keys to move back and forth across the bar.	The selected section will show white while the other possible choices will remain black.
3. Press the ENTER key.	The menu window will drop down showing the various choices under each selection.
4. Use the UP, DOWN, LEFT, and RIGHT ARROW keys to move up and down and back and forth across the menus.	Left and right will move from window to window while up and down will go through the choices in the window.
5. Press the ESC key.	Returns to the Main Screen.
6. Press the F9 key.	This toggle switch (on and off switch) turns on the Edit feature. Notice the gray box (the cursor) around the script number in the first event.
7. Use the UP and DOWN ARROW keys to move up and down the events in the break.	Any event can be selected for editing as long as it hasn’t played in this break.
8. Press the F9 key.	This turns off the Edit feature.
9. Press the F10 key.	This toggle switch (on and off switch) turns on the Live Assist feature. Now the system will not react to network closures and the operator has total control.
10. Use the UP and DOWN ARROW keys to move up and down the events in the break.	Any event can be selected for editing as long as it hasn’t played in this break.
11. Press the F10 key.	This toggle switch turns off the Live Assist feature. Now the system will react once again to network closures.

Quick Quiz: Main Screen Menus

1. What color is the Live Assist Screen? ____________

2. How many menu windows are there on the Main Screen? ____________

3. What does the F9 button do? ____________

4. What button do you press to get the menu bar across the top of the screen? ____________

5. True or False: While in Live Assist, the system reacts to Network Closures. ____________

After five minutes of inactivity by a user, the SMARTCASTER Screen changes to the Screen Saver. This prevents excessive wear on the system monitor. The SMARTCASTER, however, still runs even though the Screen Saver is on. Pressing any key on the keyboard will bring the working screen back to view. The Screen Saver does not come on in Live Assist or in the Edit mode.

Changing the time for the Screen Saver

If the duration of 5 minutes is not desirable, it is possible to reset it. Doing so involves taking the SMARTCASTER off the air and exiting to the C:\> prompt. If you do not feel confident about the following steps, please feel free to call SMARTCASTER Technical Support.

1. Press ESC and arrow over to QUIT.

2. Select YES and press ENTER (Doing so takes the system off the air!).

3. From the Main Menu press ESC.

4. At the C:\> prompt, type SETSAVER and press ENTER.

5. Enter the minutes for the system to wait before the Screen Saver activates. When finished, press ENTER.

6. Type GO and press ENTER.

7. Select SMARTCASTER and press ENTER.

The Screen Saver will now activate after the specified period of time.

Setting the Screen Saver to 0 (zero) disables the device.

The Edit Screen:

Editing

The Edit Screen allows the user to make quick changes to the current break. This allows the program to remain in automated mode where the SMARTCASTER can react to possible closures from a satellite source.

Pressing F9 switches the system to Edit. The information in the gray bar at the bottom of the screen will change to show that the system is in Edit Mode. The UP and DOWN ARROW keys then allow the cursor to be placed in the proper position for making the change.

Several options appear at the bottom of the screen.

F9- Quit. Pressing this button exits the Edit Mode.

F11 - Abort Spot. Stops the spot that is playing on the air and continues with the next item in the break.

F12 - Abort Break. Stops and resets the break. For CLOCK users, this also un-mutes the satellite feed.

TAB – Pauses between audio cuts. Pressing F1 starts the next cut playing.

ESC – Causes the menu bar to appear at the top of the screen. Pressing ENTER causes the menu window to come down.

Editing Keys...

In Edit Mode, the user has the ability to insert, change, and delete spots or music even while that very break is playing.

To insert a spot into a break in Edit mode, use the UP and DOWN ARROW keys, to move the highlight bar to the desired position. Then, press the INSERT key. Items after the insertion point all move down a line leaving a gap where the user may enter a script number.

Note: If there are ten items in the break, it is full. The SMARTCASTER does not allow a spot to be inserted at this point. Also, if the break is playing, the SMARTCASTER does not allow inserts or deletions of spots that have already played. Only events that the SMARTCASTER hasn't yet played are valid to edit, insert, or delete.

To delete a spot from the break, use the UP and DOWN ARROW keys to move the highlight bar to the spot desired. Then press the DEL (DELETE) key. The SMARTCASTER deletes the spot and moves the remaining audio cuts up by one.

To edit (replace) an audio cut in a break, use the UP and DOWN ARROW keys, to move the highlight bar to the event desired and begin typing the new script number. Once entered the new spot name replaces the old one.

Pausing...

There are two ways to pause the SMARTCASTER in Live Assist or Edit. One way is to press P to insert a pause. The other way is to use the TAB key to toggle Pause Between Spots on. The first way pauses until the user presses F1. The second pauses between every item and waits for an F1 keypress.

The advantage to the first method is that pauses can be pre-programmed on the log. However, if the user is doing a Live Show with sound bites, sound effects, etc., the second way is much faster to use.

Exercise: Edit Screen

What You Do	Comment
1. Press the F9 key.	This toggle switch (on and off switch) turns on the Edit feature. Now the operator may make changes to the break while the system is waiting to react to network closures.
2. Press the DOWN ARROW key until past all of the spots in this break.	The highlight bar is the cursor in this instance. Placing it in an empty location allows the operator to insert a script number.
3. Type in the script number.	Each specific piece of audio, a spot, song, jingle, I.D., or P.S.A., is identified with its own unique number.
4. Press the ENTER key.	The system searches for the disignated number and displays it on the screen, ready to play when the system gets to it.
5. Press the UP ARROW key until highlighting an event that has not yet played.	Pick an item that can be deleted from the break.
6. Press the DELETE key.	The selected event will be deleted, moving the remaining events up by one.
7. Press the INSERT key.	The remaining events will move down by one, leaving five 0’s (00000) in the selected position.
8. Type in a valid script number.	Five numbers to identify the desired audio selection.
9. Press the ENTER key.	The requested audio cut title is displayed and is ready to be played.
10. Press the F1 key.	Nothing happens. The operator does not have control of firing the break while in this screen.
11. Press the DOWN ARROW key until just below the last spot in the list.	Positioning the cursor to test one of the methods of pausing.
12. Press the P key.	A Pause is inserted as the next event. The system will pause when it finishes playing everything above this point in the break.
13. Press the F9 key.	This turns off the Edit feature. Now the system will not react to the operator. The network has total control of the unit and will use closures to fire subsequent breaks.

Quick Quiz: Edit Screen

1. What key allows the operator to edit the break? _________

2. Can the operator fire a break while in Edit Mode? _________

3. Will the SMARTCASTER take closures from the network while in Edit Mode? _______

4. Does the screen color change while in Edit Mode? ________

5. True or False: Editing only allows access to the current break. ___________

Live Assist...

The Live Assist Screen allows the user to play breaks, jingles, liners, etc. manually. A live operator may insert or delete spots from the break lineup and play the break by pushing a button.

The SMARTCASTERS’ Live Assist Screen looks almost identical to the Automated Screen. The Live Assist Screen changes colors to alert the user that the system is no longer automated. While in Live Assist, it will no longer take closures from the network or automatically play spot breaks.

Press F10 to enter the Live Assist Screen. Several options appear at the bottom of the screen.

F1 - Play Break. This button starts the SMARTCASTER running the break.

F2-F8 - Play Functions 0 through 6. These buttons play the Functions entered in the Function Rotation Screen. Functions play in the order they are scheduled and start over from the beginning when they are done. Between Live Assist sessions the next Function to fire does not remain the same. There are several conditions that can cause the software to shift down the list for the next Function to play.

F10 - Quit. Pressing this button exits Live Assist. If the current break is started in Live Assist but is not done, it continues to the end. In CLOCK the break stops playing at the end and returns to satellite. In Continuous modes, the system continues from break to break.

F11 - Abort Spot. Stops the spot that is playing on the air and continues with the next item in the break. Generation 2000 users may want to use option 5 in MISCELLANEOUS SETUP to change this key to an S. See SETUP APPENDIX.

F12 - Abort Break. Stops and resets the break. For CLOCK users, this also un-mutes the satellite feed. Generation 2000 users may want to use option 5 in MISCELLANEOUS SETUP to change this key to a B. See the SETUP APPENDIX.

