To create and maintain Import Maps, select the Audio Importer Configuration tab in dcsTools Audio Import Manager. A list of defined Import Maps is contained in the Audio Maps panel, , which includes buttons for adding, modifying and deleting Audio Maps.
Audio Maps Panel
Import Maps are definitions of how to handle inbound audio source files that exactly match a specified file name (the file extension is ignored, other than to identify the source file type). Unlike Category definitions, a map definition allows you to define the output file name, including the use of substitution characters to create different output file names based on the time of day or day of the week. A map definition is useful, for instance, if you regularly receive audio files during the day that should have different file names to prevent playing content that may be outdated. It is also useful if an inbound source audio file is delivered with a file name that is incompatible with your output file naming requirements - it removes the need to rename the inbound file before submitting to dcsTools Audio Importer for processing via a matching Category.
Adding and Editing Maps
To add a new Map item, click on the [Add] button adjacent to the displayed list of maps. To edit a Map, [Double-Click] on the item or [Left-Click] on the item to select it and then click on the [Modify] button. The Add/Edit Map dialog is displayed.
Maps Add/Edit Dialog
Modify the map properties as needed for your purposes. In the properties table shown below, items with a check mark in the REQ column require user entry, while unchecked items have default values which can optionally be changed.
Property |
REQ |
Description |
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Enter the exact source file name, without an extension, for the file to be converted. If you are importing files whose file name varies a bit because, for instance, they contain a date representation, you can use the standard Windows wild card characters "?" and/or "*" to account for those variations. |
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Output Name |
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Enter the exact output file name, without an extension. This will be the file name of the processed audio file. The output name can contain substitution characters to dynamically create portions of the file name at processing time. Refer to the substitution characters example table for ideas on how substitution characters can be used. |
Description |
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Optional. If the inbound source file does not contain description information, you can enter description text in this field. At processing time, dcsTools Audio Importer will put this text in the appropriate place in the output file. For .DAF files, this text will appear in the Description field. If this field is left blank and the source audio file contains an appropriate description field, the contents of that description field will be carried over to the output file in the appropriate place. |
Default Expiration |
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The date, in number of days from the day of processing and converting, that will be used to calculate the end date of the item. To make an item "TFN" (till-further-notice), enter "‑1" (minus 1) as the value. The default for this property is "0" (zero), meaning the item is valid for the day of processing only for automation systems using an end date to determine whether or not to play the audio file. |
Output File Extension |
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This property determines the output file's extension and type. dcsTools Audio Importer structures the processed and converted file to the specifications of the selected extension type. |
[DAF Distribution] |
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If the map output file extension is either .DAF or .DFF, the [DAF Distribution] button is enabled, providing the means to change the map's default owner node and/or station nodes to which the audio will be sent. Click on this button to display the DAF Distribution Properties dialog. |
Audio Storage Properties |
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The storage method for the output file. Values include PCM (linear), MPEG 2, and apt-X™. You must have apt-X™ installed and licensed to use that storage method. If you select apt-X™ as the storage method and it is not present, import and conversion will fail. |
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The sampling rate that will be used for the output file. Available values will change based on the selected storage method. |
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The bit rate that will be used for the output file. Available values will change based on the storage method and Stereo flag. |
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The default value is checked, meaning the output file will be stereo. If unchecked, the output file will be monaural. |
Target Output Paths |
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This property is a list of available Output paths, based on your current Audio Paths list. As a default, all Output paths are checked, meaning they will all be used as a potential location for the finished file. To force dcsTools Audio Importer to put the finished files in a specific location, uncheck one or more of the available paths, leaving selected (checked) only those output paths that are to be used for this item.. Note: At least one path item must be checked. If not, dcsTools Audio Import Manager will display a message indicating you need to select at least one Target Output Path. |
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The Input Name, Output Name and Description fields cannot contain the characters &, <, >, " (quote) and ' (apostrophe). If any of these characters are used, the field will fail validation by dcsTools Audio Import Manager. |
When you have completed your edits, click on the [OK] button to save the changes. dcsTools Audio Import Manager will check your settings and display a message if there's a problem. Correct the problem and click on [OK] again. To discard your changes, click on the [Cancel] button.
Deleting a Map
To delete an existing map item, [Left-Click] on the item to select it, then click on the [Delete] button. You will be prompted to confirm the item deletion.
Editing DAF Distribution Properties
The DAF Distribution Properties dialog is used to change the default owner node and/or station nodes to which the audio will be sent. The dialog shows the current owner node and items in the distribution node list that are checked will receive the audio.
.DAF Distribution Properties Dialog
Change the owner node by entering the desired node number in the Owner Node field.
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Node numbers are zero-based, meaning number 0 = node 1. dcsTools Audio Importer limits available node numbers to 32 so the highest-entered owner node value must be 31 or less. |
Change the distribution nodes by checking or unchecking the desired station nodes. Checked items will receive the audio file, the non-checked items will not. If you wish to edit station node names to be more meaningful to you, this can be done in the dcsTools Audio Import Manager Preferences dialog.
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dcsTools Audio Importer limits station distribution to 32 nodes. If you are running a DCS or Maestro system with more than 32 work stations, nodes 33 to 64 will not receive imported audio automatically. You will need to use the audio system cart editing function to manually add any station nodes above 32 that need to receive the audio. |
