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Forum Index : Microcontroller and PC projects : Video Scheduling Software...
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Grogster Admin Group  Joined: 31/12/2012 Location: New ZealandPosts: 9425 |
Hi all.  I'm looking for some software that will run on Windoze 7, that will allow me to schedule playback of video files. Currently, I use VLC media-player, and a HUGE 330 hour playlist that simply repeats when complete. The output of this, is the program material for our internal village channel for the residents. Currently, VLC just plays the videos one after another, and they are all at random. Residents have asked if there can be a schedule similar to any other TV channel, where they would know when to tune in for a certain program. The actual chosen program would sill be random, it's just that at a certain time, they would know that THIS particular program will be showing an episode if you see what I am getting at. If anyone knows of any playback software like this, I would be very interested. The residents association are prepared to pay for a software that can do this, so I am not necessarily looking for freeware, but naturally, that would be the ideal solution.  Happy enough to look at upgrading the PC to run W10, or even more ideally - LINUX....so long as there is a Linux software that can do this.  Smoke makes things work. When the smoke gets out, it stops! |
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| Volhout Guru  Joined: 05/03/2018 Location: NetherlandsPosts: 4721 |
Hi Grogster, Any idea how to fill the gaps ? When you start a new program half our, there is always a gap to fill. -or- do you want to broadcast a "program guide", a single page that shows what is planned for the day ? Volhout PicomiteVGA PETSCII ROBOTS |
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TassyJim Guru Joined: 07/08/2011 Location: AustraliaPosts: 6181 |
You can control VLC from a command-line. I use that to schedule audio playback. The program I wrote will not be of any use to you but you could do something similar. I wrote it 8 years ago so my memory of any steps I went through are vague. The command-line starts VLC as a server. The actual commands are then sent though TCPIP. Jim VK7JH MMedit |
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| Grogster Admin Group Joined: 31/12/2012 Location: New ZealandPosts: 9425 |
It would be lovely, if I could have software that just showed a JPG etc, of the upcoming program, with some background music, and then when the time was right... Smoke makes things work. When the smoke gets out, it stops! |
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| TassyJim Guru Joined: 07/08/2011 Location: AustraliaPosts: 6181 |
Can you supply a list comma or TAB separated with the full name including path, start time and day of week or day of month? Just a few to start with. Provided VLC hasn't change how things are done too much it should be doable. Jim Edited 2025-02-24 17:24 by TassyJim VK7JH MMedit |
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| Grogster Admin Group Joined: 31/12/2012 Location: New ZealandPosts: 9425 |
OK, thanks Jim, I will do that - please wait a day or so for me to compile. EDIT: I don't want to have to enter in playlist data manually at the command-prompt to keep VLC happy. I need a GUI interface...... Edited 2025-02-24 17:46 by Grogster Smoke makes things work. When the smoke gets out, it stops! |
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| PhenixRising Guru Joined: 07/11/2023 Location: United KingdomPosts: 1092 |
Hey Graeme, Just throwing this out. We have a Android TV Box thread but dunno if you want to get into Oli Basic (RFO BASIC derivative) programming. Direct link I suspect that you'd prefer a ready-made solution.  Edited 2025-02-24 18:18 by PhenixRising |
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| PhenixRising Guru Joined: 07/11/2023 Location: United KingdomPosts: 1092 |
Oh wait...I wonder if these boxes have this feature as standard(?) I'll connect up and see if it has something. |
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Martin H. Guru Joined: 04/06/2022 Location: GermanyPosts: 1173 |
https://www.krea.ai/chat : Cobalt is a media scheduling software designed specifically for managing the playback of video and audio content, making it a good option for environments that require organized programming, such as community channels or radio broadcasts. Here are some of its key features and aspects: Key Features: Program Scheduling: Allows users to create a detailed schedule for when specific media files will play. This means you can designate specific times for individual programs, creating a structured programming lineup. Playlist Management: Users can build playlists containing various media files, which can be played back in a specified order or randomized based on parameters you set. Automation: Automates the playback process, ensuring that programs start and stop at the designated times without manual intervention. User-Friendly Interface: Typically features an intuitive interface that simplifies the scheduling process, making it accessible even for users who may not be extremely tech-savvy. Versatile Output: Supports various output formats, which can include video playback to multiple displays or streaming over the internet, depending on your setup. Logging and Reports: Can keep logs of what has been played, helping you track compliance and viewership if needed. Compatibility: Windows Compatibility: Cobalt media scheduler often runs on various versions of Windows, including Windows 7. However, it's essential to check the system requirements before installing. Use Cases: Ideal for community channels, radio stations, or any setting needing organized media playback. Particularly useful in environments where specific programs need to air at designated times, providing a more TV-like experience for viewers. Considerations: Cost: Depending on the version and licensing structure, Cobalt may come with associated costs, so consider this in your planning. Support and Community: Ensure you have access to customer support or a user community, as this can be helpful when troubleshooting or learning the software. Overall, Cobalt offers a robust solution for anyone looking to implement a structured and organized media playback schedule, making it suitable for your needs in managing your village channel effectively. 'no comment |
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| TassyJim Guru Joined: 07/08/2011 Location: AustraliaPosts: 6181 |
A ready made solution is best. My thoughts were a text list for each day with start time and file name. You have to create the list some how what-ever program you use. A gui for drag and drop is simple enough if you are adverse to typing. You have to decide the time of day for the first program and also for the last of the day. Then how many weeks to run the playlist for before repeating. Special day lists for Christmas etc? The program I wrote for myself starts at 9am every Sunday and runs a maximum of 5 files. Not very adventurous but what I needed. Jim VK7JH MMedit |
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| Grogster Admin Group Joined: 31/12/2012 Location: New ZealandPosts: 9425 |
Cobalt sounds ideal, but I can't find them on the web, despite doing some searching. I just get linked to companies that are nothing to do with media scheduling. Anyone got a link I can follow to find this thing? Martin? Smoke makes things work. When the smoke gets out, it stops! |
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| Grogster Admin Group Joined: 31/12/2012 Location: New ZealandPosts: 9425 |
I have found a very useful bit of software - PlayDeck: PLAYDECK... Free to download and use with watermark on output. Licence prices are VERY reasonable indeed, so I am going to download and experiment with this software. Plenty of videos on YouTube about how to use it too. Smoke makes things work. When the smoke gets out, it stops! |
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| Grogster Admin Group Joined: 31/12/2012 Location: New ZealandPosts: 9425 |
This also looks like a likely candidate.... MAGICSOFT... Smoke makes things work. When the smoke gets out, it stops! |
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