TAB – Pauses between audio cuts. Pressing F1 starts the next cut playing.

ESC – Causes the menu bar to appear at the top of the screen. Pressing ENTER causes the menu window to come down.

Editing Keys...

In Live Assist or Edit mode, the user has the ability to insert, change, and delete audio cuts even while that very break is playing.

To insert an event into a break in Live Assist or Edit mode, use the UP and DOWN ARROW keys to move the highlight bar to the position desired. Then, press the INSERT button. Items after the insertion point all move down a line leaving a gap where the user may enter a script number.

Note: If there are ten items in the break, it is full. The SMARTCASTER does not allow an event to be inserted at this point. Also, if the break is playing, the SMARTCASTER does not allow inserts or deletions of cuts that have already played. Only events that the SMARTCASTER hasn't yet played are valid events to edit, insert, or delete.

To delete a cut from the break, use the arrow keys to move the highlight bar to the spot desired. Then press the DEL key. The SMARTCASTER deletes the cut and moves the remaining cuts up by one.

To edit (replace) a cut in a break, use the arrow keys to move the highlight bar to the spot desired and begin typing the new script number. Once entered the new event name replaces the old one.

Exercise: Live Assist Screen

What You Do	Comment
1. Press the F10 key.	This toggle switch (on and off switch) turns on the Live Assist feature. Now the system will not react to network closures and the operator has total control of the unit.
2. Press the DOWN ARROW key until past all of the spots in this break.	The highlight bar is the cursor in this instance. Placing it in an empty location allows the operator to insert a script number.
3. Type in the script number.	Each specific piece of audio, a spot, song, jingle, I.D., or P.S.A., is identified with it own unique number.
4. Press the ENTER key.	The system searches for the designated number and displays it on the screen, ready to play when the system gets to it.
5. Press the UP ARROW key until highlighting an event that has not yet played.	Pick an item that can be deleted from the break.
6. Press the DELETE key.	The selected event will be deleted, moving the remaining events up by one.
7. Press the INSERT key.	The remaining events will move down by one, leaving five 0’s (00000) in the selected position.
8. Type in a valid script number.	Five digits to identify the desired audio selection.
9. Press the ENTER key.	The requested audio cut title is displayed and is ready to be played.
10. Press the F1 key.	The break will begin to play. Wait a few seconds before going to the next command.
11. Press the F12 key.	The break will reset, terminating the audio, and waiting for the F1 key to be pressed again. This is similar to re-cueing a carted commercial, only there is no wait while the cart cues up.
12. Press F1 to start the break again.	The break begins playing with the first event in the break.
13. Press the F11 key.	The system stops playing the current event in the break and begins playing the next event in line.
14. Press the F11 key again.	The system stops playing this event in the break and begins playing the next event in line.
15. Press the DOWN ARROW key until just below the current spot playing.	Positioning the cursor to test the various methods of pausing.
16. Press the P key.	A Pause is inserted in the next event, moving everything else in the break down by one. The system will pause when done with the current event. Wait until it pauses.
17. Press F1 to start the break again.	The next event after the Pause begins to play.
18. Press the TAB key.	Pause has been turned on. The system will finish the current event and pause until the F1 key is pressed. It will pause again after playing the next event. Wait until it pauses.
19. Press F1 to start the break again.	The next event after the Pause begins to play.
20. Press the TAB key, again.	Pause has been turned off.
21. Press the F10 key.	This turns off the Live Assist feature. The break will continue to play until it runs out of events. Now the system will not react to the operator. The network has total control of the unit and will use closures to fire subsequent breaks.

Quick Quiz: Live Assist Screen

1. What button should be pressed to get to Live Assist? _________

2. What button will take a spot out of the lineup? _________

3. What button moves the spot lineup down by one? _________

4. Pressing F11 does what? ____________________________________

5. True or False: Pressing F12 will delete a spot from the break lineup. _________

The Audio Section

The Record Screen

The Record Screen is where the user manually records audio into the SMARTCASTER. Almost all audio, including liners, music, and spots, is recorded here. Automatic or "Unattended" Records (of news feeds, etc.) are not done on this screen. They are programmed into the Unattended Record section that is described later.

Note: While in the Record Screen the SMARTCASTER CANNOT do Unattended Record, Remote Records, Hot Key Playback or SmartTouch operations (including record and playback).

The SMARTCASTER Record Screen displays only those options that the system is configured to use. For instance, if no backup path is specified in PATH SETUP option 2, then the option F9 Backup ON does not appear on the Record Screen.

The time left on each drive is displayed in the column on the right hand side of the Record Screen. It is shown in hours and minutes. In systems with many hard drives, pressing T will show any drives not seen at first glance.

Key terms:

EOM - Refers to the End of Message signal. SMARTCASTERS equipped for overlap of audio will advance to the next cut and overlap the tail end of the current cut. This acts the same as the tertiary tone on older cart-based automation systems.

FUNCTION – Refers to a liner, jingle, magic call, I.D., etc.

FIDELITY - The quality of the audio recorded. See ‘Fidelity’ or ‘Sample Rate’ in the Glossary section of this handbook for details on this setting.

F1 RECORD AUDIO

STEP 1.

The user is prompted for a Script number. This number is five digits long. Commercials, Promo’s, News Cuts and P.S.A’s start with a number. Music starts the Script Number with an M and Functions, I.D’s, Magic Calls, Jingles and Liners, start with an F.

Functions are recorded starting with an F. The five digit number has special meanings for Functions. For example, F001A means Function zero, Cut 01, announcer A. Continuous Play users have the option to either record their Functions with an F or an M. Many Music on Hard Drive customers use this trick to allow their music scheduling program to schedule their Functions as well as their songs. However, for the Function to operate in the Function Rotation Screen, an F is required. See Function Rotation for a description of a Function.

After entering a valid spot number press ENTER. If the spot entered already exists, the user is prompted with a message stating “Do you want to Record Over spot _____ Y/N?”

STEP 2

The unit will automatically select the drive with the most time available. If a specific drive is required, it may be entered at this time.

Note: Functions starting with an F automatically know where they are recorded. The drive letter step is skipped in this case. Function location is designated in PATH SETUP, option 4.

Valid drive letters are displayed to the right under Time Left. Drives that are highlighted are locked and cannot be recorded to (see BACKUP SETUP).

STEP 3

The user is prompted for an Account Name. Enter the name of the sponsor, song, or Function. The entry is limited to 25 characters.

STEP 4

The user is prompted for a Start and Stop Date. This is the time period that this audio cut runs. The SMARTCASTER can be configured to not allow outdated material to play on the air (See USER SETUP, option 14). The defaults are today’s date for the Start Date and to12/30/10 for the End Date.

STEP 5

The SMARTCASTER prompts the user for a Product Code. This is used in conjunction with the SMARTS Traffic System. It helps to prevent two similar sponsors from playing back to back. In the Breaks Screen and in Live Assist the user is warned about a Product Code conflict when entering a script number. Leave this blank if no Product Codes are used.

STEP 6

If option F5 Timed Stop is ON, the user is prompted for the length of the cut. This feature automatically shuts off the recording after the amount of time entered has elapsed. This feature is rarely used, but could be handy for recording long shows that are pre-timed. If the timing is accurate, the user need not sit through the entire recording session. The user can start the recording and then leave to perform other duties.

STEP 7

If the SMARTCASTER is equipped for overlapping audio, the user is given the opportunity to enter an "End of Message" (EOM) time before recording the commercial. This is not a requirement. The user may stamp the EOM time by pressing the SPACE BAR while listening to the audio during the record, or auditioning the audio cut. EOM’s are measured in minutes, seconds, and hundreths of seconds, 000:00:00.

STEP 8

The Record Screen prompts the user for permission to continue. If the user answers Y, the SMARTCASTER is "cued" and ready to go by pressing a key or by Autostart which is explained below.

