Maestro 6.0 User Guide

Maestro
Version 6.0
User Guide
June
2011
Copyright 2011 by Orad Hi-Tec Systems Ltd. All rights reserved worldwide.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, modified, transmitted, transcribed, stored
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the express written permission of Orad Hi-Tec Systems (www.orad.tv).
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Orad may revise this document at any time without notice.
This document may contain proprietary information and shall be respected as a
proprietary document with permission for review and usage given only to the rightful
owner of the equipment to which this document is associated.
This document was written, designed, produced and published by Orad Hi-Tec Systems.
Trademark Notice: 3Designer, Maestro, Maestro Controller, Maestro PageEditor, JStation,
JServer, ProSet, 3DPlay , DVP-500, X-pecto, Morpho 3D, 3DPlay are trademarks of Orad
Hi-Tec Systems Ltd. All other brand and product names may be trademarks of their
respective companies.
Feedback to this manual should be sent to documentation@orad.tv.
If you require technical support services, contact Orad Hi-Tec Systems Ltd. at
support.il@orad.tv.
June 30, 2011
Contents
Getting Started ...................................................................7

Starting Maestro .................................................................................8
Maestro Main Screen ...........................................................................9
Menus............................................................................................9
File menu .................................................................................. 9
Edit menu ................................................................................ 10
Control menu ........................................................................... 10
Customize menu....................................................................... 11
Toolbar ........................................................................................ 12
Playlist Area ................................................................................. 13
Creating/Opening a Playlist ................................................................ 14
Page Creation ...................................................................17

Creating Pages ................................................................................. 18
Using the PageEditor Layout ............................................................... 19
The PE Workspace .................................................................... 19
Page Variations ........................................................................ 21
Loading a Scene............................................................................ 22
Placing Exports in a Page ................................................................... 23
Page Properties ........................................................................ 25
Control Properties ..................................................................... 26
The Timeline ............................................................................ 28
Setting Animations for a Page............................................................. 33
Saving/Loading a Page ...................................................................... 34
Connecting to External Data Sources ................................................... 34
Advanced Page Editing Options ........................................................... 35
Signals ........................................................................................ 35
Scripts ......................................................................................... 35
Using the Script Wizard ............................................................. 35
Coding a Script......................................................................... 36
Global Parameters............................................................................. 36
| 3
Building a Playlist .............................................................37
Creating/Opening a Playlist ................................................................ 38
Stories ............................................................................................ 38
Adding Playlist Items ......................................................................... 39
Using the Browser ......................................................................... 39
Editing Rundown Items ...................................................................... 40
Data Fields ................................................................................... 40
Textures ...................................................................................... 40
Saving Playlist Items ..................................................................... 40
Assigning a Channel .......................................................................... 41
Previewing and Airing Items ............................................................... 41
Playback Control ............................................................................... 43
The Asset Browser......................................................................... 44
Working with Tickers...................................................................... 45
The Image Browser ....................................................................... 46
The Clip Browser ........................................................................... 49
Data Sources.....................................................................51
Setting up a Data Source ................................................................... 52
ODBC Data Source ........................................................................ 53
Database (SQL) Data Source .......................................................... 54
Excel Data Source ......................................................................... 55
Text Data Source .......................................................................... 56
News (RSS) Data Source ................................................................ 57
XML Data Source........................................................................... 58
Using Queries ................................................................................... 59
Customizing ......................................................................61
Asset Database................................................................................. 62
Log ................................................................................................. 64
Appearance...................................................................................... 65
Shortcuts......................................................................................... 66
PGM & PRV ...................................................................................... 67
Defining HDVG Channels ................................................................ 68
Play ................................................................................................ 69
Miscellaneous ................................................................................... 71
JStation ........................................................................................... 73
Virtual Slots ..................................................................................... 74
4 |
Automation ...................................................................................... 75
Configuring an Automation System .................................................. 76
Avid ControlAir / Sony ............................................................... 76
VDCP Protocol .......................................................................... 77
CII Protocol.............................................................................. 77
GPI ............................................................................................. 79
MOS................................................................................................ 81
External Tools .................................................................................. 83
Customizing the GUI ......................................................................... 84
Creating Groups in Windows ............................................................... 85
Graphics Asset Management Database (Cinegy) .................................... 86
Configuring Cinegy for Maestro ....................................................... 86
Setting Permissions ....................................................................... 90
Creating New Metadata Fields ......................................................... 93
Using Cinegy in Maestro ................................................................. 94
Journalist Station..............................................................97
Setting Up JStation ........................................................................... 98
The Journalist Station Main Screen ...................................................... 99
Main JStation Window................................................................ 99
Working in JStation ......................................................................... 100
Setting JStation Preferences ............................................................. 101
Hosts......................................................................................... 101
PGM & PVW ................................................................................ 102
Log ........................................................................................... 103
Miscellaneous ............................................................................. 104
NLE Plug-in .....................................................................105

