ForwardT Software Package

FDOnAir
Additional Sections

Revision as of 
December 3, 2008

User’s Guide
© SoftLab-NSK Ltd.
Notice

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FCC Information

FCC ID:

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pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
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Table of Contents

Introduction. ...................................................................................................................... 5

Аutoloading Schedules................................................................................................ 6
1. Autoload Mode................................................................................................ 6
2. Schedule File Name....................................................................................... 6
3. Autoload Start and Schedule Activation Time................................ 7
4. Schedule Start Time....................................................................................... 7
5. Autoload Settings........................................................................................... 9
6. Using the Autoload Mode.......................................................................... 9

The Split Movie Operation of Editing.................................................................... 12

1. Function............................................................................................................... 12
2. Action.................................................................................................................... 12
3. Starting the Operation................................................................................. 14
4. Settings of Splitting....................................................................................... 14
5. Performing the Split Movie Operation................................................ 16

Switching the Schedule. .............................................................................................. 19

1. Switching between the Schedule Tables in the FDOnAir Main
Window. ............................................................................................................... 19
2. Active Schedule............................................................................................... 19
3. Switching the Schedule Manually. ........................................................ 20
4. Switching the Schedule Automatically............................................... 20
5. Performing the Schedule Switching..................................................... 21
6. Example of Using the Command for Switching the Schedule...21
7. Setting Parameters for Switching the Schedule............................. 24

Time Synchronization. .................................................................................................. 25

1. Time Sources. .................................................................................................... 25
2. Selecting the Way of Synchronization................................................. 25
3. Adjusting Parameters for LTC Synchronization............................... 26

Immediate Break of Video Clip Playback............................................................. 28

1. The Break video playback Button........................................................... 28
2. Example of Breaking a Video Clip Playback...................................... 29

Viewing Data on the Computer Monitor without Using an FD300

Board. The SLTitlePreview Program....................................................................... 31
1. General Information about the SLTitlePreview Program........... 31
2. Launching the Program............................................................................... 31
3. The Order of Launching the FDOnAir and SLTitlePreview
Programs.............................................................................................................. 32
4. The Main Program Window....................................................................... 32
5. The Settings Window.................................................................................... 34
6. The Setting Procedure and Using the Program.............................. 35
Caching Video Files from a Remote Computer for Broadcasting.
The SLFileForwarder Program................................................................................... 39
1. General Information about the SLFileForwarder Program ...... 39
2. The Program Operation Rules and Parameters............................... 39
3. Logging the Program Operation............................................................ 41
4. Launching the Program............................................................................... 42
5. Modes of Operation. ..................................................................................... 42
6. Interface............................................................................................................... 42
7. Setting Parameters for Working with FDOnAir............................... 44
8. Setting Parameters for Data Transfer.................................................... 45
9. Setting the Cache .......................................................................................... 46
10. Setting and Using the Program............................................................ 46

Video Files Playback Settings File. .......................................................................... 52

1. Function............................................................................................................... 52
2. Ways and Rules of Use.................................................................................. 52
3. The File Name. .................................................................................................. 52
4. The Settings Recording Format .............................................................. 53

The TrimEditor Program............................................................................................... 56

1. Purpose................................................................................................................ 56
2. Program Launch.............................................................................................. 57
3. Main Program Window................................................................................ 57
4. Parameters Adjusting................................................................................... 59
5. Clip Scrolling. .................................................................................................... 60
6. Video Preview. .................................................................................................. 61
7. Audio Data Control........................................................................................ 63
8. Marking of the Fragment............................................................................ 64
9. Сonfiguration of Clip Playback Parameters. ..................................... 66
10. Keyboard Shortcuts Assigning.............................................................. 68
Introduction

This document contains sections supplementing the basic

FDOnAir User's Guide. We discuss here some new topical fea-
tures of the program and user interface.
From now on, updating FDOnAir User's Guide proper is
stopped. All the subsequent changes will be covered in this
document only.

Introduction

5
Аutoloading Schedules

1. Autoload Mode
The FDOnAir application has the ability to automatically down-
load a schedule and execute it.
Schedules that are to be autoloaded must be stored in text files
named in a certain way: a file name contains the date and time
of starting the schedule.
In the autoload mode, the application automatically:
●● continuously tracks the availability of appropriate
files in a specified folder;
●● when detects a file corresponding to the current mo-
ment of time:

Autoloading Schedules
●● reads the data to the schedule table inactive at the
moment;
●● activates the schedule (starts preparing for the
execution of the first command);
●● proceeds to the schedule execution at the specified
time.

2. Schedule File Name

A file that is to be to be autoloaded must be named as follows:
Autoload_Date_Time.air,
where:
●● Autoload – a required substring indicating that the file
is to be autoloaded;
●● _Date – a required substring indicating the date
of starting the schedule in the YYYYMMDD format,
where:
●● YYYY denotes the year;
●● ММ – the month;
●● DD – the day of the month;
●● _Time – a required substring indicating the time of
starting the schedule in the hhmmss format, where:
●● hh denotes the hour in military time;
●● mm – the minute;
●● ss – the second;
●● air – the standard extension of the FDOnAir file
names.

 Example: A file with a schedule which is to be autoloaded and executed

on July 25, 2007 at 13:39 PM must be named as follows:
Autoload_20070725_133900.air.

88 Important: Strictly keep the stated file name format. File names that do
not meet the requirements are ignored when autoloading.

6
3. Autoload Start and Schedule Activation Time
Autoloading a schedule to the table and its activation may take
some time.
It’s possible to adjust an anticipatory launching schedule auto-
load and preparing for the first command execution.
To adjust an anticipatory launching, use the controls located on
the FDOnAir Settings > Schedule autoload tab page. The autoload
start and schedule activation time are determined automatical-
ly on basis of the start time specified in a file name and values
set on the page.

4. Schedule Start Time

A schedule start time is specified in the file name.
Proceeding from a specific situation the application can auto-

Autoloading Schedules
matically change the actual time of starting commands.
If a command of playing data is being executed in the current
schedule, a new schedule will not start until displaying the cur-
rent clip is over, even if the moment of time specified in the file
name has come.

88 Important: The actual start time of a new schedule may shift by the time
required to complete playing the current data.

gg Tip: To avoid a start time shift, use the wait time active command con-
taining the required start time specified. The command forcibly
switches control to itself at a specified point of time.
A schedule having the command at the beginning will necessar-
ily start at the specified time (see example below).

7
  Example: Here goes an example of a transfer from one schedule to an-
other.
1. The Figures below show time 13:59.
2. The schedule being executed is located in the upper table.
The file reel_5.avi is being played. Its displaying is to be com-
pleted at 14:01:30.09.
3. After the displaying of the current clip has been started, a
new schedule from the file Autoload_20070803_140000.air was
loaded to the lower table. It’s specified in the file name that
the schedule is to start at 14:00.
4. The Wait time active command goes first in the schedule pre-
sented in Figure (A). The Wait previous command goes first in
the schedule in Figure (B). All the rest of the commands are
the same.
5. The start time of the file loza1020.avi is different in the two

Autoloading Schedules
cases presented in the examples:
●● in Figure (A) – 14:00:00.00, matches the time specified
in the Wait time active command;
●● in Figure (B) – 14:01:30.09, matches the end time of
playing reel_5.avi.