This is the only time a user is allowed to alter the Digital Input Gain. The Digital Input Gain is the volume control for recording to the SMARTCASTER. Use the HOME, END, P, END, U, PgUp, and PgDn keys to alter the Digital Input Gain. Note: This should not be done often. It is far better to raise the levels to the highest point seen on the screen. It is recommended to set this once and then lock it to prevent accidental changes. Digital Input Gain is locked out in MISCELLANEOUS SETUP, option 3. Once locked, the operator cannot change the level while in the Record Screen. ADJUSTING THE DIGITAL INPUT GAIN CAN CAUSE DISTORTED AUDIO!

At this time, SMARTCASTERS that can show levels and Overload Status will do so. Adjust the levels (preferably on the source, not the Digitial Input Gain) so that the Overload message blinks very rarely. On systems equipped with Antex audio cards, this indicates clipping. On a Generation 2000, the Overload status is like “dipping into the red” on a VU meter. You don’t want to do it all the time, but it is not clipping the audio.

SMARTCASTERS capable of Overlap insist that the user press ENTER to stop the record or SPACE BAR to set the EOM tone. If the SMARTCASTER is not capable of Overlap, any key starts the recording and any key stops the recording.

Once finished, the Record Screen prompts the user to press R to re-record the same audio cut or (if the system is capable of overlap) E to edit EOM tone. Pressing R sets the Record Screen back to the point just before the recording started. Nothing needs to be re-entered. Pressing E allows Overlap users to change the EOM time down to the hundredth of a second. Any other key clears the Record Screen.

Exercise: Recording Screen

What You Do	Comment
1. Press ESC once.	The menu bar appears.
2. Press ENTER once.	The window under AUDIO appears. The cursor is resting on Record.
3. Press ENTER once.	The Record option is activated. The warning screen appears showing the record type options that will not work while the user is in the Record Screen.
4. Press ENTER once.	The warning disappears and the Record Screen appears.
5. Press F1.	The rectangular cursor will move to the Script field in the Record Screen.
6. Type 88888 and press ENTER.	(88888 is just a random example number). The cursor now goes to the next field.
7. Enter the Drive Letter and press ENTER.	In multiple-drive systems, the unit automatically picks the drive with the most space.
8. Type the Name of the cut and press ENTER.	Any name will do for this test case. Normally, the business name or song title would go here.
9. Press ENTER to bypass the Start Date.	The system will automatically default to today’s date.
10. Press ENTER to bypass the Stop Date.	The system will automatically default to 12/30/99 as the Stop Date. This can be used as the TFN date. Newer software versions default to 2070.
11. Enter the Product Code (if any) and press ENTER.	Not needed at this point. Still press ENTER.
12. When asked "is this correct?" press Y for ‘yes’.	This states that the entered information is correct and the system is ready to record. Entering N for ‘No’ begins the process over again.
13. Now press a key to begin the recording.	The recording should begin. Screen indicators will show that the recording is taking place.
14. If the SMARTCASTER says it is "Listening," start an audio source to begin the recording.	Auto Start (F7) was turned on. The system will wait until it hears audio before it begins recording.
15. Press ENTER to stop the recording. If the user wishes to re-record the spot, press R. The SMARTCASTER sets the recording session back to the beginning.	This is a failsafe so the operator doesn’t have to enter all the information in a second time if they need to re-record for whatever reason.

Quick Quiz: Recording Screen

1. What will the Start Date default to when you hit ENTER? ________________

2. How many “numbers” are required in the Script field? ________

3. Are you required to accept the computer selected drive designation? __________

4. What key activates the Auto Start feature? ________

5. True or False: You must specify that the information is correct in order to record. _______

F2 EDIT CUT DATA

Pressing this button allows the user to change all but one of the fields assigned to the Script number. Drive, Name, Start Date, Stop Date, Product Code and EOM time are all changeable. The Script number is not changeble here. Use ALT+R to change the Script number. When Editing, F2 prompts the user to enter the five digit Script number.

Moving an audio cut from one drive to another:

Changing the drive letter causes the audio to be copied from its present location to the new one specified. This can take some time depending on the length of the audio cut. This only applies to systems with more than one drive. Functions starting with an F cannot be moved in the Record Screen.

Exercise: Editing an Audio Cut

What You Do	Comment
1. Press F2 to Edit the cut.	Activates the Editing feature.
2. Type in Script number 88888.	This is the working number to be used for this exercise.
3. Press the ENTER key until the cursor rests in the Name field.	The cursor will highlight the first letter in the Name field.
4. Press the RIGHT ARROW key until past the last letter in the Name field.	There should be room for added wording.
5. Type in the words, “Cut one”.	Further specifying the title of this particular cut.
6. Press the ENTER key to move the cursor to the Start Date field.	Pressing ENTER saves the changes in the previous field and moves the cursor to the next field.
7. Type in yesterdays’ date. Use only numbers, no slashes.	This changes the date on the cut. System automatically fills in the slashes.
8. Press the ENTER key to move the cursor through the rest of the fields.	Is This Correct (Y/N)? prompt will appear.
9. Press Y for “yes”.	Saves the changes to the system. Returns to the main Record Screen.
10. If the system has more than one drive listed in the right-hand column press F2 to Edit the spot, otherwise stop here.	Go to Edit to change the drive designation.
11. Type in Script number 88888.	The working number to be used for this exercise.
12. Press the ENTER key. The cursor will come to rest in the Drive field.	The audio file with that number is pulled up and displayed on the screen.
13. Type in another available drive letter.	This is the target drive where the audio cut is to be stored now.
14. Press the ENTER key to move the cursor through the rest of the fields.	Is This Correct (Y/N)? prompt will appear.
15. Press Y for “yes”.	Saves the changes to the system. A screen then appears showing the movement of the intended audio cut. Changing drive letters takes a while. When complete, the main Record Screen will appear. The audio cut is now on the targeted drive.

Quick Quiz: Editing an Audio Cut

1. Name one field that can be changed by Editing. ____________

2. Can the spelling of an Account name be changed after the spot has been recorded?______

3. Can the Script number be edited by using the F2 feature? ______

4. Will the system ask you to confirm your changes? ________

5. True or False: The Edit feature saves re-recording the spot to change the information. _______

F3 AUDITION CUT

This prompts the user to enter the five digit Script number. If the audio cut exists, the cut appears and the user is asked to "Press a key to begin Audition." If the audio cut does not exist, the Record Screen clears.

If the SMARTCASTER is capable of Overlap, the user may, at any time, set the EOM by pressing the SPACE BAR. If the user changes his/her mind, pressing the SPACE BAR again resets the EOM time. While only one EOM time is allowed per audio cut, the placement of that tone may be done over and over without re-recording the file. An EOM time of 000:00:00 means the audio cut will play to the very end.

Once finished, the Record Screen prompts the user to press A to re-audition or any other key to quit. Pressing A sets the Record Screen back in the audition process to where a keypress will once again begin the audition. Press an A key. This takes you back where you can begin the audition again.

Exercise: Auditioning an Audio Cut

What You Do	Comment
1. Press F3 to Audition a cut.	The cursor will rest in the Script field.
2. Type in script number 88888.	Again, a work number for us to use.
3. Press the ENTER key.	Information for audio cut 88888 is brought to the screen along with the screen prompt to begin the audition. Be sure the proper “pot” is up on the control board or down in cue.
4. Press the ENTER key.	The audio cut will begin to audition. If the system has overlap, pressing the SPACE BAR will set the EOM. Pressing the ENTER key will stop the audition. Allowing the cut to play to completion will show a prompt offering a chance to audition the cut again. In this case, allow the cut to play through.
5. Press the A key again.	The audio cut is ready to audition again at the press of any key. We recommend the ENTER key.
6. Press the ENTER key.	The audition has begun again.
7. Press the SPACE bar midway through the cut.	The EOM time is now locked at the time of the key press. Allow the cut to play through. The prompt will appear again for auditioning or editing. This may be done over and over.
8. Press the E key.	This will allow the EOM time to be changed. The cursor will now highlight the EOM time.
9. Type in the new EOM time, making it just under the Elapsed Time.	Type in all seven digits. Don’t use colons. If the Elapsed Time is 0:30:00, make the EOM 000:29:50. This means the EOM will occur before the end of the audio cut.
10. Press the ENTER key.	The new EOM time is saved to the system and the cut information will disappear from the screen. The main Recording Screen returns.