NLE Server..................................................................................... 106
NLE Server Preferences ................................................................... 107
Login .................................................................................... 107
Log ....................................................................................... 108
NLE Renderer ......................................................................... 109
Miscellaneous ......................................................................... 110
NLE....................................................................................... 111
Using the Plug-in ............................................................................ 112
| 5
M6 scripting API .............................................................113
Item level API ................................................................................ 114
Playlist level API ............................................................................. 117
Application level API ........................................................................ 119
6 |
1. Getting Started
In this section:
Starting Maestro on page 8
Maestro Main Screen on page 9
Creating/Opening a Playlist on page 14
Starting Maestro
Maestro is opened from the Start menu in Orad > Maestro 6.0.
You can also use the shortcuts placed on the desktop during installation, as shown
below.
To start Maestro:

1. Select Start > Orad > Maestro 6.0,
-Or-
Use the desktop shortcut .
The Login dialog box is displayed.

1. Getting Started
2. Enter the required parameters, and click Login.

The required parameters are:
Login User name.
Password Password.
Server name Host name or IP address of the computer on which the

Server is installed (database location). Server name must be
in the following format: <hostname or IP>\<instance>.
Database name Name of the asset database. (Default values are maestro_2
for the native Maestro database, and orad_cinegy for GAM).
Server type Choose the type of Server on which the asset database is
stored.
Authentication Choose the type of authentication method to log in with;

Windows or SQL. If you choose Windows authentication, no
password is required, and the Windows logon name is used.
8 Starting Maestro |
Maestro Main Screen
Maestros main (default layout) screen looks like this:
Menus Playlist Toolbars Page Browser Preview Window Layout Tabs
1. Getting Started
Timeline Playback Page Device
Control Control Indicators
Menus
The following sections provide information about the Maestro menus.
File menu
New Create a new playlist.
Open... Open an existing playlist.
Save... Save the current playlist.
Save as... Save the current playlist with to a different location/with a different
name.
Import Import a playlist from another system.

Playlist
Close Close the current playlist.
<list> List of recently opened playlists.
Maestro Main Screen | 9

Edit menu
Insert new item Insert a new playlist item.
Cut Cut the selected playlist item.
Copy Copy the selected playlist item.
Paste Paste the playlist item from the clipboard.
Delete item Delete the selected playlist item.
Control menu
Connect Connect all defined render channels.
renderer(s)
Load all Load all pages to connected hosts.
Unload all Unload all pages from local and remote hosts.
Load clips of Load all clips referenced by the selected playlist items.
selected items
unload clips of unload all clips referenced by the selected playlist items.
1. Getting Started
selected items
Cue Rewind the animation timeline to the start.
Take Play all events in the first take track in the timeline.
Out Run the events from the Out track in the timeline.
Preview Play animations to Preview window.
Vslot + Set the next Vslot in the list of defined Vslots (see Virtual Slots
on page 74).
NOTE:
Virtual Slots are like visual layers in a viewer (preview or
on-air). Different scenes can be played to different Vslots. The
result would be one scene appearing superimposed upon
another, or one scene loaded in the background waiting for a
scene in the foreground to play out.
You can define up to 255 Vslots. 0 is the back layer, and 254 is
the front layer.
Vslot - Set the previous Vslot in the list of defined Vslots
Move focus to Move the cursor to the Page selector field. For more information,
UniqueID field see Page selector on page 43.
Take output Open a dialog box to select a channel from which to save a
snapshot screenshot of the rendered image.
10 Maestro Main Screen |

