Maximation

Published by Voice 1 Multimedia

Copyright © 2001-2002

Intel is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation. Active X, Microsoft, PowerPoint, TipWizard, Windows,
Windows ME, Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows XP are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Other product and company names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

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Contents
Introduction .....................................................5
System Requirements ................................................... 5
Registering Maximation ................................................. 6
Navigation ................................................................ 7
Title Bar ............................................................................... 7
Menu Bar .............................................................................. 8
Toolbar ................................................................................ 9
Status Window....................................................................... 10
Play list Window..................................................................... 10
Status Bar ............................................................................ 11

Library Management.......................................... 12
The Track Editor ........................................................12
Adding Individual Tracks ........................................................... 12
Adding Tracks in Bulk and File Audit ............................................. 15
Editing Tracks ....................................................................... 16
Deleting Tracks...................................................................... 16

Play Lists ....................................................... 17

Selecting Tracks using search .........................................17
Searching for artist, title or cart ................................................. 17

Adding Tracks to the play list .........................................17

Adding tracks individually ......................................................... 17
Adding tracks using groups......................................................... 18
Refreshing Groups................................................................... 18

Play List Options ........................................................19

Set Track As Next To Play.......................................................... 19
Delete Item .......................................................................... 19
Insert External Audio ............................................................... 20
Insert Time Out ..................................................................... 20
Insert Log ............................................................................ 20
Insert Note ........................................................................... 21
Insert Audio File..................................................................... 21

Creating, Saving and Validating Logs....................... 23

Saving a log ..............................................................23
Loading a Saved Log....................................................23
Loading a Blue Gum Log ...............................................23
Printing Logs .............................................................23
Validating Logs ..........................................................24
Hot Keys........................................................ 26
On Screen Keyboard .......................................... 27

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System Options................................................ 28
Colour Settings ..........................................................28
Audio Settings ...........................................................30
Format Options..........................................................31
File System ..............................................................32
Network Options .............................................. 33

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Introduction
System Requirements
? Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows XP Professional or higher
recommended

? 128 Mb RAM, 256 Mb or greater recommended

? Windows standard soundcard, Sound Blaster Live Soundcard

recommended

? 60 MB HDD for system files; recommended 60GB for music (average

CD quality MP3 file is approx 1.25 MB per minute)

? 100 MB full duplex Network Card if audio is being transferred over

network, Intel Pro recommended

? Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.5 or greater (included with recommended

operating system)

? Windows Media Player 6 or greater (included with recommended

operating system)

? 15” Monitor, 17” recommended

? CD Rom

? Email and Internet access recommended for regular software updates.

? Pentium II 300 processor; Recommended Pentium III 1GHZ Processor

or higher

*External audio uses the windows mixer and works with most sound cards
including Creative Sound Blaster Live.

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Registering Maximation
The first time you run Maximation you are requested to register the program.
Maximation will not run unless the program is registered.

To register Maximation:

1. The registration screen will appear the first time you run
Maximation.

2. The fastest method if installation is if you have internet access on the

automation PC. Type your name, station and email address.
Maximation via the internet will register your program. Click
Register by Internet. If you miss any required fields (as noted
with the asterisk*) Maximation will prompt you.

3. You may register by email. Email the displayed product code on

this to broadcastit@optushome.com.au. Your activation code will
be sent by return e-mail

4. If you have missed any essential fields Maximation will prompt

you.

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Navigation
The main Maximation screen is where you can select tracks, see available
tracks, and manually schedule.

The screen has the following components.

Title Bar The name of the program is displayed together with the
version number.

Menu Bar Menu items for Maximation

Toolbar Buttons and options used in Maximation

Display Box Displays the current track, the time, and the mode you are
using.

Play List The tracks and/or groups that have been played and those
that are scheduled

Available Tracks The tracks available to play on Maximation.

Title Bar

The Title Bar includes the name of the program, the version number, and
minimize, maximize/restore, and exit functions.

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Menu Bar

The Menu Bar has the following options

File Save Log See page 23

Load Log See page 23

Save Template When you save a play list as a template

rather than a log, the hours of timed events
will be replaced with wild cards. When
template is loaded the current hour will be
inserted in their place, that way you can
have a one hour template that can be loaded
for any hour of the day. Rather then
requiring a template for each hour.

Print Log See page 23

Load Blue Gum Log See page 23

Exit Exits the system

Mode Automated This mode should be used when the system

is running unattended priority is given to
continuous play.

Live The System displays the next item on the

play list and is more likely to stop on
encountering an error to allow the announcer
to make a decision on what to play to
replace missing material

Network This mode is used when the system is filling

network breaks from a satellite system. It
requires special hard ware.