Quick Quiz: Auditioning an Audio Cut

1. Pressing this button changes the EOM time. ________

2. Do you have to audition the whole audio cut? _______

3. How many ways can the EOM time be changed on this screen? ________

4. What key should be pressed to re-audition an audio cut? ________

5. True or False: The EOM time may only be changed once. ___________

F4 DELETE A CUT

This prompts the user for the five digit Script Number. The operator must know the number of the desired audio cut. If the audio cut exists the Record Screen displays the cut and asks permission to delete the audio cut. If the cut does not exist, the system returns to the main Record Screen.

Exercise: Deleting an Audio Cut

What You Do	Comment
1. Press F4 to Delete a cut.	The cursor will rest in the Script field.
2. Type in script number 88888.	Again, a work number for us to use.
3. Press the ENTER key.	Information for audio cut 88888 is brought to the screen along with the screen prompt asking if this is correct.
4. Press Y for ‘yes.’	Saying ‘yes’ confirms that this is the audio cut that is intended to be deleted. It also clears the screen of all information pertaining to that cut.

Quick Quiz: Deleting an Audio Cut

1. In what screen will the F4 key allow the deletion of spots? _______

2. Will deleting an audio cut prevent it from playing again? ________

3. Does the operator get a chance to cancel the delete command? _________

4. How many audio cuts can be deleted at one time in the Record Screen? _________

5. True or False: The operator has to enter a five-digit number to identify the cut to be deleted. ________

F5 TIMED STOP ON

As mentioned above in the Record Audio steps, Timed Stop allows the user to enter the length of the audio cut before it is recorded. This is great for recording program length audio that is pre-timed. The Record Screen automatically stops recording when the time runs out, allowing the announcer doing the recording to be somewhere else discharging other duties. The system will automatically read the fourth digit in the script number and set the time to match. A “1” will be 10 seconds, a “2” will be twenty seconds, a “3” will be thirty seconds, a “4” will be forty seconds, a “5” will be fifty, a “6” will be sixty, a “7” will be seventy seconds, a “8” will be eighty seconds, and a “9” will be ninety seconds. Once the cursor rests on the Elapsed Time the system-picked time will show. At this time the operator may change the Elapsed Time to whatever they desire that may be different from the number picked by the system. Timed Stop will continue to work for every audio cut until de-activated by pressing the F5 key again.

Exercise: Timed Stop

What You Do	Comment
1. Press F5 to activate Timed Stop.	The guide Timed Stop Off in the middle box at the bottom of the screen will change to Timed Stop On.
2. Press F5 to de-activate Timed Stop.	The guide Timed Stop On changes to Timed Stop Off.
3. Press F5 to activate Timed Stop.	The guide Timed Stop Off once again changes to Timed Stop On.
4. Press F1 to Record.	To record an audio cut with Timed Stop On.
5. Enter a five digit script number.	Use 12345.
6. Press the ENTER key.	The information for 12345 will show itself on the screen.
7. Press the ENTER key through the information fields.	Bypassing the information fields to begin recording. Stop on the elapsed time field. It will show a length of 000:40:00 because of the “4” in position 4 of the script number.
8. Enter 000:10:00.	The audio cut will record for 10 seconds.
9. Press the ENTER key.	The time is set for recording. The prompt appears asking if this is correct.
10. Press the Y key.	Confirming that the information is correct. The prompt appears with instructions to begin the recording.
11. Press the ENTER key.	The recording begins. Step back and watch. Unless the recording is interrupted by pressing the ENTER key, it records for 10 seconds.
12. Press the ENTER key.	The recording process is finished.
13. Press F5 to de-activate Timed Stop.	The guide Timed Stop On changes to Timed Stop Off.

Quick Quiz: Timed Stop

1. How can Timed Stop be de-activated? ____________

2. What does Timed Stop do? _____________________

3. How many digits are in the script number? _________

4. What screen is Timed Stop in? ________________

5. True or False: The Elapsed Time in Timed Stop cannot be changed by hand. _________

F6 RECORD TIME/TEMP

This option allows the user to enter Time and Temp Checks into the system. For Time Checks, at 12:47 PM, if the SMARTCASTER gets a Time Check signal, it plays, "It's twelve forty-seven" just as it would a Function. The Record Times Option on the Record Screen is used by the announcer to record these Time Checks into the SMARTCASTER.

When the user selects this option, the Record Screen asks for a Start Time. This is done in hours and minutes. The first two characters are the hours, the second two are the minutes. For example, if the start time is 12:47, the user enters 1247.

After the start time is determined, the Record Screen asks for an Announcer letter. Refer to the ANNOUNCERS Screen to see who is on at the time the Time Check takes place. The SMARTCASTER checks the system time to determine which cuts to play.

When the first recording is completed, the system automatically sets up the Record Screen again, only this time it is set for the following minute…in this case, 12:48. It is recommended that the recording session start with 1:00 and work its way through the hours to 12:59.

Note: In most places on the SMARTCASTER time is entered in military format. Here is the exception. Times entered in the Record Times are in non-military format, or Civilian time. This is done because the SMARTCASTER uses only one announcement for the AM and PM Time Checks. For instance, if a station had only one Announcer Code entered, the 12:47 AM and the 12:47 PM Time Check would actually be the same audio cut.

CLOCK users should check USER SETUP, option 20 for information on using a Function Relay for a Time Check. Continuous users should look at the Time Checks information in the Breaks section of the Handbook for details on programming Time Checks into the log.

For Temp Checks, if the SMARTCASTER gets a Temp Check signal, it plays, "It's seventy-five degrees" just as it would a Function. The Record Temp Option on the Record Screen is used by the announcer to record these Temp Checks into the SMARTCASTER.

When the user selects this option, the Record Screen asks for the first Temp. Recording Time and Temp Checks are usually done in sessions; beginning with one number and continueing through a series of numbers. When the first recording is completed, the system automatically sets up the Record Screen again, only this time it is set for the following temperature…in this case, the next warmest temperature. It is recommended that the recording session start with a reasonable low temperature for the region and work its way through to the highest possible temperature.

The system uses three digits. For below zero, the minus sign (-) is entered first, and then the two digit temperature. By necessity, no temperature below - 99 can be entered. After the first temperature is determined, the Record Screen asks for an Announcer letter. Refer to the ANNOUNCERS Screen to see the choices for Announcer letters. The SMARTCASTER checks the system time and current temperature to determine which cuts to play.

Known Bugs and Limitations:

While the Time Check already works in the system because it refers to the time in the SMARTCASTER, the Temp Check requires a Temperature Probe in order to function. In older versions of software, if the operator rolls above 59 degrees while recording Temp Checks, the number jumps to 100 degrees. Stop the recording process and start it again at 60 degrees to get around this problem. Newer versions automatically increment to the next highest temperature. Currently, the Temp Check can not play instead of a function like it can with a Time Check. Neither Temperature nor Time Checks contribute to the total length on a break when played back. This can cause timing problems when using automatic fill in satellite mode.

Exercise: Record Time/Temp

What You Do

Comment

1. Press F6 to activate Record Time/Temp.

Prompt appears asking for a choice between Time and Temp recordings.

2. Press I for Time.

Designating that times will be recorded in this session. Opening this prompt, the system automatically defaults to Time where the red cursor rests.

3. Type in 1025 in the Enter First Time field.

Designating the time that will be recorded.

4. Press ENTER to move to the next field.

Moving to the “Enter Announcer” field.

5. Press A to designate the announcer.

Moves to the Record Screen. VU meters show any audio. Be prepared to say, “It’s 10:25” into the microphone.

6. Press ENTER to begin recording.

Record the selected time.

7. Press ENTER again to stop the recording.

Stops the recording and asks for acceptance of the cut. R to re-record and any other key to continue.

8. Press any key but the R to continue the recording process.

Prompt asks if the session should continue.

9. Press any key but the ESC to continue the recording process.

The Record Screen advances to the next immediate minute and prompts for a keypress.