Customize menu
Settings Open the Settings dialog box.
For more information, see Customizing on page 61.
Layout Lock - Lock the current layout to prevent any changes to the
Selected options displayed panels, their size, position, etc.
are marked with Auto save - When this option is selected, changes to the
current layout are saved automatically as the current layout.
When this option is cleared, changes to layout must be saved
manually in order to retain them when Maestro is next opened.
Save current - Open the Save layout dialog box to save the
current layout using the current name, or create a new layout
with a new name.
Remove - Open the Remove layout dialog box to select a
saved layout for removal.
1. Getting Started

Toolbar
New Create a new playlist.
Open Open an existing playlist.
Save Save the current playlist.
Cut Cut an item (playlist, story, or page).
Copy Copy an item (playlist, story, or page).
Paste Paste an item (playlist, story, or page).
Delete Delete an item (playlist, story, or page).
Start Log Opens the Log View dialog box.

1. Getting Started
Connect All Connect all defined renderers.
Load All Load all pages to connected renderer channels.
Unload All Unload all pages from connected renderer channels.
Clear Instantly clears all output being broadcast on all channels, and
recalls the mute preset set in the preferences.
Load Clips Loads the video clips used by the selected playlist items to the
available caches (set in the HDVG Control Panel), so that they
are ready to be played.
Unload Unloads the video clips used by the selected playlist items from
clips their cache, to free the cache.
Connect Connect to all defined automation systems.

Automation
Devices
Update Update the current playlist, with all data (applies only to
Playlist imported playlists from .lst or .xml files).
Data Query Refresh data in all database queries used in the open playlists.
Refresh
Asset Show/hide the Asset browser.

Browser
Timeline Show/hide the Timeline.
Browser Show/hide the Browser.
12 Maestro Main Screen |

Data Show/hide the Data Sources tab.
Sources
Control Show/hide the Control panel.
PageEditor Show/hide the PageEditor tab.
Playlist Show/hide the Playlist area.

area
Global Show/hide the Global parameters tab.

parameters
Macros Show/hide the Macros panel.
RE Show/hide the RE manager tab.

manager
Preview Show/hide the Preview window.

window
1. Getting Started
Playlist Area
The Playlist area is where you create and edit playlists. Multiple playlists can be opened
simultaneously, each in its own tab.
The column headings displayed in the Playlist area can be shown or hidden, depending
on your requirements.
The playlist area toolbar contains the following buttons:
View mode Toggle the available display modes:

List - display the playlist with all defined details.
Thumbnail view - displays the content of the playlist as large
thumbnails with a representative item of the graphic, and other
information.
Dual view - display both detailed list and thumbnails.
Playlist Show/hide special items (with associated timeline) that is

item associated with the playlist.
Parameters Show/hide the parameters panel.

Creating/Opening a Playlist
Before you load pages, you must create a playlist. The playlist acts as a container for
all the pages that you plan to load.
To create a new playlist:

Select File > New.
A new playlist is created.
When you save this playlist, you are asked to name it.
To load a previously saved playlist:

1. Select File > Open.
The Open asset dialog box is displayed, with recently opened folders displayed.
NOTE:
Playlists are stored in the "workspace" folder in the database.
Playlists that were stored in "list" mode in previous versions, must be converted to
"folder" type playlists.
1. Getting Started
2. Browse to the required playlist, and click OK.