View HotKeys See page 24

Lock and Unlock Locks the system to prevent tampering. The

password is 5588

Refresh Groups See page 18

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 Groups List See page 18

Keyboard See page 27

Settings Audio Data File By default the audio data file is in the same
folder as the automation, however if you are
running a network server you may host the
system from one PC. This option allows
you to select the location of the file

Fade Tracks on End When active, a tick will appear next to the
Cue option. It is recommended to keep this
Fade Tracks On End Cue active.

System Options See page 28

Network Options See page 33

Tools Audit Audio… See page 15

Validate Log See page 24

Toolbar
At the top of the screen is a tool bar offering quick access to commonly used
functions.

New The new page icon at the top left of the screen will allow
you to clear the play list.

Open Log The open folder icon allows you to open a play list log
that has been previously saved.

Note this option only allows you to open Maximation

logs Blue gum logs must be opened from the file
menu.

Save Clicking the save button will allow you to save the

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 schedule (log) currently in the play list window.

Find The find icon is handy when loading a log exported

from a scheduling system like blue gum: it takes you
to the point in the play list closest to the current time.
Play lists made in Maximation only show times on
time outs or notes, the find function will take you to
the nearest time it can find.
Play Smaller version of the play button

Stop Smaller version of the stop button

Time out This button is used to locate a track the fill fit
between the time it is pressed and the top or bottom
of the hour, a quick way of getting something that
will fit between now and the news for example.

Status Window
The status window shows the current system time and when a track is playing
the remaining time on a track, a progress bar also displays the relative position
of the play back of the track. The title and artists details of the currently playing
track are also displayed.

When a track is being played from the play list it will be highlighted the system
colours can be changed under the settings menu (see page 28).

Play list Window

The play list window is the window on the left of the screen that indicates the
order tracks will be played in. This is where you build your schedule you can
drag tracks from the available tracks list on the right of the screen or insert
‘Smart items’ like time outs, external audio feeds, notes, groups of music for the
system to select from, even links to other schedules. The green “+” indicates the
items will chain that is one track will immediately follow another clicking this
box will change it to the red “-“ indicating the system will stop and wait at the
completion of that item

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Status Bar
At the very bottom of the screen is a status bar reflecting the current system time
and date, the file name of the currently playing track or when a track was last
played or the name of the filler being played in a time out action. These will
vary depending on what the system is doing at the time.

The last item on the right of the Status bar is the time out target, Date and Time
(if any) this let’s you know what the system is looking to as the next time out
target. If after reaching a time out the system can’t find another time out it will
set a time 24 hours in advance.

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Library Management
All adding, editing and deleting of tracks is completed from within Maximation.

The Track Editor

The Track Editor is designed to assist you in managing your tracks. It allows
you to select a track, preview the track, place start and end cues, select a group,
filler options, and day parting options, together with Title and Artist names.

The screen has the following components

Menu Bar File and Settings options

Track Details The name, the duration, file path, of the selected track

Details The group, cart number, filler, title, and artist of the selected
track

MP3 Tags To read or save MP3 tags. The MP3 tag will appear in the
available track listing.

Presentation The start trim and end cue points

Day Parting When the song can and cannot be played, including the
option of date range.

Adding Individual Tracks

1. Right click in the track view. A shortcut menu will appear with
four options – Edit Track, Add New Track, Delete Track, and Bulk
Change. Select Add Track.

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 The Track Editor screen will appear.

2. Click Select Track. Locate the track you wish to add using the
Select Audio Track dialog box.

3. Select the group you wish this track to belong to from the
Grouping drop down box.

If you wish to create a new group, you can type the new group name
directly into the Grouping box.

4. Click Read MP3 tag. Any MP3 track details previously saved for
this track will appear.

5. Type the Cart, Title, and Artist information into the appropriate text
boxes.

This Cart information is alphanumeric, meaning that letters and

numbers may be used. Numbers on their own must be greater then
100 as 0 to 99 are reserved by the system of internal use. M10 is ok
by 10 is not.

6. If you would like the song to fade out, ensure is

selected. By default, all new tracks will be selected Fade Out. The
track may end “cold” by ensuring Fade Out is not selected.

7. If you do not wish to use the track as filler, select the Do Not Use as
Filler check box. When this is selected this
song will not be used in time-outs.

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 When in “time out” mode or when you click the clock button on
the main window the system will fill to time by selecting random
items from the library, most music items are suited to this as are
station ID’s and promos, but you would not want the intro to the
funeral announcements for example to pop up at any time the
system needed to fill 30 seconds, so you would make sure this
box was ticked on any item that is not suited to random play.