10. Press ENTER to begin recording again.

Record the time as 10:26. The number has already changed in the Script field.

11. Press ENTER again to stop the recording.

Stops the recording and asks for acceptance of the cut. R to re-record and any other key to continue.

12. Press any key but the R to continue the recording process.

Sends to the prompt that shows how to terminate the session.

13. Press the ESC to complete the recording process.

Sends the user back to the main Record Screen.

14. Press F6 to activate Record Time/Temp.

Prompt appears asking for a choice between Time and Temp recordings.

15. Press E for Temp.

Designating that Temps will be recorded in this session. Opening this prompt, the system automatically defaults to First Temp where the red cursor rests.

16. Type in -50 in the Enter First Temp field.

Designating the temp that will be recorded.

17. Press ENTER to move to the next field.

Moving to the “Enter Announcer” field.

18. Press A to designate the announcer.

Moves to the Record Screen. VU meters show any audio. Be prepared to say, “It’s 50 below zero” into the microphone.

19. Press ENTER again to stop the recording.

Stops the recording and asks for acceptance of the cut. R to re-record and any other key to continue.

20. Press any key but the R to continue the recording process.

Prompt asks if the session should continue.

21. Press any key but the ESC to continue the recording process.

The Record Screen advances to the next warmest temperature and prompts for a keypress.

22. Press ENTER to begin recording again.

Record the temp as - 49 degrees. The number has already changed in the Script field.

23. Press ENTER again to stop the recording.

Stops the recording and asks for acceptance of the cut. R to re-record and any other key to continue.

24. Press any key but the R to continue the recording process.

Sends to the prompt that shows how to terminate the session.

25. Press the ESC to complete the recording process.

Sends the user back to the main Record Screen.

Quick Quiz: Record Time/Temp

1. What key activates the Record Times Screen? _________

2. What is the second entry needed to record the time? ____________________

3. Does the Record Times Screen use Civilian or Military time? ________________

4. Is there a specific length for a temperature announcement? _________

5. True or False: The time or temp must be entered into the system before each and every recording. ___________

F7 AUTO START ON/OFF

Most SMARTCASTER systems (SX-12 or later) show audio levels before and during the recording of audio. These systems are capable of Autostart. When Autostart is on, the Record Screen adds one step to the record process.

After the user presses a key to begin recording, the Record Screen tells the user that it is "Listening." This means that it is waiting to hear audio. Once audio is heard, the recording begins automatically. This feature is used when timing at the beginning of an audio cut is a problem or if the operator can’t reach the keyboard and the start button of the audio source at the same time. An example would be when the SMARTCASTER is in one room and the reel-to-reel tape machine is in another.

If the recording begins before the audio feed with Autostart On, there is enough line noise coming into the SMARTCASTER to trigger the record. Have an engineer check the board and eliminate the hum, static, etc. If the engineer cannot eliminate all of the audio line noise, contact SMARTS Support to adjust the start threshold.

Note: Users who have SX-8 audio cards or AudioPorts cannot use this feature.

Exercise: Auto Start

What You Do	Comment
1. Press F7 to activate Auto Start.	The guide Auto Start Off in the middle box at the bottom of the screen will change to Auto Start On.
2. Press F7 to de-activate Auto Start.	The guide Auto Start On changes to Auto Start Off.
3. Press F7 to activate Auto Start.	The guide Auto Start Off once again changes to Auto Start On.
4. Press F1 to Record.	To record an audio cut with Auto Start On.
5. Enter a five digit script number.	Use 12345 again.
6. Press ENTER to initiate the script number.	Cursor moves to Drive field. The audio cut information will be displayed if the cut already exists. The prompt will ask if the operator wants to record over the audio cut.
7. Press ENTER to bypass Drive field.	Allows the system to stay with the drive that has the most space available.
8. Type in the name.	This identifies the audio cut.
9. Press ENTER to move to the Start Date field.	Automatically defaults to today’s date. May be changed to any date the user chooses.
10. Press ENTER to move to the Stop Date field.	Automatically defaults to 12/30/10. Again, it may be changed to any date the user chooses.
11. Press ENTER to move to the Product Code.	Product Code will not be used in this case.
12. Press ENTER to move to the EOM Time.	The cursor rests in the Elapsed Time field.
13. Press ENTER to move past the EOM Time.	It won’t be used in this test.
14. Press ENTER to move to the next prompt.	The prompt appears stating, “Is this correct “(Y/N)”?
15. Press Y to answer yes to the question.	The information is confirmed as being correct and the system is ready to begin recording.
16. Press a key to begin recording.	The system will switch to listening mode…ready for the start of any audio through the console.
17. Activate the audio that is to be recorded.	The system will begin recording when it hears the audio.
18. Press ENTER to stop the recording when done.	The recording is done and an opportunity is offered to re-record if necessary.
19. Press ENTER to finish the recording session.	This recording session is complete.

Quick Quiz: Auto Start

1. What will start the recording when in Auto Start mode? ___________

2. What button activates Auto Start? __________

3. What will Auto Start say it is doing before it begins recording? _________

4. What button must be pushed to re-record an audio cut? __________

5. True or False: All audio sources must be within six feet of the SMARTCASTER keyboard. __________

F8 NET TRANSFER

Note: Due to technological advances, this feature is now obsolete and should not be used.

Most SMARTCASTERS that use a LAN (Local Area Network) are Generation 2000 systems. However, some Antex systems are equipped with a network. These systems handle recording in a different way. Recording is done locally instead of across the network. Then the audio is transferred across the network to the waiting SMARTCASTER or Server unit.

Having this option activated adds an additional step to the recording procedure. When finished with the recording the user is asked whether or not to add this audio cut to the Transfer List. If the user responds with a Y, the Record Screen requests the Destination Drive for the newly recorded audio cut. This is the destination hard drive on the SMARTCASTER that the audio is being sent to.

Once the information is entered, the Record Screen asks the user if the information is correct. If the user responds with an N, the questions start over. If the user responds with a Y, the item is added to the Transfer List.

NOTE: Only 20 items are allowed in the Transfer List at one time. Net Transfer is activated in PATH SETUP by changing selection 14 from ‘N’ to ‘Y’. This should only be done while a technician from SMARTS Broadcast Systems is assisting.

When the user selects this option, a new screen appears. This screen contains a list of audio cuts and their destinations. At the bottom of the screen, a new list of options appears.

F1 Add -Manually adds an item to the end of the list.

F2 Delete -Manually deletes an item from the list.

F3 Start Transfer -Starts the transfer process.

F4 Edit -Allows the user to edit (change) an audio cut destination.

F5 Insert -Lets the user add a cut in the middle instead of the end.

F6 Move -Lets the user change the list position of a cut.

ESC Exit -Exits back to the Record Screen.

Should the user accidentally repeat an audio cut in the list, a "*" appears next to both as a warning of the duplication.

Note: Due to technological advances, this feature is now obsolete and should not be used.

F9 BACKUP ON/OFF

Note: Backup must be configured in the system prior to use. Contact SMARTS Support to see if the system has it.

Not all SMARTCASTERS can backup effectively. Even though SMARTCASTERS can be configured to backup to floppy, it is not recommended.

The only effective ways to backup the audio information is either on another hard drive, or to a tape backup unit. This option deals with backing up to another hard drive in the system.

This option does not appear on the screen unless it is activated in the Setup Screens. Please refer to PATH SETUP, option 2 and the entire BACKUP SETUP Screen information in the Setup manual for details on backing up the system.

If this option is on, an additional step is added to the recording process. When the recording finishes, the Record Screen asks the user if the audio cut just recorded should be backed up. Should the user answer Y, the audio cut is copied to the designated backup drive. If the user responds with an N, the Record Screen clears.