3
4
5

A B

8
5. Autoload Settings
To configure autoload, use the following tab of the FDOnAir ap-
plication settings: Settings > Schedule autoload.

Autoloading Schedules
4

The Schedule autoload tab

The controls of the tab allow you to set: 1 – using the schedule autoload mode
(enable/disable); 2 – a name of the folder with the schedule files; 3 – a value
for the schedule loading time; 4 – a value for the schedule activating time.

Schedule files that are to be autoloaded must be located in the

folder specified as the autoload directory.
The time of loading each schedule to the table is determined as
the time specified in the file name reduced by the value (in min-
utes) specified in the Start loading schedule at the latest field.
A transfer from one schedule table to another (from a current
schedule to a new one) is executed a few seconds before the
start time specified in the file name. A value used when calcu-
lating the moment of activation is specified in the Switch to new
schedule at the latest field.

6. Using the Autoload Mode

1. Create a schedule. Save it to a file, specify the required date
and time of loading.

9
 The file name must look as follows:
Autoload_Date_Time.air, where:
●● Date – the date in the YYYYMMDD format. For example:
20070821 – August 21, 2007;
●● Time – the time in the hhmmss format. For example:
063027 – 06:30:27.

Autoloading Schedules
Date Time

2. Ensure all the schedules which are to be autoloaded are

located in the same folder.
3. Click the Settings button in the FDOnAir main window. The
Settings window opens. Select the Schedule autoload tab.

10
 3
4
5

Autoloading Schedules
8

4. To switch on the autoload mode, check the

Enable schedule autoload check box.

5. To set the folder with the schedule files, click Autoload folder.
The standard Open dialog box opens. Select the required
folder and the file in it, click Open. The selected folder name
is displayed in the text field.
6. To set a value (in minutes) for determining the start time
of loading the schedules to the table, enter a number in the
Start loading schedule at the latest field.

7. To set a value (in seconds) for determining the time of acti-

vating schedules: enter a number in the
Switch to new schedule at the latest field.

8. To close the Settings window, click Close. The settings are ap-
plied.

11
The Split Movie Operation of Editing

1. Function
The Split Movie operation is intended to set playing a file by
parts, with breaks and can be used, e.g., when creating a sched-
ule for playing a film with commercials.
Performing the operation you can promptly get a schedule draft
containing several commands for playing fragments of the
original file and empty lines between them for inserting com-
mercials.
The Split Movie operation can be applied only to the commands
for playing data from a file:
●● Play video clip;
●● Play audio clip.

2. Action
By the Split Movie operation, one command for playing data is
automatically changed to a sequence of commands.
The created sequence presents a set of alternating blocks of two
types:

The Split Movie Operation...

●● blocks each with a command for playing a fragment of
the original file;
●● “empty” blocks to insert additional commands, e.g.,
commands for playing commercials.
Each block starts with the Wait previous command and is accom-
panied with a comment.
The total number of blocks is determined by the user when per-
forming the Split Movie operation and depends on the number of
breaks at the clip playback.
The file fragments created by the splitting do not intersect each
other and have the same length. Their total duration matches
the file duration.
The start time and duration of each fragment can be edited by
the user when splitting.

Note: The result of performing the operation presents several commands for
playing fragments of the clip, the original file being not splitted into
parts.

12
 Example: The picture shows the fragments of a schedule before (A) and
after (B) performing the Split Movie operation.
The Split Movie operation was applied to the
Play video clip reel_3.avi command (A).
The splitting was adjusted the way to insert 3 blocks of com-
mercials in the breaks between the clip fragments. The dura-
tion of the clip fragments was not adjucted, the default settings
being used.
As a result (B), the command for playing was transformed into
a set of commands consisting of 7 blocks. Each block starts with
the Wait previous command with a comment explaining the block
function.
Blocks 1, 3, 5, and 7 contain the command for playing a frag-
ment of the video clip ‘reel_3.avi’. All the four fragments have
the same duration (1/4 of the file total duration).
Blocks 2, 4, and 6 are empty and present blanks for further
editing.

The Split Movie Operation...

B

13
3. Starting the Operation
To start the operation, use the Split Movie button. It’s located on
the schedule editing panel.

88 Important: The button is available only if the current editing position is

placed on a line containing either of the commands:
Play video clip or Play audio clip.

4. Settings of Splitting
Click Split Movie. The dialog box with the settings for splitting
the selected file opens.

The Split Movie Operation...

1

Dialog box with the settings of splitting:

1 – buttons for setting the number of insertions; 2 – controls for setting a com-
ment to the clip fragments; 3 – controls for setting a comment to blocks with
other commands; 4 – a table with a schedule draft. In the table fields you can
edit: 5 – the fragments duration; 6 – comments to each block.

14
 Setting the number of insertions (breaks in the file broadcast) is
performed with two buttons:
●● “decrement by 1” – ;
●● “increment by 1” – .
The current number of insertions is displayed in the field be-
tween the buttons.
The schedule draft presents a table with columns displaying
information (which can be edited) about the created fragments:
●● Start – the start time relative to the clip beginning;
●● Length – the playback duration;
●● Comment – a covering text to each of the created
blocks.
Besides, the table allow you to edit the comments to the blocks
of commercials.
The table information is updated each time the number of in-
sertions is changed: the original clip is split anew into the corre-
sponding number of fragments (by 1 more than the insertions)
of the same length, the values in the Start and Length columns
being recounted.
The start time and duration of each fragment can be changed.

The Split Movie Operation...

To do so, click in the appropriate field of the draft table. The
Trim Editor dialog box opens, where you can adjust the bounds of
the fragment.

Note: Since the fragments must not intersect each other, and the total play-
back duration must not change, a change of a parameter value causes
recounting values in the adjacent fields.

There are two identical groups of controls for setting comments

to the schedule blocks: the first one is for a commentary to the
clip fragments and the second one is for the text attached to the
insertions. Each group contains:
●● a check box enabling/disabling a comment text;
●● a text field for editing the common part of the com-
ments. The specified text is to be repeated in all the
comments of the type;
●● the Apply button.

After the common part of the comments is set, each comment

can be edited additionally in the schedule draft table.

15
5. Performing the Split Movie Operation
1. Place the pointer on a line with the Play video clip command.

2
1

2. Click Split Movie. The dialog box with the settings of splitting
(the Split Movie dialog box) opens.
3. To set the number of blocks of commercials, click the “+” or
“–” buttons.

The Split Movie Operation...

3

4. Edit the comments to the clip fragments and blocks of com-

mercials.
5. Set the duration of the clip fragments:
a) for each fragment which is to be changed, click in the
Length field;

16
 b) in the editing dialog box (the Trim Editor dialog box), set
the required bounds for the fragment beginning and end.

a)

b)

The Split Movie Operation...

6. The values in the corresponding fields of the Length and Start
columns are changed.

7. Close the Split Movie dialog box.

8. In the schedule, one command for playing is changed to a
sequence of lines: several blocks of schedule commands;
each starts with the Wait previous command and contains a

17
 command for playing a fragment of the origilal clip or a line
for inserting a command for a block of commercials.

9. Edit the blocks of commercials: add the commands for play-

ing the required files.

The Split Movie Operation...

18
Switching the Schedule

1. Switching between the Schedule Tables in the FDOnAir Main Window

Two schedules can be open at the same time in the FDOnAir
application. For that, two schedule tables are provided in the
main window. Either of them can be used to edit the timetable
and control the execution.
When working you can switch between the tables, e.g., proceed
from executing one table to executing another.
Switching the schedule being executed can be performed both
in the manual or automatic mode.