The playlist is opened.
14 Creating/Opening a Playlist |
NOTE:
Multiple playlists can be open in the work area simultaneously, stacked,
1. Getting Started
or tabbed.
Creating/Opening a Playlist | 15
1. Getting Started
2. Page Creation
Maestro uses the 3Designer authoring tool scenes as a basis for the graphics it broadcasts
during a production. Data entry pages (templates), use 3Designer scene graphics, and
allow modification of elements marked as exports in 3Designer.
In this section:
Using the PageEditor Layout on page 19
Placing Exports in a Page on page 23
Setting Animations for a Page on page 33
Saving/Loading a Page on page 34
Connecting to External Data Sources on page 34
Advanced Page Editing Options on page 35
Global Parameters on page 36
Creating Pages
To create a data page, you must first select a 3Designer scene containing the graphics
and object exports that you want to use.
When selecting a 3Designer scene, you begin to build a page to use for airing graphics.
You can take a snapshot of a scene, a single frame from a scene that is used as a
background for your page, or use any image as a background, to represent the scene.
The main functions performed in the PageEditor are:
Building timeline event sequences for the page.
Specifying the export elements (data entry fields) that you want to include in the
page.
Defining links to data sources.
Data entered in the PageEditor is the default data shown when the page is loaded in
Maestro Controller and other Maestro suite applications and plug-ins.
2. Page Creation
18 Creating Pages |
Using the PageEditor Layout
Maestro has a predefined PageEditor layout, convenient for creating pages. This layout
can be changed as required, or new layouts can be created for your convenience. (For
more information, see on page 83.)
NOTE:
PageEditor can be opened as a standalone application from the Start menu.
To work in the PageEditor layout:

Click the PageEditor tab inn the upper right corner.
The PageEditor layout displays modules that are especially important for setting up a
page:
The Workspace where you can set up pages visually, set page properties, and view
scene elements. This is where the PageEditor toolbar is located.
The Timeline (tab) is where you set the animation sequence in a page, when to
update data and ticker, run a script, and all other graphic actions. For more
information, see The Timeline on page 28.
The Data Sources tab where you can create queries, and assign them to
parameters in a page. For more information, see Data Sources on page 51.
2. Page Creation
The PE Workspace
The PageEditor workspace is where a page template is displayed, together with its
properties and the elements used in the scene that it is based on (exports, animations,
etc.).
At the top of the PageEditor workspace is a toolbar dedicated to the PageEditor.
New Select a scene from which to make a new page, from a browser
window.
Open Open an existing page, from a browser window.
Save Open a browser window to save the current page.
Cue Rewind the timeline to the beginning.
Take Number The amount of takes defined for the page, and the current
position.
Take Play the current take.
Play all Play all takes that appear in the linear timeline.
For more information, see Linear Timeline on page 32.
Using the PageEditor Layout | 19

Out Execute all events in the Out track, in the Preview window.
Undo Undo last action.
Redo Redo last action.
Copy Copy a control.
Paste Paste a control.
Cut Cut a control.
Delete Delete a control.
Spell check Check spelling in all text fields in the page, that are not connected
to data sources.
Alignment Use to align all selected controls in the page (CTRL+click to select
multiple controls);
2. Page Creation
Align right
Align left
Align top
Align bottom
Align to horizontal center
Align to vertical center
Unify control widths
Unify control heights
Order
Bring to front or Send to back
Tab Show tab ordering (the order in which controls were added to the
ordering page), so that when you press TAB, the next control according to
this order, is selected. Press SHIFT+TAB to select the previous
control.
Show Show labels for all controls, displaying the name of the control.
control
names
Snapshot Take snapshot of Preview window to use as page background.
20 Using the PageEditor Layout |

Page Variations
You can save a single page with different variations for greater versatility. The
variation that is saved as the active tab will be the page that is sent to air. Page
variations can be based on the same scene, a different scene or page.
To create a page variation:

1. Click the arrow to open the list next to the page tab.
2. Page Creation
2. Select the required option from the list:
Add empty page Add an empty page from the current scene.
Add empty page Open a browser window to add an empty page from any
from scene... scene.
Add and copy Add and copy a page from one of the current page tabs.
from...
Import from Add and copy a page from any scene.

asset...
A new page tab is added, and saved with the page tabs. The selected/active tab is
the page that will be broadcast when the page is aired.
Using the PageEditor Layout | 21

Loading a Scene
In order to use the graphics and exports in a scene, the scene must be loaded.
To load a scene:

1. Select New in the PageEditor toolbar.
2. The Select Scene dialog box opens:
2. Page Creation
3. Select the scene that you want to create a page for, and click OK.
The scene is loaded and is displayed in the Preview window. In the work area, an
empty data page for this scene is created.
22 Using the PageEditor Layout |