Exercise: Backup On/Off

What You Do	Comment
1. Press F9 to activate Backup.	The guide Backup Off in the right-hand box at the bottom of the screen will change to Backup On.
2. Press F9 to de-activate Backup.	The guide Backup On changes to Backup Off.
3. Press F9 to activate Backup.	The guide Backup Off once again changes to Backup On.
4. Press F1.	The rectangular cursor will move to the Script field in the Record Screen.
5. Type 88888 and press ENTER.	(88888 is just a random example number). The cursor now goes to the next field.
6. Enter the Drive Letter and pres ENTER.	In multiple-drive systems, the unit automatically picks the drive with the most space.
7. Type the Name of the account and press ENTER.	Any name will do for this test case. Normally, the business name or song title would go here.
8. Press ENTER to bypass the Start Date.	The system will automatically default to today’s date.
9. Press ENTER to bypass the Stop Date.	The system will automatically default to 12/30/70 as the Stop Date. This can be used as the TFN date. That’s 2070.
10. Enter the Product Code (if any) and press ENTER.	Not needed at this point.
11. When asked "is this correct?" press Y for ‘yes’.	This states that the entered information is correct and the system is ready to record. Entering N for ‘No’ begins the process over again.
12. Now press a key to begin the recording.	The recording should begin. Screen indicators will show that the recording is taking place.
13. If the SMARTCASTER says it is "Listening," start an audio source to begin the recording.	Auto Start (F7) was turned on. The system will wait until it hears audio before it begins recording.
14. Press ENTER to stop the recording. If the user wishes to re-record the spot, press R. The SMARTCASTER sets the recording session back to the beginning.	Re-record is a failsafe so the operator doesn’t have to enter all of the information in a second time if they need to re-record for whatever reason.
15. Press ENTER to finish the recording process.	The recording is completed and the backup prompt appears. The prompt says, “Do you wish to backup this audio cut? The choice is yes or no.
16. Press Y to confirm the backup.	A visual display will appear showing the transfer process. The display will disappear when the process is complete. This should take several seconds. A “flash” on the screen means there was a problem. Contact SMARTS Support.
17. Go through steps 1 through 12. Then jump to step 18.	Going through the recording process again to see what to do to not backup.
18. Press N to say no to the backup.	The backup is discontinued and the unit returns to the main Record Screen.

Quick Quiz: Backup On/Off

1. What button on the Record Screen turns on Backup? _________

2. What setup screen determines the drive that will house the backup? ________

3. Is there a screen prompt for backing up each audio cut? ________

4. When Backup is on, how many places will contain the audio cut? _________

5. True or False: Once Backup is on, all audio cuts will be saved. _________

F10 CHANGE PATH

This is used exclusively by Generation 2000 users who operate more than one radio station and share their commercials. While it is desirable to share commercials, Functions cannot be shared. This option exists to allow users the ability to record Functions specific to each station from one site. Only Functions beginning with an F can use this feature.

When the user selects this option, a new screen appears. The user can choose a destination SMARTCASTER from this list. Currently, only a few stations use this feature.

Please refer to FUNCTION SETUP in the Setup Manual for additional explanations of this feature. Due to the complexity of this procedure, it is usually done by the Installation Engineer sent by SMARTS. Basically, the operator needs to know where the Functions will be stored on each station. That information is stored in the FUNCTION SETUP and accessed by using the F10 key in the Record Screen.

To make a selection, enter the station number (1-10) and press ENTER. For stations with this feature, the proper destination should be chosen before each recording session where Functions are recorded into the unit to ensure that they are stored in the proper place. The originating stations’ path should be selected at the end of the recording session to eliminate possible problems.

Note: This is specifically designed to be used in a production room where Functions are recorded to more than one studio. There are drawbacks to using this feature from one on-air studio to another. While Studio One is recording Studio Two’s Functions, any closures received on Studio One will cause Studio Two Functions to play on Studio One. In other words, the wrong jingles, liners, and I.D.s will play on the air of the station doing the recording. This may be circumvented by placing the SMARTCASTER in Live Assist before going into the Record Screen.

Exercise: Change Path

What You Do	Comment
1. Press F10.	The Record Screen is replaced by the Multiple Function Path Screen. If F10 is not selectable, the system is not configured for its use. Stop here.
2. Press 2 to select a new station.	Picks the second station for directing newly recorded Functions.
3. Press ENTER.	Activates the change in pathing.
4. Press F1.	The rectangular cursor will move to the Script field in the Record Screen.
5. Type F686A and press ENTER.	(F686A is just a random example number). The cursor now goes to the next field.
6. Press ENTER to bypass the Drive Letter.	In this case the system automatically picks the drive that has been designated by Change Path.
7. Type the Name of the Account and press ENTER.	Any name will do for this test case. Normally, the Announcer name or Function title would go here.
8. Press ENTER to bypass the Start Date.	The system will automatically default to today’s date.
9. Press ENTER to bypass the Stop Date.	The system will automatically default to 12/30/70 as the Stop Date. This can be used as the TFN date.
10. Enter the Product Code (if any) and press ENTER.	Not needed at this point.
11. When asked "is this correct?" press Y for ‘yes’.	This states that the entered information is correct and the system is ready to record. Entering N for ‘No’ begins the process over again.
12. Now press a key to begin the recording.	The recording should begin. Screen indicators will show that the recording is taking place.
13. If the SMARTCASTER says it is "Listening," start an audio source to begin the recording.	Auto Start (F7) was turned on. The system will wait until it hears audio before it begins recording.
14. Press ENTER to stop the recording. If the user wishes to re-record the cut, press R. The SMARTCASTER sets the recording session back to the beginning.	It’s a failsafe so the operator doesn’t have to enter all the information in a second time if they need to re-record for whatever reason.
15. Press ENTER to finish the recording process.	The recording is completed.
16. Press F10to change path.	Setting the system back to the original path.
17. Press 1 to select the original path.	The system returns to the main Record Screen.

Quick Quiz: Change Path

1. Change Path is used to record what? _______________

2. How many choices are there on the Change Path Screen? ______

3. What Setup Screen is used to create the paths for the Change Path Screen? _________

4. What button activates Change Path? ________

5. True or False: The Change Path feature can only be used in Generation 2000 systems. _________

ALT+R RENAME CUT

The Rename Cut feature was designed to cover a common mistake. Whether a clerical error, a transposition, or some other form of mistake, audio cuts can sometimes be given a wrong number. In early versions, this meant that the cut needed to be re-recorded. The ALT+R feature allows the user to change a script number from one number to another. This allows the announcer to quickly change the number on a cut rather than re-record the material. It also allows the cut to be duplicated without spending the time to re-record it. If the new cut number already exists, a prompt will appear asking if the cut should be over-written.

Note: This feature does not work with Functions. It may only be used on commercials and music cuts.

Exercise: Rename Cut

What You Do	Comment
1. Press ALT+R.	Both keys must be depressed at the same time. A prompt appears asking for the original script number.
2. Type in 88888.	This is the original script number, the number we wish to change.
3. Press ENTER.	The original number is accepted and the second prompt appears, asking for the New Script number.
4. Type in 88887.	This is the new script number, the number it will become.
5. Press ENTER.	The new number is accepted and the third prompt appears, asking if the original cut number should be maintained.
6. Press Y.	The audio cut is copied to the new number while maintaining the old number. The main Record Screen re-appears.
7. Press ALT+R again.	Again, the prompt appears asking for the original script number.
8. Type in 88888.	This is the original script number, the number we wish to change.
9. Press ENTEr.	The original number is accepted and the second prompt appears, asking for the New Script number.
10. Type in 88886.	This is the new script number, the number it will become.
11. Press ENTER.	The new number is accepted and the third prompt appears, asking if the original cut number should be maintained.
12. Press N.	The audio cut number is changed to the new number. Only one number has this audio cut. The main Record Screen re-appears.
13. Press ESC twice.	The system returns to the Main Screen.

Quick Quiz: Rename Cut

1. Name one of the keys used to activate Rename Cut. _______

2. What screen must you be in to use the Rename Cut feature? ______________

3. How many script numbers must be known to rename an audio cut? ___________

4. Is there another place in the program to rename a cut? _________________

5. True or False: Rename Cut requires the audio cut to be re-recorded. ________

ESC EXIT

Pressing ESC exits the Record Screen.