2. Active Schedule
The schedule a command of which is being prepared for execu-
tion is referred to as active.
Only one of the two open schedules can be in the active state at
the same time.

The active schedule is marked in the first field of the sched-

ule table header.
The line with the command being prepared for execution is
marked .

Switching the Schedule

19
3. Switching the Schedule Manually
To switch the schedule manually, use:
●● the Switch active schedule button located on the sched-
ule editing panel;
●● the Ctrl-Tab key combination;
●● a double click in the first column of the inactive table.
Works only if the corresponding option is enabled on
the settings tab (see below).

The Switch active schedule button and the Ctrl-Tab hotkey operate
similarly: execute switching from the current schedule to the
schedule opened in the other table, namely, to the line, follow-
ing the last executed command of the schedule.
Using a double click you can switch to any command of the
inactive schedule. The control will be transferred to the line the
pointer was placed on.

4. Switching the Schedule Automatically

Switching the Schedule

To switch the schedule automatically, use the Switch to other
schedule command.

Table: The command of switching the schedule

Name Icon Syntax Action
Switch to other schedule switch shedule Switch to executing the schedule
opened in the other table.

20
5. Performing the Schedule Switching
1. To perform switching the schedule, the required schedule
must be open in both of the tables.
2. Switching from one schedule to the other is executed on the
arrival of the command for switching the schedule. The com-
mand is issued when:
●● the operator clicks the appropriate buttons when
working in the manual mode;
●● executing the command located one line above the
Switch to other schedule command in the schedule when
working by the schedule.
Consequently:
3. The before inactive schedule is activated.
4. The next in turn task of the activated schedule is being pre-
pared for execution. The next in turn command is referred
to a command which is located:
●● in the first line of the schedule. This is in case the
schedule has not been executed yet after loading to
the table;
●● in the line before which playing the schedule was
stopped. This is in case the schedule has already been
played after loading to the table.
5. The execution of the schedule which has become inactive is
not interrupted, the current command is being executed.If
playing data is being executed, it will be executed until the
time allocated for that is expired, or the operator clicks Start.

6. Example of Using the Command for Switching the Schedule

Switching the Schedule

 Example: Assume there are two schedules: a basic one and one created for
displaying a block of commercials. We want:
1. To perform broadcast by the basic schedule.
2. To switch to displaying commercials from the block of com-
mercials.
3. After the block has been completed, to resume executing the
basic schedule.
The Figures below explain how to make schedules for this pur-
pose, and how the schedules work.
1. The basic schedule is loaded to table A, the schedule for dis-
playing a block of commercials – to table B.

21
 3

A
3
4 1

The Switch to other schedule command (1) is written in sched-

ule A in the place where playing video files is to be stopped
and switched to playing a block of commercials.
In schedule В, the command is placed at the end of the
block (2).
The Figure shows the moment right after the basic schedule
has been started: reel_1.avi is being played (3), and the next
in turn command has been prepared for execution (4).
2. Playing reel_2.avi started (1), and the command for switching
the schedule triggered at the same time.
Schedule B automatically switched to the active state (2).
The next in turn command – playing commercial_1.avi – is be-
ing prepared for execution (3).

Switching the Schedule

1

2
B
3

3. The clips from schedule B are being played.

22
B
1
2

The Figure shows the moment when the commercial_1.avi file

is being played (1); the commercial_2.avi file is being prepared
for playing (2).
4. The execution of schedule B is finishing.
1

Switching the Schedule

2
A

The last clip from schedule B – commercial_5.avi is being

played (1).
Switching the active schedule has been executed automati-
cally (2). The next in turn command from schedule A is be-
ing prepared for execution (3).

23
7. Setting Parameters for Switching the Schedule
Some parameters affecting the procedure of switching sched-
ules can be adjusted in the FDOnAir settings window
(Settings > General).
To do so, use the following check boxes:
(1) – if the option is
●● Switch active schedule by double click
enabled, you can click between the schedules with a
double click;
●● Move еdit position to active schedule (2) – when switching
schedules, move the editing position to the table with
the activated schedule;
●● Clear logotype/titles when switch schedule (3) – when
switching schedules, disable displaying titles in the
schedule which is to become inactive.

1
2
3

Switching the Schedule

24
Time Synchronization

1. Time Sources
To keep time in the FDOnAir application, different sources can
be used:
●● the computer internal clock;
●● an audio signal with the LTC code (longitudinal time
code);
●● a time server configured in the SLTimeManager pro-
gram (see SLTimeManager User’s Guide).
Different occurences of the FDOnAir application can be set to
use their separate time sources.

2. Selecting the Way of Synchronization

Adjusting the synchronization settings is performed in the Set-
tings > Time synchronization tab of FDOnAir.

5
Time Synchronization

To select a way of time synchronization, use the following clus-

ter of radio buttons:
●● Use system time (1) – count by the internal clock. When
the radio button is selected, additional settings are
nor required;

25
 ●● Use SLTimeServer (2) – perform time keeping using a
time server. Configuring the time server is performed
in the SLTimeManager program;
●● Synchronize time to input LTC (3) – use an audio signal
with longitudinal time code. Adjusting the LTC set-
tings is performed on the same page in the following
areas:
●● LTC input settings (4);
●● LTC time settings (5).

3. Adjusting Parameters for LTC Synchronization

Adjusting parameters for LTC synchronization is performed in
the Settings > Time synchronization tab of FDOnAir
The appropriate controls are enabled when selecting the Syn-
chronize time to input LTC radio button (1).

2
3

5
6
7
8 Time Synchronization

The LTC input settings area contains controls to adjust param-

eters of receiving an audio signal with the time code:
●● the Threshold level field – to set the threshold volume
level when recognizing the time code (in per cent). The
recommended value is 50%;

26
 ●● the Audio device drop-down list (3) – to select an audio
device which is to be the source of a signal with the
LTC code;
●● the Signal status information field (4) – to display mes-
sages of the connection status with the selected device
at the current moment of time.
The LTC time settings area contains controls for transformation of
information coded in the LTC code – determining the time zone
and current date.
To select a way of setting the time zone, use the following radio
buttons:
●● LTC time is Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) (5) – the time
code contains time relative to GMT. The transforma-
tion is to be performed considering the time zone set
for the system time (Control Panel > Date and Time > Time
Zone).
For example, if Pacific Time (GMT-08:00) is selected on
the computer, 8 hours are to be subtracted from the
received LTC signal;
●● LTC time is specific timezone time (6) – the time code con-
tains the time referring to a certain time zone, and it
is to be changed by the value, specified in the
add hours to LTC time field (7).
In this case, the settings of the system clock (time
zone) are not considered. For example, if the value «-3»
is specified in the add hours to LTC time field, the time
written in the time code is to be reduced by 3 hours.
To select a way of setting the current date, use the
Take cuttent date from LTC time check box (8). The option enabled
means the info of the current date is to be read from the signal
along with the time.

Time Synchronization

27
Immediate Break of Video Clip Playback

1. The Break video playback Button

The Break video playback button of interactive control (the
Ctrl+Back hotkey) is intended to break the playback of a video
clip (a file in the AVI or MPEG format) at a required moment of
time.
The button is located on the schedule control panel. It’s avail-
able only when executing the Play video clip command. When
executing other commands, the button is disabled.