8. Click Save MP3 Tag to save the cart, title, and artist information.

9. Start Trim is used to ensure any silence at the commencement of

tracks is removed. This is a common occurrence in many imported
tracks. The time is shown in hours: minutes: seconds: milliseconds.

To remove any silence at the start of a track, click Play. Estimate

the number of seconds (if any) you would like to remove from the
start. Type the number of seconds you would like removed into
Start Trim. To test timing, click Play again. The song will play
with any trimmings you have added. Click Stop to stop the track
from playing.

10. The End Cue is where you would like the song to commence
fading and pulse in the next track or song. It is important to set this
on all tracks.

To set the end cue, click Play End. Maximation will play the last
20 seconds of the track. Click End Cue at the point of the fade
point.

11. Most things you play on your radio station are time or date
sensitive, some songs are better left out of breakfast, Promos for
breakfast should not be played in breakfast and commercial
content usually has an expiry date. The Hours are shown in 24-
hour time, for example, 16 is 4pm. By default all of the boxes
are selected meaning this track can play at any time of the day.
If you do not wish a song to play in a given hour remove its tick
from the appropriate hour. For example, if you do not wish the
track to play between 9am and Midday you would uncheck the 9,
10, and 11 boxes. The 12 box represents between Noon and
12:59:59 inclusive.

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 To set a date range tick the date range option then use the drop
down on the left to display a calendar from which you can select
a start date do the same on the right to set the end date.

NOTE: The dates you set are inclusive that is 1/1/01 to 13/1/01
will play on the first and the 13 of January 2001 and every day
in between.

You can also click All to select all hours, and Clear to remove all
hours.

12. Select Save to save all of the details. If you Close without saving
you will lose all the information entered.

Adding Tracks in Bulk and File Audit

When you are setting up Maximation you may wish to complete a bulk import
of tracks.

To complete a bulk import of tracks

1. Select Audit Audio from the Tools menu

2. Check Import New Files, followed by File Audit

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 3. Maximation will then search for music tracks that are not in your
library. A report will be generated at the end of the search.

4. Maximation will produce a summary of how many files have been

inserted into the library. Click OK to continue.

Note: you must enter at least one track from each of the folders you
store your music in as the system only searches the folders that it
knows contain audio.

Editing Tracks
At any stage you may be required to edit a track, for example, day parting or the
group it belongs to. To edit a track:

1. Locate the track in Available Tracks. Right click the track you wish
to edit. A shortcut menu will appear with four options – Edit Track,
Add New Track, Delete Track, and Bulk Change. Click Edit
Track.

The Track Editor screen will appear.

2. Edit the track using the same principles in Adding a Track (page)

3. Select Save to save all of the details. If you Close without saving
you will lose all the information entered.

Deleting Tracks
1. Locate the track in Available Tracks. Right click the track you wish
to edit. A shortcut menu will appear with the following four options
– Edit Track, Add New Track, Delete Track, and Bulk Change.
Select Delete Track

2. A confirmation will appear requesting confirmation. Select Yes to

delete the track and No if in error. If you are unsure, click No.

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Play Lists
The Play List is where Maximation determines what track to play next. A track
could be a song, promo, news opener, community service announcement, or any
other sound file you may have available. The Play List is where you enable
time-outs to occur and perhaps insert an external audio source such as the news.
You can save your log for repeat use and automatically load another log to play.

Selecting Tracks using search

Selecting tracks is simply finding the track you wish to play and then dragging it
into the log. Alternatively, random play of tracks may be achieved by using
Groups.

There are two methods of locating tracks using Select Tracks. Select Tracks is
located on the right side of the main Maximation screen.

Searching for artist, title or cart

1. In the Available Tracks Category box select the type of search you
would like to conduct. The following screen picture has Artist
selected.

2. Type the name of the artist using * to represent multiple characters.

This is called a wildcard search. For example, to search for all
artists commencing with M type M* and then Find. The available
tracks will show all tracks where artists begin with M.

3. You can also search by grouping. Use the grouping drop down box
to select the group you wish to use. Select the group you wish to
view. All available tracks in this group will appear.

Note: When you use this feature it ignores any searches you may have
in the category field.

Adding Tracks to the play list

Adding tracks individually
1. After completing the search click the track you would like to play.
Hold down the mouse button while you drag the track into the play
list.

2. Continue to select tracks by dragging them into the play list.

3. Tracks may be added at any time, even when another track is

playing.