Cut Manager

Cut Manager is the method used to inspect and manipulate the stations’ audio inventory, be it commercials, music, jingles, time announcements, or temperature announcements. Cut Manager displays the Cut Number, Cut Name, Start Date, Stop Date, Product Code, Length, End Of Message, and Drive Letter. It may be used to list, sort, find, audition, or delete any of the inventory. Cut Manager can also be used to re-record a cut, and check the hard drives.

Cut Manager can be accessed from the Main SMARTCASTER Screen by pressing the ESC key to get the menu bar across the top of the screen, selecting AUDIO, then using the DOWN ARROW key to highlight Cut Manager. Press ENTER to activate the program. Once in Cut Manager, the choices are Spots, Music, Functions, Times, or Temps. Each of the highlighted keys will enter that part of Cut Manager. The program will begin loading the respective information once a button has been pressed. Once loaded, the information will be displayed on the screen. The total number of cuts will be displayed in the upper-right hand corner of the screen.

To get around in this screen, use the LEFT, RIGHT, UP, and DOWN ARROW keys, Page Up or Page Down, and Home or End. The LEFT AND RIGHT ARROW keys will go from column to column. The UP and DOWN ARROW keys will scroll up and down by increments of one. The PgUp and PgDn keys will change pages on the screen, moving in increments of 16 at one time. The HOME and END keys will jump to the top or the bottom of the list, respectively. The cursor is the purple line and is moved by use of the UP and DOWN ARROW keys. To select a particular item move the cursor to cover that item and press the SPACE BAR. The text of the item will turn yellow when selected and the cursor will move down to the next item in the list. When selecting the last item in the list the cursor remains on that item. When de-selecting an item, place the cursor over the yellow text of that item and press the SPACE BAR. To de-select all of the items that have already be selected, merely press the ALT+C keys. Pressing the ALT+H keys will display the Help Screen. Using the UP and DOWN ARROW keys will allow viewing of the Help Screen.

Other options available once the screen has loaded include Sort, Output, New Cut, Drives, and Find. To access any particular option press the key highlighted in red, S, O, N, D, or F. Pressing ENTER on an item will bring up a prompt before going to the Record Screen. The prompt allows the user to Record, Edit Data, or Audition. The cursor automatically comes up on Audition. Pressing R for Record will bring up that item in the Record Screen and ask if it should be recorded over. The recording is normal from that point on. Pressing E for Edit Data will bring up that item in the Record Screen and allow it to be edited. The editing is normal from that point on. Pressing A for Audition will bring up that item in the Record Screen and allow it to be auditioned. The auditioning is normal from that point on. When done, pressing the ESC key once will return the Cut Manager Screen.

SORT

Any particular column can be selected by using the RIGHT and LEFT ARROW keys to highlight the column of choice. The text in each column brightens as it is selected. Once selected, that column may be sorted by pressing the S key for Sort. Items in that column are sorted in ascending order. Only one column may be sorted at a time.

FIND

This is a shortcut when looking for a specific name or number in a large list. This feature is limited to the Cut Number or Cut Name.

Either name or number may find an audio cut. Use the RIGHT and LEFT ARROW keys to select which field to use and then press F to Find. When prompted, enter the item to find. For example, for finding cut 00131, select the number field using the RIGHT and LEFT ARROW keys, then press F and type in 00131 and press ENTER. If a matching cut is found, it appears at the top of the list alrea0dy highlighted and is in yellow to show that it is selected. Finding a cut by name works the same way.

All or part of an item may be found. For instance, when searching the list of audio cuts to find all entries that contain the word “Test”, simply arrow RIGHT or LEFT over to the Cut Name field, press F, and type in “test” (not case sensitive), then press ENTER. All cuts with names containing “test” anywhere in them appear at the top of the list and are selected (yellow).

A general search can also be done. If all of the audio cuts for account 777 need to be found, merely type in 777 and press ENTER. All audio cuts that contain 777 somewhere in the title will be selected and presented at the top of the screen. Unfortunately, this will pull up not only cuts 77731 and 77732, but will also pull up cuts 07771 and 03777. When looking for a specific account, it may be easier to use the Cut Name field and use just a few letters from the name of the account. For exhibition purposes, quick use of the space bar can de-select the audio cuts that do not apply, leaving just the desired cuts highlighted on the screen. So, whether showing the boss all of the outdated audio cuts, or showing a salesman all of the audio cuts for a specific account, this is a quick and efficient tool.

DELETE

This feature is used to remove unneeded audio from the hard drive. By using the UP and DOWN ARROW keys and the SPACE BAR, as many audio cuts as desired may be selected. Once the cuts have been selected, pressing the DELETE key will warn that there are cuts to be deleted and ask for permission to continue. The choices are ‘Yes’, ‘No’, or ‘Escape’. ‘No’ or ‘Escape’ will terminate the process. ‘Yes’ will continue the deletion process. A second prompt appears providing one more chance to terminate the process without losing audio. Once this prompt is answered in the affirmative, the process will continue until the selected audio is deleted. The selected audio cut remains on the screen once it has been deleted. The fact that it changes color and has a red “x” to the right of the number indicates that it is no longer available.

Using the Sort feature may enhance Delete. Sorting by End Date will group all of the audio cuts by date, allowing the user to select the dates that are outdated and need to be deleted.

NEW CUT

This feature is used to access the Record Screen while in Cut Manager. Pressing the N key brings up the prompt asking for the script number of the intended cut. Typing in the number and pressing ENTER will bring up the Record Screen with the number and drive selection already entered. The cursor rests on the drive selection so that it may be changed if necessary. The rest of the recording process is like the standard procedure. When the recording is completed, pressing the ESC key will return the operator to the Cut Manager Screen. The newly recorded cut will appear on the screen.

OUTPUT

This feature allows the Cut Manager list to be transported elsewhere. Sometimes it is good to have a hardcopy (paper) list of the commercials or music in the library. The Sales Force likes to look over the current inventory; announcers need to know information about a song. A printout makes the information available.

Pressing the O key brings up a prompt asking for a choice of printer or disk. It is recommended that the SMARTCASTER NEVER be hooked to a printer. The information should be downloaded to a disk and that disk taken to another computer which has a printer. Selecting “disk”, the prompt shows the path, i.e. the floppy drive and the name of the file that will hold the information. The default is A:\LIST.TXT. The operator may change the path and file name. Pressing ENTER will download the information to the disk inserted into the floppy port. The disk can then be taken to another computer and the file printed out.

Output works best when tied in with the Sort feature. Output sends the file to disk the way it was last sorted. Sorting the Music by Cut Name allows it to be printed out in alphabetical order for use as a reference library for announcers. Sorting the commercials by End Date allows the Sales Force to see what spots are outdated. Sorting the spots by Cut Name allows the Sales Force to look for their accounts alphabetically.

DRIVES

This feature is an unfinished mapping tool. It uses two columns to show the drives that are available and the types of information stored on them. The S, M, F, and R stand for Spots, Music, Functions, and Removable, respectively. An “x” may be placed between the parenthesis in each column for each drive to indicate the type of audio that may be stored there. Removable indicates that particular drive is portable, such as a tape drive, Zip drive, or Jaz drive. Use the arrow keys LEFT, RIGHT, UP, and DOWN to get around the screen. Pressing the S, M, F, or R keys activates or de-activates that form of audio for storage on that drive. This screen also reads the Backup Setup and displays the drives involved in the backup. Again, this is an unfinished tool. Watch the newsletter for further information.

ALT + V

This key combination is used to verify EOMS and duration before export to the Digital Program Director. The confirmed information will be displayed in Cut Manager.

ESCAPE

Pressing the ESC key exits the Cut Manager Screen.

Note on Floppy disks.

If any errors occur during this process, be sure that the floppy disk is formatted. Refer to the Formatting A Floppy Appendix.

The Term "Floppy" disk applies to both the 3.5” and the 5.25” type of disk.