On clicking the button:

1. Immediate break of the video clip playback occurs, all the
titles displaying being switched off (if were displayed in
parallel).
2. The last of the played frames is displayed on air.
3. The schedule is automatically changed – right after the bro-
ken command are added:
●● a new command Play video clip referring to the broken
clip playback (from the point of break up to the end);
●● the Titling On, Logotype On commands for controlling the
titles displaying if they were enabled before the break.

Immediate Break of Video Clip...

28
2. Example of Breaking a Video Clip Playback
Here goes an example of what’s going on if the Break video play-
back button is clicked when playing a video clip.

 Example: 1. The initial schedule contains the following commands:

●● Logotype On (1);
●● Titling On (2);
●● Play video clip reel_8.avi. The video clip duration is
10 minutes (3);
●● Play video clip reel_1.avi and so on (4).

1
2
3
4

2. The Figure shows the FD Preview Monitor... window and a

fragment of the FDOnAir main window. reel_8.avi is being
played (1). The subtitles and logotype are displayed in par-
allel (2).
2 minutes of the clip have been played by the current mo-
ment (3). The Break video playback button is available (4).

1
2

Immediate Break of Video Clip...

2
1

3. The Figure shows the moment of time on clicking the Break

video playback button. The clip playback is broken; the titles

29
 are switched off; the last played frame is displayed on
screen (1).
A new line with the command for playing the remaining
part of the video clip (2), the duration of which is 7 minutes
59.32 seconds (3), and playing the titles and logotype (4) is
added to the schedule.

2
3 4

4. You can see in the text presentation of the schedule that

three new commands are added after the line with the bro-
ken playback command (1):
●● Logotype On (2);
●● Titling On (3);
●● Play video clip reel_8.avi, the fragment (4). The fragment
duration is 7 minutes 59.32 seconds, i.е., from the
break point (2 minutes 0.70 seconds from the begin-
ning) up to the clip end.

Immediate Break of Video Clip...

1
2
3
4

30
Viewing Data on the Computer Monitor without Using an FD300 Board.
The SLTitlePreview Program

The FDOnAir output data can be previewed without an FD300

board, – in the SLTitlePreview window.

The SLTitlePreview Program

1. General Information about the SLTitlePreview Program
SLTitlePreview is designed to adjust broadcasting in the
FDOnAir program. Using SLTitlePreview, it is possible to
check the schedule execution and field order in the video files.
SLTitlePreview allows you to preview data broadcast on air by
the FDOnAir program. The data can be previewed on the com-
puter monitor without using an FD300 board. Video is played
in the program window. To play audio data, an audio device
specified in the system as default (Control Panel > Sounds and
Audio Devices > Audio) is used.

When working, the program emulates a video device named

DirectShow FilterN, where N denotes the number set by the user.
The name is used in FDOnAir to call the SLTitlePreview win-
dow.
The program can be used to check executing the following com-
mands of the FDOnAir schedule:
●● playing video and audio clips;
●● displaying pictures from files (captions);
●● overlaying titles.

When executing the command Video input n (broadcasting

passthrough video), the SLTitlePreview widnow displays a
background filling (chequered pattern), a test sound signal be-
ing played on the audio device.

88 Important: The program does not support playing «old» titles, that is full-
screen titles with alpha channel (such titles are controlled not
in the title project but by the commands for controlling full-
screen titles).

2. Launching the Program

The full path to the program file:
C:\Program Files\ForwardT Software\SLTitlePreview\SLTitlePreview.exe

It is possible to launch different instances of the program with

different settings. The command line for launching a specific in-
stance of the SLTitlePreview program has the following format:
“The full path to the program file” #N
where N denotes the instance number.

31
  Example: The command line for launching a second instance of SLTi-
tlePreview looks as follows:
“C:\Program Files\ForwardT Software\SLTitlePreview\SLTitlePreview.exe” #2

To launch different instances of the program, it is recommended

to create the corresponding shortcuts on the desktop.

The SLTitlePreview Program

3. The Order of Launching the FDOnAir and SLTitlePreview Programs
When using SLTitlePreview, observe the following order of
launching programs: first launch and adjust (when necessary)
all the instances of SLTitlePreview, then – FDOnAir.
Close the programs in the reverse order: first – FDOnAir, then
– SLTitlePreview.

4. The Main Program Window

The main program window is the video data preview window.
The window title bar displays the instance number and the
application name, information about the current configuration:
IDN, which denotes the emulated device number (DirectShow
Filter), frame size, and frame frequency. FDOnAir identifies an
instance of the SLTitlePreview program by the device number.
Click on the program icon located in the window title bar. The
system menu opens.

2
3

6
7
8
9

The menu contains all the program commands:

●● for controlling the window position and size (1);

32
 ●● Close (2) – exit the program;
●● Settings… (3) – open the settings window to set the
parameters for the emulated device;
●● select the program window size (4);
●● select a playback mode (a scan type) (5):
●● Progressive;
●● Interlaced by field;

The SLTitlePreview Program

●● Interlaced by frame;
●● Change field order (6) – change the field order to the
opposite. The command is disabled, when the progres-
sive scan is selected;
●● Always on Top (7) – enable/disable displaying the win-
dow on top of all other windows;
●● Sound (8) – enable/disable playing a test audio signal
in the absence of audio data;
●● About SLTitlePreview (9) – open the information window.

88 Important: The commands Close (exit the program) and Settings... (open the
settings window to set the device parameters) are disabled if
the FDOnAir application set to use the current instance of the
program is running.

Each playback mode has one’s own way to display half-frames

in the preview window (if the initial field order in the file is as
follows: T1, B1, T2, B2, T3, B3...):
●● progressive scan – displaying the whole frame top to
bottom in one continuous process with the specified
frame frequency: T1+B1, T2+B2, T3+B3...;
●● interlaced by field – displaying fields separately with
the doubled frame frequency: T1, B1, T2, B2, T3, B3..;
●● interlaced by frame – displaying fields in pairs with
the doubled frame frequency: T1+B1, B1+T2, T2+B2,
B2+T3, T3+B3... ,
where T denotes the top field, B – bottom field, and they are fol-
lowed by the frame sequence number.

gg Tip: The ability to change the scan type allows you to set the play-
back parameters in accordance with the current task.
If necessary to just check the schedule execution (commands ex-
ecution order, overlaying titles, etc.), it is convenient to use pro-
gressive scan – check Progressive. In this case, there is “comb” in
the preview window, but no frame flicker.
If necessary to check whether the field order in the files is cor-
rect, select interlaced scan – check Interlaced by field or Interlaced
by frame. If the image flickers when playing a file in this mode,
and the flicker disappears when the option Change field order is

33
 checked, the conclusion to be drawn is that the field order is
incorrect.

5. The Settings Window

The Settings window is used to set the parameters for the video
device emulated by the program. To open the window, select
Settings… from the system menu of the main window.

The SLTitlePreview Program

It is impossible to open the window when FDOnAir, which is set
to use the current instance of SLTitlePreview, is running.