4. If you want to set a background for the page, in the toolbar, click
Set Background .
The snapshot appears as the background of your page.
NOTE:
Snapshots can only be taken when the local Preview window is open.
Placing Exports in a Page

Place exports in a page so that you can control their content during a broadcast. Any
export created in a 3Designer scene is available in Maestro. The exports are listed in
the workspace in the Scene tab.
Control+click allows you to drag and drop multiple controls. Most of the properties in
the Properties window can be applied to more than one control (including, for example,
Size). For more information, see Control Properties on page 26.
Clicking on the background of the page displays page properties. Setting these
parameters is important when setting up a page. For more information, see Page
Properties on page 25.
To add an export to the page:
2. Page Creation
1. Find the export in the Scene tab, and drag it to the page in the workspace.
A list of export types is displayed.
2. Select the appropriate option.
Label Add a label without input options.
Single Line Add a standard text input box. The text in PageEditor is the default
Text text that appears in all Maestro-related applications.
Link this text input box to a database query, for automatic data
retrieval.
Multi Line Add a text input box that allows carriage returns. Can be linked to
Text exports that require a carriage return (SHIFT+ENTER).
Decorated Pastes a text input box that allows you to format different parts of
text the text. In Play mode, formatting options are available above the
text box, that can be used.
These formatting options are available later in the export seen on
the Maestro Controller.
(The export in 3Designer must have the Use Style Modifier option
enabled.)
Placing Exports in a Page | 23

Drop down Add a drop-down list from which to choose items. List items can be
list added manually or from a data source. Each list item has a label
that the user sees in the list, and a value that is the text that will
be aired or a path that calls a file. See also Control clip on page 31.
To populate the list manually:

1. Drag and drop an export as a drop-down list.
2. Under Properties click ... to open the Items dialog box.
3. Enter and item label and value.
To add items, click .
4. Click OK.
To add items from a data source:

1. Open the Data Sources tab, and drag the required query to
the export.
2. Under Properties, select a value for the CurrentItemIndex
and click OK.
The items now appear in the drop-down list.
Image Add a button to open a file browser. Browser buttons allow you to
2. Page Creation
selector change textures that have been assigned to scene elements, such
as team logos, correspondents photos, etc. For more information,
see The Image Browser on page 46.
Clip Open a browser window to open a clip object. The clip browser
selector allows you to preview, manage, and search for clips.
The folder set in PageEditor is the default folder that is displayed.
For more information, see The Clip Browser on page 49.
Clip Add a drop-down list from which you can set clip behavior. The
controller following options can be set:
Pause: pause corresponding clip playout.
Play: plays corresponding clip.
Pause & Recue: pauses corresponding clip and reloads (so it is
ready for playout again from the beginning).
Recue & Play: reloads a clip (so it plays from the beginning),
and play.
Rewind & Play: go the first frame (without reloading) and
start playing.
Pause & Rewind: stop playout and go to the beginning of the
clip without reloading it.
Rewind: go to the first frame (and continue playout if it was
already playing).
Boolean Add a check box that acts as an on/off switch. A check box can be
value linked to exports from a scene, such as video on/off, tracking
on/off, object show/hide, to provide simple controls for scene
attributes.
24 Placing Exports in a Page |

Integer Add a text input box for integers only.
value Value constraints can be edited under Properties.
Double Add a text input box for decimal numbers only.

value Value constraints can be edited under Properties.
Date Add a text box containing the current date. The default date or
selector date format can be edited under Properties.
Time Add a text box containing the current time (static - is not
selector updated). The default time or time format can be edited under
Properties.
Script Add a control to execute a script defined for this control (note that
control this script control is not a script event in the timeline).
3. Right-click the page background to display a context menu and set the following:
Fit in View Scale the page to fit the browser window.
Channels Define the default output channel(s) of the page. This can be
changed.
Vslot Define the default Vslot on which a page will be run. This can be
changed later.
2. Page Creation
Page Properties
You can set various properties for a page in the Properties window.
To set page properties:

Select the property in the Properties window, and set its value as required:
Name Page name.
Size Page size.
Project The Maestro project to which the page belongs.
Scene The 3Designer scene on which to base the page.
Unique ID The unique identifier number of the page in Maestro.
Background The background color of the page as it is displayed in PageEditor.

color
Background The name of the graphic file used as the page background.
image path
Vslot The Vslot on which the page is displayed.
Channels The channel(s) to which the page is played by default.
Audio The audio preset number from the audio preset file.
preset
Show Show the export names as labels in the page.

control
names

Item Duration of all takes in the page, as set up in the linear timeline.
duration
Item The background color of the page in the playlist.

default
color
TakeCount Number of takes in the timeline. When this is set to Auto, the
number of takes is equal to the number of take tracks. You can set
this manually, to reflect the actual number of takes for instances
when takes are conditional.
Control Properties
Different export controls can have different properties. The common properties are
described in the first table, and specific properties in subsequent tables.
To set control properties:

Select the property in the Properties window, and set its value as required:
Common properties
Name Control name.

2. Page Creation
Position Position of the control in the page.
Size Control size.
Visible Show/hide the control.
Read only Lock/unlock the control for editing.
Use in item Use control content in item title. (Enable page parameters in
title items title must be selected, see page 71.)
Layout Left to right or Right to left settings.

direction
Control-Specific properties
Font Set the text font (all types except Script control).
Text color Set the text color (all types).
Background Set the background color (all types).

color
Text Set the text alignment (all types).

alignment
Case Set the case of the text content in the control; Mixed - as typed,
Upper - all capitals, Lower - all lowercase. (Text controls)
Data Set the content of the control (all types).

Input mask Limits the format in which text can be entered in a line text
control, as follows (for Single line text controls):
A ASCII alphabetic character required. A-Z, a-z.
a ASCII alphabetic character permitted but not required.
N ASCII alphanumeric character required. A-Z, a-z, 0-9.
n ASCII alphanumeric character permitted but not required.
X Any character required.
x Any character permitted but not required.
9 ASCII digit required. 0-9.
0 ASCII digit permitted but not required.
D ASCII digit required. 1-9.
d ASCII digit permitted but not required (1-9).
# ASCII digit or plus/minus sign permitted but not required.
> All alphabetic characters following > are uppercase.< All
alphabetic characters following < are lowercase.
! Switches off case conversion.
\ Use \ to escape the special characters listed above to use
them as separators.
2. Page Creation
Text max Set maximum character length for text export field. This
length setting is ignored if an input mask is defined (for Single line text
controls).
Current Set the currently displayed item (for a drop-down list).

item index
Items Open a dialog box to display the available items in a list, and add
or delete items, as required (for a drop-down list).
Search Set the default folder to search for files (for image selector and
directory clip selector controls).
Aspect Set the aspect ration of an image (for an image selector control).
X:Y=displayed value.
Loop count Set the number of times a clip is played (for a clip selector
control).
Video Set the video to play (true) or not to play (false, for a clip selector
control).
Alpha Enable or disable the alpha channel (for a clip selector control).
channel
Interlaced Enable or disable interlacing (for a clip selector control).
Reversed Enable or disable reversed polarity (for a clip selector control).

polarity
Audio Set the audio to play (true) or not to play (false, for a clip selector
control).
Text Set the check box label text (for a boolean value control).

GUI type Set the type of control that you want to display for setting a
numeric value; spin box, horizontal slider, or vertical slider (for
integer value and double value controls).
Maximal Set the maximal value allowed in a integer value or double value
value control.
Minimal Set the minimal value allowed in a integer value or double value
value control.
Default Set the default value displayed in a integer value or double value
value control.
Date order Select the order of the elements for displaying a date (for a date
selector control).
Date Select the date format; ISO, long, or short (for a date selector
format control).
Date Set the character to use as a separator for the date elements (for
separator a date selector control).
Time Set the time in the 24-hour time format, regardless of the data
format (for a time selector control).
2. Page Creation
Time Select the time format (for a time selector control).