Exercise: Cut Manager

What You Do	Comment
1. Press ESC once.	The menu bar appears.
2. Press ENTER once.	The menu window appears under AUDIO.
3. Press DOWN ARROW once.	The red cursor moves to Cut Manager.
4. Press ENTER once.	Cut Manager is activated. The selection screen appears with spots highlighted in red.
5. Press ENTER.	Cut Manager loads the spots. When done, the screen will show the first page of audio cuts. The upper right corner will show the total number of audio cuts found.
6. Press RIGHT ARROW once.	The title near the top center of the screen changes to Cut Name. The text in the column to the right brightens.
7. Press RIGHT ARROW once.	The title changes to Start Date and the text in this column brightens.
8. Press LEFT ARROW twice.	The title has changed to Cut Number and the first column is highlighted by brighter text.
9. Press DOWN ARROW once.	The purple cursor drops down one line.
10. Press UP ARROW once.	The cursor returns to the top line.
11. Press PgDn once.	If there are more than 16 cuts, the cursor will drop to the bottom of the page. If there are less that 16 cuts, the cursor will drop to the last item in the list.
12. Press PgUp once.	The cursor will go up by 16 cuts or to the top of the page depending on the number of cuts in the list.
13. Press the END key once.	The cursor will drop to the very last entry in the list.
14. Press the HOME key once.	The cursor returns to the top line in the list.
15. Press S once for Sort.	The system sorts the list by number since the Cut Number was highlighted. The cursor returns to the top line at the end of the sort.
16. Press RIGHT ARROW once.	The Cut Name is now highlighted.
17. Press S for Sort.	The system is now sorted by Cut Name.
18. Press RIGHT ARROW twice.	The Stop Date column is highlighted.
19. Press S for Sort.	The list is now sorted by Stop Date.
20. Press the SPACE BAR five times.	Each keystroke highlights an item in yellow and the cursor moves down to the next item. These items have been “selected.”
21. Press UP ARROW once.	The purple cursor now covers the last selected item.
22. Press the SPACE BAR once.	The selected item has now been de-selected. It is no longer yellow. The cursor moves down by one.
23. Press the ALT + C keys once.	All of the selected items in Cut Manager have now been de-selected. The cursor returns to the top of the list.
24. Press the ENTER key once.	The prompt appears offering a choice between recording, editing, and auditioning. Audition is highlighted in red.
25. Press the R key once.	The ‘R’ is the hot key…a shortcut for going to the Record Screen. The Record Screen appears with the information from the cut that the cursor was on when the ENTER key was pressed. The prompt asks if you want to record over this spot.
26. Press the N key.	The Record Screen clears. The selected cut remains intact.
27. Press the ESC key.	The Cut Manager Screen re-appears. The cursor has moved down by one.
28. Press the ENTER key again.	The prompt appears again offering a choice between recording, editing, and auditioning.
29. Press the E key.	Edit Data has been chosen. The Record Screen comes up in the Editing mode. Again, the information displayed is from the cut that the cursor was on when the ENTER key was pressed. The Record Screen cursor is resting in the Drive field.
30. Press the ENTER key three times.	The cursor is now resting in the Stop Date field.
31. Enter 112210 as the date.	The Stop Date is now set well into the future.
32. Press the ENTER key twice.	The change is accepted and the system asks if it is correct.
33. Press the Y key to accept the change.	The system saves the changes and clears the Record Screen.
34. Press the ESC key.	The Cut Manager Screen re-appears. The cursor has moved down by one. The item just edited shows a Stop Date of 11/22/10.
35. Press ENTER again.	The prompt appears again offering a choice between recording, editing, and auditioning. Auditioning is highlighted in red.
36. Press ENTER again.	Auditioning has been chosen. The Record Screen comes up in the Auditioning mode. Again, the information displayed is from the cut that the cursor was on when the e key was pressed. The prompt asks for a key to be pressed to begin the audition. Make sure the proper pot is selected on the control board.
37. Press the ENTER key.	The audio cut should begin auditioning. Let it play through. It will end with the option to quit or re-audition.
38. Press the ENTER key again.	The audition is finished and the Record Screen clears.
39. Press the ESC key.	The Cut Manager Screen re-appears. The cursor has moved down by one.
40. Press the LEFT ARROW key three times.	Cut Number is now highlighted.
41. Press the F key.	The Find feature is activated. The prompt appears saying , “Find what?” This only works under name or number.
42. Type in 888.	Designating the search pattern.
43. Press the ENTER key.	Activating the search. All audio cuts with a combination of three seven’s will be selected. They are displayed at the top of the screen in yellow text.
44. Press the ALT + C keys once.	All of the selected items in Cut Manager have now been de-selected. The cursor returns to the top of the list.
45. Press RIGHT ARROW once.	The Cut Name is now highlighted.
46. Press the F key.	The Find feature is activated. The prompt appears saying , “Find what?” Any word or part of a word may be used in the search.
47. Type in the word “test”.	“Test” will be the word we use in our search.
48. Press the ENTER key.	The search is activated. Items having the word “test” in them will be highlighted in yellow and grouped at the top of the screen.
49. Press the ALT + C keys once.	All of the selected items in Cut Manager have now been de-selected. The cursor returns to the top of the list.
50. Press the N key.	Choosing New Cut. The prompt appears asking for a new cut number to be entered.
51. Type in 77762.	Indicating the audio cut to be recorded.
52. Press the ENTER key.	The Record Screen comes up in the recording mode. The Record Screen cursor is resting in the Drive field.
53. Press the ENTER key five times.	The name, start and stop dates, and product code are bypassed. The prompt appears asking if this is correct.
54. Press the Y key.	The system is ready to record. Levels may be seen on the screen. A prompt appears showing how to start the record. We’ll record a couple of seconds.
55. Press the ENTER key.	The recording begins. The level indicators move on the screen.
56. Press the ENTER key again.	The recording stops. The prompt appears asking to re-record or quit.
57. Press the ENTER key again.	The Record Screen clears.
58. Press the ESC key.	The Cut Manager Screen appears. The new audio cut is listed on the screen.
59. Press the D key.	The Drives Screen comes up. There may or may not be a large number of drives listed. Pressing the S, M, F, or R keys will act as a toggle to turn on and off each designation.
60. Press the S key three times.	Notice the “x” appear and disappear under the S on C: Drive. The cursor is the red bar.
61. Press the DOWN ARROW twice.	The cursor moves down two.
62. Press the RIGHT ARROW once.	The cursor jumps to the second column on the screen.
63. Press the ESC key.	The Cut Manager Screen re-appears.
64. Press the O key.	The Output feature is activated. The first prompt asks for a decision between printer and disk. Disk is highlighted in red.
65. Press the D or ENTER key.	Sending the information to disk. The next prompt appears, showing the destination path and file name. A floppy disk should be inserted into the floppy drive.
66. Press the ENTER key.	The information is copied to the disk. The system returns to the Cut Manager Screen.
67. Press the DOWN ARROW twice.	The cursor moves down two lines.
68. Press the SPACE BAR.	The item is selected.
69. Press the DELETE key.	The deletion prompt appears requesting confirmation of the selected cuts.
70. Press the Y key.	To confirm deletion. A second prompt appears asking for confirmation of the decision.
71. Press the Y key.	The selected item turns gray. An “x” appears next to the number. The cursor returns to the top of the list.
72. Press the ESC key three times.	The system returns to the Main Screen.

Quick Quiz: Cut Manager

1. What key will take the cursor to the top of the list? ____________

2. What feature should be used to locate all cuts with 888 in the number? __________

3. What color is the text of a selected audio cut? _________

4. How are selected cuts de-selected? ____________

5. True or False: Cuts can be recorded or auditioned while in Cut Manager. _______

Verification Logs

This screen deals with the Verification Logs on the SMARTCASTER. It is a paper trail used to see what the SMARTCASTER has done throughout the day and may be used for affidavits. Using this, operators may also diagnose problems or get answers to questions.

This screen does not deal with the breaklog. To transfer a breaklog into the SMARTCASTER, select Import Traffic Log under the MAINTENANCE heading on the On-Air Screen. To view the breaklog, select the Breaks Option under the PROGRAMMING header on the On-Air Screen.

As an example of the Verification Log, if the Program Director hears a Mandatory Break going over the air, he/she could easily check the Verification Log to see what the system was doing at the time the break came down. The Verification Log could clearly show that the closure was missed, that the board operator left the SMARTCASTER in Live