5
6
7

The ID Object drop-down list (1) is used to select a number of

the device DirectShow Filter. The possible values are from 1 to 10.
FDOnAir identifies an instance of the SLTitlePreview program
by the window number.
By default, the device number matches the instance number of
the program. It is recommended to use the default number.
The rest of the Settings window elements are used to specify the
parameters of the video playback:
●● Field order (2) – the type of scanning and field order;
●● Aspect ratio (3) – the ratio of the image width and
height;
●● Standard (4) – the television standard. When selecting
Custom, the below fields become available for editing:
●● Width (5) – the frame width;
●● Height (6) – the frame height;
●● Frame Rate (7).

34
6. The Setting Procedure and Using the Program

88 Important: All the SLTitlePreview instances that will be used, must be

launched and set prior to launching the FDOnAir program.

1. Launch the SLTitlePreview program.

2. Click on the program icon in the main window title bar (1)

The SLTitlePreview Program

and select Settings... from the system menu (2).

3. The Settings window (3) opens. Make the settings. For ex-
ample, select the required field order and television stan-
dard from the Field order (4) and Standard (5) drop-down lists
respectively.

4. Click OK (6) to apply the changes and close the window.

35
5. Launch the FDOnAir program. Click Settings (7).

The SLTitlePreview Program

7

6. In the Settings > Configuration tab (8), select from the drop-
down lists under Video device:
●● the video device type (9) – Direct Show;
●● the device (10) – FilterN, where N denotes a number
that matches the preview window number of SLTi-
tlePreview (11).
11

9
10

12

13

7. Click Apply changes (12), then – Close (13).

36
88 Important: The changes take effect only when the Apply changes button is
clicked!

8. When starting playback, the data played on air by the

FDOnAir program are displayed in the SLTitlePreview win-
dow.

The SLTitlePreview Program

37
 Checking whether the field order in the files is correct:
9. To check whether the field order in the files is correct, select
interlaced scan – check Interlaced by field or Interlaced by frame
(15), with the option Change field order being unchecked (16).

The SLTitlePreview Program

15

16

10. If the video in the preview vindow flickers, possibly, the

field order in the file is incorrect.
11. Check the option Change field order (17). If the flicker disap-
pears, the conclusion to be drawn is that the field order is
incorrect indeed.

17

38
Caching Video Files from a Remote Computer for Broadcasting.
The SLFileForwarder Program

Video files located on a remote computer can be broadcast on

air via the FDOnAir program. To avoid problems related to
transmitting data via the net and organize uninterruptedly
transmitting such files, it is recommended to use the SLFileFor-
warder program.

1. General Information about the SLFileForwarder Program

SLFileForwarder is an add-in program used along with the
FDOnAir program.
SLFileForwarder is designed to automatically copy files from a

The SLFileForwarder Program

remote computer, references to which are in the FDOnAir cur-
rent schedule, to a special cache folder on the local hard disk.
SLFileForwarder works with the FDOnAir active schedule as
follows:
●● Periodically scans the schedule selecting Play video clip
commands. The scanning is performed from the cur-
rent position of the schedule execution downwards a
certain number of lines.
●● When a command occurs with a reference to a file
located in a remote folder, and the current limitations
by time are observed:
●● copies the file to cache on the local disk;
●● when the file is completely copied, changes the
initial path to the file to the new one in the com-
mand line;
●● when the same full path to the file is detected,
changes it to the new one as well.

2. The Program Operation Rules and Parameters

Monitoring the schedule and caching files are performed au-
tomatically according to certain rules. If necessary to make a
decision about further actions, the program uses the parameter
values: previously specified by the user or calculated on the
basis of the current characteristics.

2.1. The Schedule Scanning Depth

The schedule scanning depth is determined according to the fol-
lowing rule: «scan forward no deeper than Time limit hh:mm from
the current execution position, and until the number of files to
be copied is less than Files limit». The limitations are specified
when setting the program:
●● Time limit – by time;
●● Files limit – by the number of files.

39
2.2. Limitations by Time When Caching Files
To make a decision on whether to start caching a certain file,
the program uses the parameter values previously specified by
the user and values calculated in the course of operation.
The following values are specified when setting the program:
●● Data rate – maximum speed when caching files
(Kbyte/s);
●● Min time – limitation on the minimal delay time be-
tween the file caching start and playback start (in
seconds).
The following values are estimated by the program immediately
before making a decision:
a) time before the file playback start;

The SLFileForwarder Program

b) time required for copying the file completely (file size/
Data rate).
A decision is taken according to the rule: «start copying the file
to cache if the “a” time is above or equal the “b” time and above
Min time».

Note: Time remained before a file playback start is always less than the
Time limit value. The value limits the schedule scanning depth by time,
and the reference to a file cannot be detected earlier than
Time limit hh:mm before the file playback start command.

2.3. The Program Operations When the Schedule is Changed

If the sequence of files is changed in the course of the schedule
execution, the program has to make a decision whether to con-
tinue or stop caching the current file.
In this case, the program estimates the already copied file part
volume and compares it with the specified threshold value
Drop limit (percent of the whole file size). The following rule is
applied:
●● if the volume is above the specified threshold, the
current copying is continued until caching the file is
complete;
●● if the volume is less or equal to the specified thresh-
old, caching the file is stopped, caching the next in
turn file being started.
The threshold value Drop limit is specified when setting the pro-
gram.

2.4. Using the Cache

The cache parameters are specified by the user before getting
started:
●● Cache folder – the full path to the folder;
●● Cache size.

40
 The copied files are stored in the cache until the allocated space
is sufficient to write new files. When the cache is full, the pro-
gram removes from it the “oldest” files, which are not to be used
in the near future (there are no references to the files in the
schedule at the specified scanning depth).
When exiting the FDOnAir and SLFileForwarder programs, the
cache is not cleared. Files written to it can be used in the next
application sessions.

2.5. Local Folders

The file names that are to be considered local are specified
when setting the program. All subfolders of a folder specified as
local are considered local as well.
All the other folders are considered by the program to be re-

The SLFileForwarder Program

mote. Files from them are copied to the cache.

3. Logging the Program Operation

Logging the SLFileForwarder operation is performed automati-
cally. Information about the workflow with the event date and
time indication is written to the following log files:
●● the SLFileForwarder log file – which files are copied to
the cache, which are not, the error messages occurred
when caching files;
●● the protected log file of the FDOnAir program – mes-
sages about changing paths to files in the executed
schedule commands.
The paths to the log files are specified when setting the programs.
A message line in the FDOnAir log file looks as follows:
date time SLFileForwarder#N FDOnAir#N Log Line “NS NL L T com-
mand_line_A” was replaced by “NS NL L T command_line_B”

where:
●● #N denotes the program instance number;
●● NS – the number of a schedule table in the FDOnAir
window. Possible values:
●● 0 – the upper table;
●● 1 – the lower table;
●● NL – the sequence number of a line in the schedule
table. The line numbering begins with zero;
●● L and T – logotype and titles markers respectively.
Possible values:
●● 0 – disabled;
●● 1 – enabled;
●● command_line_A and command_line_B – the lines with
the initial and final commands respectively.

41
4. Launching the Program
The full path to the SLFileForwarder program:
C:\Program Files\ForwardT Software\OnAir\SLFileForwarder.exe

It is possible to launch different instances of the program – one

for each instance of FDOnAir. To do so, use a command line in
the following format:
“Full path to the program file” #N
where N denotes the instance number.

 Example: The command line for launching a second instance of SLFile-

Forwarder looks as follows:
“C:\Program Files\ForwardT Software\OnAir\SLFileForwarder.exe” #2

To launch different instances of the program, it is recommended

The SLFileForwarder Program

to create the corresponding shortcuts on the desktop.