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Adding tracks using groups
Groups are used to “group” your tracks together. Common groups may include
Promos, types of music (current, gold, 90’s, etc), sponsorship announcements,
and any that you define. There is no limit on how many groups you may use,
however you may find it easier to manage with a smaller number of groups.

1. Use the track editor to ensure your tracks are added to groups.

2. Select Groups List from the View menu. The following Group
List screen will appear. This screen will remain “on top” of your
computer until closed. The Groups listed will depend upon the
names you have selected for the group.

The Groups screen has the following three columns

Group Name The name of the group as defined by the

user

Tracks The no of tracks in the group

Avg Dur The average duration of the tracks in that

group.

3. Drag the required group name. Dragging one group will only play
one track, not repeat multiple selections from the same group. You
will need to continue to drag groups onto the play list.

4. When specifying a group, the track played is at random from all of

the available groups in the list with reference to:

? The time the track was last played

? Artist separation – no artist will be played within 4 hours of the

previous track (this option may be turned off. See page 31).

Refreshing Groups
If you have recently added new group names while using the track editor and
have not restarted the program you will need to refresh the groups list.

To refresh the groups list:

1. Select Refresh Groups from the Tools menu. The Groups List
will refresh.

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Play List Options
When you right click in the play list a sub menu will appear.

The options are:

Set As Next to play The selected track will be the next item to play

Delete Item The selected track will be deleted from the play list

Insert Ext Audio Insert an external audio source at the given time for a
specified period.

Insert Time Out Insert a time out point (useful for satellite news
broadcasts)

Insert Log Insert another log to play

Insert Note Insert a note or reference for your information

Insert Audio File Insert an audio file that is not part of your available
tracks.

Set Track As Next To Play

Whilst using Maximation you may need to skip ahead by a few tracks.
Maximation automatically plays the next track in the log, however if you wish
to move ahead you can use Set As Next To Play.

To set as next to play:

1. Right click the track you wish to play next.

2. Select Set As Next To Play. After the current track finishes

playing, this track will now be the next to play. The track will be
highlighted in Dark Blue.

Delete Item
To delete an item in the play list:

1. Right click the track you wish to delete. The track will delete
without asking for you confirmation. Please note the track will only
delete from the play list and will be available in the available track
list.

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Insert External Audio
External audio is most often used for an external news or weather broadcast. It
is important that a time out is inserted before adding the external audio.

To insert external audio:

1. Right click the position in the play list where you would like the
time out to occur. A short cut menu will appear.

2. Select Insert Ext Audio. The Insert Ext Audio box will appear

3. Type a description for the external audio, for example, “News”.

Enter the duration the external audio is to run. For example, if the
duration is 4 minutes 30 seconds, type 04 in Min, and 30 in Sec.

4. Click Insert.

Insert Time Out

Maximation will time out to a given point in your log. For example, you may
wish to time out to the hour for a news bulletin. A time out works by using
fillers to fill the time available. The next track or event, for example, external
audio, will occur at the time nominated. To insert a time out:

1. Right click the position in the play list where you would like the
time-out to occur. A short cut menu will appear.

2. Select Insert Time Out. The Insert Time Out box will appear.

3. Enter the time out in 24-hour format. For example, to insert a time-
out at 2.30pm enter 14 in the Hr box, 30 in Min, and 00 in Sec. You
may wish to add a description in the text box.

4. Click Insert. The time out will apply at the specified time.

Insert Log
A saved log may be inserted into the current log for continuous play. For
example, you may make logs that are 3 hours in duration. At the end of each
log, you may insert a log that will load automatically.

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To insert a log:

1. Right click the position in the play list where you would like the
Insert Log to occur. A short cut menu will appear.

2. Select Insert Log. The Insert Log entry box will appear.

3. Click Browse to search for the log. When you have selected the
appropriate log click Insert.

Insert Note
For assistance in reading your log or play list you may wish to insert a note.
A note is for your information only and does not cause any variation to the
tracks or other items playing. The time assigned to the note acts as a
reference you can click the find button on the tool bar to find the nearest
event to the current time

To insert a note:

1. Right click the position in the play list where you would like the
note to appear. A short cut menu will appear.

2. Type your note in the note text field.

3. Click Insert.

Insert Audio File

You may wish to play a file that has not been set up in your available tracks.
This will be more than likely a once-off track.

To insert an audio file:

1. Right click the position in the play list where you would like the
audio file to appear. A short cut menu will appear.

2. Click Browse to select the file.

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3. Click Insert to insert the audio file, or cancel.

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Creating, Saving and Validating Logs
A log is a saved play list. A log may be created by using a Play List or
importing a log from Blue Gum.

