Some log records require a log time entry, some require a program or spot length. Some require a log Type Code or Directive Type. Where possible, entry of this information is made easier with special edit controls.
Time Fields
Time fields require a valid time be entered. The time entry fields in ezSuite allow you to take some short cuts in data entry.
For instance, if you want to enter a time of "3:00 PM", you can simply type "3p" and [Tab] to the next field. The time will be correctly listed as "3:00 PM".
To enter a time of "3:15 PM", you can type "3.15p" or "15.15". Notice that you don't have to use a colon ( : ) in entry - a period will work just as well. For minute values like ":03", you can enter ".3" (no leading zero required).
Log times are always expressed as hours and minutes with no seconds value, adhering to the requirements of a log for DCS or Maestro.
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Times entered without an "AM" or "PM", if entered in 12-hour format, will default to "AM". |
Length Fields
Length fields are those used for the length of an audio cart, the duration of a program, and the length of a directive. These are not really clock times, but are expressed as hours, minutes and seconds of length. The edit dialogs make some assumptions about typical lengths you might enter.
For instance, if you enter "10" in a length field, the result will be "0 hours, 10 minutes, 0 seconds".
If you enter "100", the result will be "1 hour, 40 minutes, 0 seconds".
To enter a value of 30 seconds, type "0.0.30".
The maximum allowed time for a length field is 16 hours, 39 minutes, 59 seconds, which adheres to the maximum logged length for XStudio, DCS or Maestro.
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The log display shows lengths as mmm:ss (up to 999 minutes, 59 seconds). These numbers are translated to hours, minutes, seconds in the edit dialog, then translated from standard hours, minutes, seconds to mmm:ss on the log display. |
Cart Number Fields
Cart numbers are always four (4) characters in length and may include the following characters only: A..Z, 0..9, {, }, !, #, %, ^, @, =, +. Note that the last six (6) of the allowed characters are macro characters, which are translated at run-time by the on-air audio delivery system.Type Code Fields
Type Code fields use a dropdown list to select type codes. You can also begin typing and the list will show the closest match. The lists are presented as full words to enhance readability. When working with a dropdown list, you can display the list by either clicking on the dropdown button or by using the keystroke [Alt-DnArrow].
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Most type code lists are fixed, meaning the user cannot change existing codes or enter new codes. The spot (audio item) Commercial Type is an exception - you can enter codes that do not appear on the list. |
Directive Type Fields
Directive Type fields use a dropdown list to select a directive type. Also, typing a directive type will show the closest match. When working with a dropdown list, you can display the list by either clicking on the dropdown button or by using the keystroke [Alt-DnArrow].
Directive selection fields will also place a default value in the Description field. If you are inserting a new Directive on the log and select a "Time Approximate Load Play" directive, the Description field will be filled in with "~ Load Play". If you select a "Cast-Off Load Play" directive, the Description field will be filled in with "$ Load Play".
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Automatic insertion of default description text is done only if the Description field is blank on opening the dialog. If you are editing a Directive and change the directive type, the default text will not be automatically inserted to replace existing text. |
Copy and Paste Text
For fields that contain text, you can copy and paste text using standard Windows keystrokes. Select text and use [Ctrl-C] to copy the text to the clipboard, use [Ctrl-V] to paste the text from the clipboard into a field. Most fields also support the standard mouse [Right-Click] on the field to present menu options to copy, cut, paste and delete field contents.
Confirming or Canceling Edits
Once you have edited a new or existing log item, clicking on the [OK] button will confirm the changes. To cancel the edits, click on the [Cancel] button. You can also press [Esc] or click on the edit dialog's close icon ( X ) to cancel an edit.
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When you confirm your changes, the information you've entered is validated. Fields that are required or have special requirements are checked. If there's something wrong with your edits, you'll get a message telling you what's wrong and the edit cursor is placed in the problem field. You will be unable to confirm (save) your changes until all fields that have special requirements are OK. On most dialogs, there are fields that are not required for the log to be valid and workable with XStudio, DCS, or Maestro. These fields can be left blank if desired. |
Context Help for Edit Dialogs
Each of the edit dialogs has context help available. To use context help, click on the context help button ( ? ) on the title bar, then click on the field for which you need help. You can also touch the [F1] key while in a field and get help for that field.