5. Modes of Operation
The program has two modes of operation:
●● passive – the program is not performing any actions
being ready to switching to the active mode. It is rec-
ommended to make all settings in this mode;
●● active – scanning the schedule and caching files. While
operating in this mode, an error condition can occur,
e.g., in the absence of connection to FDOnAir. When
the error condition is removed, the program automati-
cally resumes scanning the schedule and caching files.
Information about errors (time and cause) is written
to the program operation log file.
Switching from one mode to another is performed using control
commands of the program icon context menu.

6. Interface
When launching the program, its icon is displayed in the sys-
tem tray. The appearance of the icon depends on the program
current status:
●● – Stopped (the program is operating in the passive
mode);
●● – Running (the program is operating in the active
mode);
●● – Error (the program is operating in the active
mode, there has been an error(s) occured).

42
 The tool tip displayed when pointing the cursor at the program
icon contains information about the instance number and the
current status.

To proceed to setting the parameters and controlling the pro-

gram operation, use the icon context menu (right-click on the
icon to open).

The SLFileForwarder Program

1

The menu contains the following commands:

●● to control the program mode (1):
●● Start – switch to the active mode;
●● Stop – switch to the passive mode;
●● Clear error flag – reset the error indication;
●● to open the settings windows (2):
●● OnAir settings… – setting interaction with FDOnAir;
●● Data transfer settings… – parameters for data trans-
fer via the net;
●● Cache settings… – parameters for the file cache;
●● Select log file… – specify the program own log file
path name;
●● About SLFileForwarder... (3) – call the program informa-
tion window;
●● Exit (4) – exit the program.

43
7. Setting Parameters for Working with FDOnAir
The OnAir Settings window is designed to adjust the interaction
of the program with a specific instance of FDOnAir. To open the
window, select the same-name command from the context menu
of the program icon.

1
2

3
4
5

The SLFileForwarder Program

6

The window contains controls for setting the following param-

eters:
●● text fields to select an instance of FDOnAir:
●● Machine (1) – the name or IP address of the com-
puter on which the FDOnAir program is running.
To open the standard dialog for selecting a com-
puter, use the Browse... button located next to the
field;
●● Instance (2) – the FDOnAir instance number;
●● the Min time text field (3) – the least possible delay time
between the file cashing start and playback start (in
seconds);
●● text fields to set limitations on the schedule scanning
depth:
●● Time limit (4) – by time (hh:mm);
●● Files limit (5) – by the number of files;
●● the information field (6) contains a warning about the
maximum possible (considering the current settings)
size of files that will be cashed;

44
 ●● the Local folders area (7) – to specify the folders that
are to be considered local. All subfolders of a folder
specified as local are considered local as well. The area
contains the following controls:
●● the Folder field – to display the list of folders;
●● the Add... button – to add a folder to the list;
●● the Edit... button – to change the path to a folder;
●● the Remove button – to remove a folder from the
list.

8. Setting Parameters for Data Transfer

The Data Transfer Settings window is designed to adjust the pa-
rameters for copying data from remote computers to the local
disk. To open the window, select the same-name command from

The SLFileForwarder Program

the context menu of the program icon.

1
2

The window contains text fields to adjust the following param-

eters:
●● Data rate (1) – the maximum permissible network data
transfer rate (Kbyte/s);
●● Drop limit (2) – the threshold value (as a percentage of
the file total size) used when making a decision wheth-
er to stop/continue the current copying operation;
●● the information field (3) contains a warning about the
maximum possible (considering the current settings)
size of files that will be cashed.

45
9. Setting the Cache
The Cache Settings window is designed to set the cache on the
local disk: selecting a folder and specifying the cache size. To
open the window, select the same-name command from the con-
text menu of the program icon.

The SLFileForwarder Program

The window contains text fields to set the following parameters:
●● Cache folder (1) – the full path to the folder on the local
disk, to which remote files are to be copied;
●● Cache size (2) – the volume of the disk space (in mega-
bytes) allocated for cache.

10. Setting and Using the Program

1. In the FDOnAir program, select Settings > Mirroring (1).
Check the Receive and execute commands checkbox (2).

46
2. Download from a file or create a new schedule. The Figure
shows that the sample schedule has an indication of a re-
mote file playback.

The SLFileForwarder Program

3. Estimate the sizes of the schedule files that are to be copied
to the cache.
4. Launch SLFileForwarder. If necessary, change the current
program settings (steps 5–9). To open the settings windows,
use the commands of the program icon context menu.

47
 5. Open the Data Transfer Settings window. Specify the maxi-
mum permissible speed of copying files in the Data rate field (1).
When specifying the value, consider the sizes of the files that
are used in the schedule (the larger files, the higher must be
the speed) and the hard disk parameters (read/write speed).

The SLFileForwarder Program

gg Tip: 1. When using MPEG files, a 500 KByte/s Data rate will fit; as for
AVI files, it is advisible that you specify 3000–6000 KByte/s.
2. Consider the information (2). It indicates the maximum pos-
sible file size for caching at the current settings. When calculat-
ing, the values specified in the fields Data rate (1) and Time limit
(in the OnAir Settings window) are used.

Perform steps 6–8 in the OnAir Settings window.

6. Ensure the computer name in the Machine field (1) and the
FDOnAir instance number in the Instance (2) field are speci-
fied correctly.

1
2

48
 7. Set limitations on the schedule scanning depth in the fields
Time limit (1) – the maximum time, and Files limit (2) – the
number of files.
Be aware that the Time limit value affects the time interval
between detection of the command with the file name and
the file playback start: the interval is always less than the
value. Therefore, fit the value to provide time for each file to
be copied. The Time limit value must exceed the value calcu-
lated by the formula:
Maximum file size/Speed of copying files.

The SLFileForwarder Program

1
2

gg Tip: Consider the information (3). It indicates the maximum pos-

sible file size to cache at the current settings. When calculating,
the values specified in the fields Time limit and Data rate (in the
Data Transfer Settings window) are used.

8. Not to copy local folders to the cache, be sure to specify the

names of the files that are local in the Folder list under Local
folders.

9. Ensure a cache size sufficient to store the required data vol-

ume is specified in the Cache size field of the Cache Settings
window.

49
 10. Switch SLFileForwarder to the active mode: select Start from
the program icon context menu.

The SLFileForwarder Program

gg Tip: It is recommended to switch the program to active mode before-
hand, with a float before the start of the schedule.

11. The program icon changes.

12. Scanning the current schedule is started: lines below the

current execution position are scanned at the specified
depth.
When a remote file name is detected: the file is copied to the
cache, whereupon the full path to the file is changed to the
new one.

50
13. Error messages are logged to the log file. If an error occurs
in the course of operation, the program icon changes its ap-
pearance to an error flag.

14. To reset the error indication, select Clear error flag from the

context menu of the program icon.

The SLFileForwarder Program

15. To switch the program to the passive mode (stop monitor-
ing schedule and copying files), select Stop from the context
menu of the program icon. It is recommended to change the
program settings in this mode.

51
Video Files Playback Settings File

1. Function
In the FDOnAir program, AVI and MPEG files playback is
based on common settings specified in the FDConfiguration and
FDSoundControl programs.
Sometimes it is necessary to change the playback parameters
for certain files. For example, to increase the volume or inten-
sity level. To do so, use special files for settings – SLIni files.