Saving a log
To save a log:

1. Select Save Log from the File menu.

2. Maximation will ask for the location where you would like to save
the log. Save the file as required.

Loading a Saved Log

To load a log:

1. Select Load Log from the File menu.

2. Maximation will request the file name of a previously saved log.

Open the log as required.

Loading a Blue Gum Log

To load a Blue Gum Log:

1. Select Load Blue Gum Log from the File menu.

2. Select the Blue Gum Log you wish to load. It is important to know
the file path of where Blue Gum exports its files to.

3. The Blue Gum Log will load in the play list.

Printing Logs
Maximation allows you to print your logs. To print a log:

1. Ensure the log you wish to print is loaded.

2. Select Print Log from the file menu. The Print selection box
appears.

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 3. Print the log as required.

Validating Logs
It is recommended that logs are validated on a regular basis to ensure there are
no missing tracks or problems that may occur when playing the log.

To validate a log:

1. Select Validate Log from the Tools menu. Maximation will

review the currently loaded log to ensure it is valid. Validity refers
to ensuring that all the carts listed in the log are available in the
system and their duration matches the duration displayed in the log.
Useful when importing Blue Gum logs.

2. A valid log will receive the following message

3. Click OK to close the message.

4. A log with a potential problem will receive the following

message(s):

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The first message(s) will show which cart numbers are not available
to be played. For example, they may have been deleted from the file
system.

After any missing carts have been shown, a summary of the number
of missing carts will appear.

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Hot Keys
Hot Keys are up to eight of your favourite audio tracks or groups that may be
played on a regular basis. Hot Keys are commonly used for stingers, station
promotions and comic laughs. They are normally of short duration.

To set a hot key:

1. Select Hot Keys from the View menu. The Hot Key screen will
appear.

2. From the Available Tracks click and hold down the left mouse
button and drag the required track onto one of the hot key. The
previous hot key will be removed.

3. The name of the hot key will appear as the name set in the Track
Editor.

4. You may also drag a group name onto the Hot Key.

To play a hot key:

1. Select Hot Keys from the View menu.

2. Click the track you would like to play. The track will play over
any other audio already playing.

3. The duration of the hot key will appear in the hot key display
window.

4. To stop a hot key earlier than its intended duration click Stop.

5. To fade a hot key earlier than its intended duration click Fade.

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On Screen Keyboard
Maximation has an on screen keyboard that can replace a hardware keyboard.
The keyboard is used in the same manner as a traditional keyboard; however,
you click the character required. The keyboard may only be used to search for
tracks.

To use the On Screen Keyboard:

1. Select Keyboard from the View menu

2. The keyboard will appear in the track list of the main screen.

3. Click the required letter to complete the search.

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System Options
There are many options you can use to customise Maximation. To set options
select System Options from the Settings menu.

Colour Settings
Maximation uses a colour-friendly selection of colours. However, you may
wish to change these for your own settings.

To change colour settings:

1. Select System Options from the Settings menu. The following

options appear:

2. Ensure System Colours is selected.

3. Double click the colour you wish to change. The change colour
dialog box will appear.

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4. Select the colour you wish to use and click OK. The colour will
now be updated in the Systems Colour box. Click OK to save the
changes, or cancel.

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Audio Settings

This allows you to set the level for the external audio source; it displays the
name of the sound card and the channel it will use for external audio.

You also have the option of having external audio sources fade out when
completed.

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Format Options

Enforce Day Part rules This option tells the system to take the day part rules
into account when selecting songs.

Enforce artist This option tells the system to no to select a track to

separation be played with in the number of hours specified.

Extend artist rotation This option asks the system to select the least recently
played artist rather then the least recently played track
when selecting from groups

Artist separation Allows you to specify the number of hours between

selecting at track from the same artist.

Hours between plays Specifies the number of hours a track should be rested
before being played again. Tracks played more
recently then this setting will be coloured as recently
played when dragged on to the play list if the enforce
depart rules option is selected.

Quick time out Allows users to have the quick time out (the clock
button) time out to a time other then the top or bottom
of the hour. An offset of 7 seconds will time out to
10:59:53 rather then 11:00:00

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File System

Allow production Allows you to decide if this pc can be used to make

functions on this pc changes via the track editor. For example you may
turn this off in the on air studio.

Delete audio files When selected this option prompts the user to delete
the audio file once a track is removed from the
system.

Use windows security This option allows each user to have private files that
are only displayed when that user is logged into
windows.

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Network Options

The network Break is only used by stations taking network programme and
requires special hard ware sold separately

It allows stations to map contacts to events in this example contact 5 would play
the next event in the play list window Please see documentation with 24/IO card
and your Satellite Providers event list for more details.

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