2. Ways and Rules of Use

A settings file is a text file containing records with the required
values of playback parameters. There are two ways to use such
files – to adjust the playback parameters for a separate file or a
group of files from the same folder.
When using settings files, be sure to observe the following con-
ditions:
1. The file lines must match the required recording format.

Video Files Playback Settings File

2. The file name is specified by certain rules depending on the
way of use.
3. The file must be in the same folder as the file(s) whose play-
back parameters are to be adjusted.
3. The File Name
A name to the file is assigned depending on the way of its use.
1. The name of a settings file for playing a specific file must
look like this:
VFileName.SLIni or VFileName.VFileExt.SLIni
where:
●● VFileName and VFileExt – denotes the file name and file
name extension of the video file for which the settings
file is intended;
●● SLIni – the required file name extension of the settings
file.

 Example: The settings file name for a video file comm_1.avi must look like
this comm_1.SLIni or comm_1.avi.SLIni
2. The name of a settings file for playing a group of files from
the same folder must look like this:
default.SLIni
The file settings are valid for all the folder files that do not
have their own settings files.

 Example: Assume the following files are located in the same folder:
comm_1.avi
comm_1.SLIni
comm_2.avi

52
 comm_3.avi
comm_4.avi
default.SLIni
In this case, when playing the file comm_1.avi, FDOnAir will use
the parameter settings from the file comm_1.SLIni; when playing
the rest of the files (comm_2.avi, comm_3.avi, comm_4.avi) – the
parameter settings from the file default.SLIni.

4. The Settings Recording Format

The settings file can be created, edited, and overviewed via any
text editor, e.g., Notepad. An example of a settings file opened
in Notepad is shown in the figure below.

Video Files Playback Settings File

The file must contain a sequence of lines. Each line indicates a
parameter value. The order of lines in the file can be arbitrary.
The settings recording format looks like this:
Parameter name=Value
where:
●● Parameter name – denotes a parameter;
●● Value – denotes an integer from the specified range.

A list of the parameters used (names and possible values) is

given in the table below.

53
 Table Parameters used in the settings file
Name Description Possible Values

Parameters for selecting an aspect ratio and scaling the frame to fit the screen size.
Used all together only. If at least one of them is missing in the file, the rest are
ignored.

AspectX Number of units horizontally e.g., 16 (for 16:9)

AspectY Number of units vertically e.g., 9 (for 16:9)
Crop Percent of the black bars cropped. An integer from 0 to 100.
This value determines the frame For example:
scale on the screen: the larger the 0 – scale the image so that the
value, the larger the displayed image width fits the screen, there being
(see example below). black bars at the top and bottom;
100 – scale the image so that the
height fits the screen completely
(without black bars), a part of the
image being cropped at the left and

Video Files Playback Settings File

right.

Video Parameters
Contrast The image contrast (in percent of the An integer from 0 to 100.
initial level). A value of 100 corresponds to the
initial level.
Saturation Color saturation (in percent of the An integer from 0 to 1000.
initial level). A value of 100 corresponds to the
initial level.
Brightness The image brightness (in An integer from -255 to 255.
conventional units). A value of 0 corresponds to the
initial level.
FieldOrder Field order. 0 – initial field order;
1 – top field first;
-1 – bottom field first.

Audio Parameters
SoundMix Selecting an audio channel for 1 – left channel only;
playback. 2 – right channel only;
3 – left and right channels.
Volume The volume level (in percent of the An integer from 0 to 1000.
initial level). For example:
0 – no sound;
100 – initial volume level;
1000 – volume level 10 times as high
as the initial.

54
 Example: Assume PAL is being used: frame size – 720х576 (that is, aspect
ratio – 4:3). Let us consider the playback parameter settings of
a wide-frame video file with a frame size of 1280х720 (16:9).
To scale the image to fit the screen, check the option Scale im-
ages to screen size in the General tab of the FDOnAir Settings
window.
1. No other settings being specified, the screen image looks like
shown in Figure (1).
Figure (2) shows the screen image when the settings file con-
taining the following lines:
...
AspectX=16
AspectY=9
Crop=0
... is added to the folder with the video file.

Video Files Playback Settings File

1 2

2. The frame scale on the screen depends on the Crop

parameter. The Figures show the screen image at different val-
ues of the parameter:
●● Crop=0 (1);
●● Crop=50 (2);
●● Crop=100 (3).

1 2 3

55
The TrimEditor Window

1. Functionality
The FDOnAir program provides a possibility of selecting any
necessary fragment of audio/video clip for playback. It does not
require clip modification and creating of any new files.
The TrimEditor program is designed to preview audio/video
clips, to select clip fragments with frame accuracy and to
configure parameters of its playback.

 Example: 1. Let it is necessary to insert 2 ads when broadcasting of the

reel_3.avi clip. In this case it is possible to split the clip into 3 frag-
ments (1) via the TrimEditor program.

The TrimEditor Window

2

2. Let it is necessary to playback image with sound from audio

file during some period.
You may select fragment of the audio file of necessary duration
and adjust its playback (2) via the TrimEditor program.

56
2. Launch of TrimEditor
Left-click the row with the command of audio/video clip
playback (1) in the Length field in the table with schedule in the
FDOnAir main application window to open TrimEditor. The
TrimEditor window appears.
Current position is clip start, i.e. 00:00:00.00.

2
1

The TrimEditor Window

Square brackets in the Length field in the table with schedule (2)
denote that clip fragment is marked for playback. A tooltip with
marks of fragment start and end appears when pointing a cur-
sor in this field.

3. Main Window
View of clips and specifying of necessary fragment are imple-
mented in the main window.
You may find some useful information on the clip in the title
bar (1): file name; frame size; frame rate; number of audio chan-
nels and sample rate. Duration of the selected fragment and full
clip duration are displayed in the Duration group fields (2) in the
hh:mm:ss.frames format.

57
 1

8 10

2 4 17

14 18

15
20
11 13

19 16 5 12 6

The TrimEditor Window

TrimEditor Main Window:
1 – title bar; 2 – information fields; 3 – slider; 4–6 – scroll arrow buttons; 7 – preview panes;
8 – time indicator of current position; 9 – audio track; 10 – audio indicator; 11–13 – mark in and
mark out elements; 14 – the Reset button; 15 – show preview window on/off; 16 – button for clip
playback parameters adjusting; 17 – drop-down list for page size configuration; 18 – drop-down list
for video display mode selection; 19 – button for keyboard shortcuts configuration; 20 – buttons for
closing the program window.

Main program window elements are used to:

●● scroll the clip and pass to the necessary time
mark (3–6);
●● display data on a current position: audio, video and
time (7–10);
●● select and adjust start and stop of clip marks (11–14);
●● configure page size (17) and video display mode (18);
●● open additional windows: preview window (15), window
for adjusting of clip playback parameters (16) and win-
dow for keyboard shortcuts configuration (19).
Use the following buttons (20) to finish working with the program:
●● OK – apply the settings and close program window;
●● Cancel – close the program without settings applying.

58
4. Parameters Adjusting
The program provides a possibility of adjusting the following
parameters:
1. Page size: displaying of audio data scale and step when
scrolling the clip depend on page size.
Page size is equal to one frame by default. Specify necessary
page size from the Page Size drop-down list (1).
2. Mode of video displaying in preview windows: both fields,
upper field or lower field. Select necessary mode from the
drop-down list (2).
3. Keyboard shortcuts: assign shortcuts for buttons by clicking
Shortcuts... (3).

The TrimEditor Window

1

The program is first launched with default settings.

Settings specified during the last program session will be acti-
vated at the following session.

59
5. Clip Scrolling
There are different ways of clip scrolling and passing to the neces-
sary time mark:
1. Automatic scrolling via the Start/Stop and the Pause buttons (1).
2. Moving of the slider (2).
3. Via the buttons (3, 4). Detailed information on the buttons
is given in the table below.
4. Via the current position indicator (5). You may pass to any
time mark with a frame accuracy with the indicator. Left-
click the indicator field and type necessary value. Passing
will be implementid on-the-fly.

The TrimEditor Window

2

Table 1. Buttons for varying of current position

Button Purpose Shortcuts
(by default)

Step-by-step varying

Pass to clip start. Home

Page down. Select page size from the Page Size drop-down list. PageDown

60
Button Purpose Shortcuts (by
default)

Pass 1 frame back. -

Pass 1 frame forward. +

Page up. Select page size from the Page Size drop-down list. PageUp

Pass to clip end. End

Pass to fragment start (Mark In). Сtrl+Home

Pass to fragment end (Mark Out). Сtrl+End

Buttons for automatic scrolling control

Start/stop of clip scrolling. The current position will be moved to
Enter
clip start when stopping.

Stop clip scrolling by fixing current position. P

6. Video Preview
The additional Preview window (4) and a group of panes (1–3)
are used to preview video data. Put the Preview check mark (5)

The TrimEditor Window

to open the additional preview window.

2 3

61
 Video frame corresponded to the current position will be dis-
played in the central pane (1). Frames on pages up (2) and
down (3) relatively the current position are displayed in the left
and right panes.
The interval between frames in adjacent panes equals to page
size (4). Indicators located under every pane display corres-
ponding time marks (hh:mm:ss.frames).

2 3

The TrimEditor Window

4

Additional Preview window can be placed anywhere on the screen.

You can specify any window size by dragging it via the cursor or
selecting a standard size in the system menu (1). Size of the
image will be proportionally adjusted to the selected size.

62
 1

The Copy command (2) in the system menu is used to copy cur-
rent frame to the clipboard. In this case image size corresponds
to a current one in the preview window.

7. Audio Data Control

If the clip is scrolled automatically the sound is played via the
audio device specified as default one.

The TrimEditor Window

gg Tip: To identify default audio device or to select another one as
default (if necessary) complete the following: double-click
Sounds and Audio Devices item located in Control Panel. Open the
Audio tab in the appeared window. Use the Sound Playback
group (2) to adjust the settings.

63
 The following elements are used to control audio data visually:
●● audio track (1) that displays a waveform: fragment
corresponded to the current position ± 3 pages. Page
bounds are marked with red;
●● audio indicator (2) that indicates audio level during
automatic scrolling.

Current Position 3

The TrimEditor Window

Page

3, 2, 1 page up to 1, 2, 3 page after a cur-

a current position rent position

Scale of soundtrack data depends on the value specified in the

Page size drop-down list (3).

8. Marking of the Fragment

Specify duration of clip fragment by setting the Mark In and Mark
Out marks.

Mark In Mark Out

Fragment
Duration
Total Clip Duration

64
 Marks can be set in different ways:
1. by specifying Mark in (1) and Маrk out values (2) in corre-
sponding fields if the exact time of fragment start and end
are known.
2. if the exact values are unknown then scrolling the clip and
examining audio and video data pass to the necessary posi-
tion and click a corresponding button: (3) – to mark start of
the fragment, (4) – to mark end of the fragment.

The TrimEditor Window

7
6

5 1 2

3 4

Click Reset (5) to reset mark values.

Current duration of the fragment is displayed in the Duration
group in the Clip field (6) and it is marked by blue (7) on the
slider.

Table 2. Buttons for fragment marking

Button Purpose S h o r t c u t s
(by default)

Mark fragment start. I, Insert

Mark fragment end. O, Delete

65
9. Сonfiguration of Clip Playback Parameters
To adjust parameters of some audio/video clips playback, for
example, to adjust volume or image brightness settings file is
used (SLIni file). For more details on this issue, see the “Video
Files Playback Settings File” section of this document.
The SLIni file can be created either manually via any text edi-
tor or automatically via the TrimEditor program. When using
the TrimEditor program necessary name and location of the file
will be automatically specified.

88 Important: Remember that the SLIni file created in the TrimEditor pro-
gram will be automatically saved in the same folder where
configured audio/video file is located. Settings recorded in the
file will be active while these files are in one folder.

Use the SLIni... button to open the window for clip playback pa-
rameters adjusting. The button is located in the main program
window.

The TrimEditor Window

1

The SLIni window contains control elements that are used to

adjust video (1) and audio (2) playback parameters (detailed
information is given in the table below). The Default button (3) is
used to revert to default settings.

66
 When clicking the OK button (4) all specified parameters will be
automatically saved in corresponding SLIni file.

Table 3. Control Elements

Name Parameter Possible values

Video parameters

Aspect ratio Frame aspect ratio e.g., 16:9

Crop Percent of the black bar An integer from 0 to 100.
trimming. Where:
Zooming of frame displaying 0 – scale the image so that the width of
depends on this value. The the image fits the screen.
larger the value, the larger the
In this case black bars will be visible at
image (see the example in the
the top and bottom of the screen;
"Video Files Playback Settings
100 – scale the image so that the height
File").
completely fits the screen (without black
bars).
In this case part of the image at the left
and right will be «cropped».
Contrast Image contrast An integer from 0 to 1000.
(in percent of the initial level). 100 denotes initial level.
Saturation Color saturation An integer from 0 to 1000.
(in percent of the initial level). 100 denotes initial level.
Brightness Image brightness An integer from -255 to 255.

The TrimEditor Window

(in standard units). 0 denotes initial level.
Field order Order of fields output. Original denotes initial fields order;
Upper field first denotes upper field first;
Lower field first denotes lower field first.

Audio parameters
Mixing Selection of audio channel for None denotes playback without
playback. modifications;
Left+Left – left channel only;
Right+Right – right channel only;
Mean+Mean – mixing of left and right
channels.
Volume Sound volume An integer from 10 to 1000.
(in percent of the initial value). Where:
100 – initial volume level;
1000 – value 10 times as high as the initial
one.

67
10. Keyboard Shortcuts Assigning
You may assign keyboard shortcuts to activate commands of
the program.
Use the Shortcuts... button located in the main application win-
dow to open the Settings window and to assign keyboard short-
cuts.

2 3

The TrimEditor Window

The table (1) displays the commands and assigned to them
keyboard shortcuts. Complete the following steps to assign new
shortcuts:
1. Left-click the line of the command that is being configured (1).
2. Enter necessary combination in the (2) text field. For this
set a cursor in the field, left-click the field and press cor-
responding keys.
3. Click Assign (3).
4. New keyboard shortcut appears.

68
Useful Links

ForwardT software set: description, download, documentation, solutions

http://www.softlab-nsk.com/forward/index.html

Support
http://www.softlab-nsk.com/forward/support.html
e-mail: [email protected]
[email protected]

Forum
http://www.softlab-nsk.com/forum (currently available in Russian only)

Translation from
May 25, 2010

© SoftLab-NSK Ltd.