format
Time Set the character to use as a separator for the time elements (for
separator a time selector control).
Data Select the type of time selector to use; time, minutes, seconds,
format frames, etc. (for a time selector control).
Script code Open an editor window to enter the script code (for a script
control).
Parameter Open the Run script dialog box to set a script to run automatically
list when the value of a [selected] control is changed (for a script
control).
Script Set the script language to use; Visual Basic or Java (for a script
language control).
Script file Open a browser window to select a script file to use when the
control is activated (for a script control).
The Timeline
The timeline tab displays the tracks you define for your page, and the events in each
track. A track is executed upon command, according to its type.
To add a track:

1. Click .
A Take track is added to the timeline.
2. Click the arrow in the new track to open a list of track types.

3. Change the track type, if required, according to the types described below:
Take All events in this track are executed when you play an
item. (Multiple take tracks can be added to the page.)
In the Event property window, you can set the take
number. (By default, numbers are assigned automatically
according to the order of the tracks in the timeline, and
the numbers change if a tracks position in the timeline
changes.)
Cue All events in this track are executed when you cue an
item.
Out All events in this track are executed when you play an
items out sequence.
Callback tracks, executed when a page is on-air and its defining condition is
true:
Animation When the animation defined in the Event property

started window is started, the events in this track are executed.

finished window is finished, the events in this track are executed.
2. Page Creation
paused window is paused, the events in this track are executed.

resumed window is resumed (after a pause), the events in this
track are executed.
Ticker: When the ticker that is currently running does not have
item any more items to display, it informs the controller so it
needed sends new content. This track type is created
automatically when you use the ticker plug-in to create a
ticker or it can be added manually to define an action to
perform when ticker data is played out.
In the Event property window, define the ticker name.
If required, set the data index to send a callback
according to the number of cell specified here.
Ticker: When each individual ticker item leaves the ticker, events
item left in this track are executed.
Slot: signal When a signal, defined in the event property window, is

received received, the events in this track are executed. For more
information, see Signals on page 35.

To add events to a track:
To each track, you can drag different Events.
Each type has properties that must be defined in the Event property window in the
Timeline tab.:
Send Export Update the export data.

In the Event property window, select or clear the exports to
be updated, as required. (Use the Export name field to find
exports quickly.)
When an event is selected, double click any column (except
the Name) to edit the export; if the data is taken from a data
source, you can set the displayed value, and switch to the
next field in the data source by setting the iteration interval.
Wait Time Wait before proceeding to the next item.

In the Event property window, define the wait duration.
Script Event Run a script, written in JScript. Must run the return true
command in order for the remaining timeline events to be
executed.
You can use the Wizard to create a script. For more
information, see Scripts on page 35.
Signal event Signal Maestro to start a signal received-type track.

2. Page Creation
In the Event property window, define the name of the track

to be executed.
For more information, see Signals on page 35.
Start Play an animation group.

Animation In the Event property window, select or clear the
animations to be played, as required.
Stop Stop an animation group.

animations to be stopped, as required.
Pause Pause an animation group.

animations to be paused, as required.
Resume Resume playing a paused animation group.

animations to be resumed, as required.
Break Stop a looped animation group when the current loop plays
looped out.
animation In the Event property window, select or clear the
animations to be stopped, as required.
Rewind Rewind an animation group.

animation In the Event property window, select or clear the
animations to be reset, as required.
Scene Load a scene with its default values. In the Event property
activate window, you can set the VSlot.
Scene Unload a scene.

deactivate

Scene reset Reload a scene with its default values. In the Event
property window, you can set the VSlot.
Ticker start Start a ticker.

In the Event property window, select the ticker, the offset
between ticker items, and the ticker speed.
Ticker stop Stop a ticker.

In the Event property window, select the ticker.
Ticker pause Pause a ticker.

In the Event property window, select the ticker.
Ticker Resume a paused ticker.

resume In the Event property window, select the ticker.
Send data Update ticker data.

In the Event property window, the ticker data to update.
Load clip Load the clip. Select the clips to load in the Event property
window.
Unload clip Unload the clip. Select the clips to unload in the Event
property window.
2. Page Creation
Control clip Play a clip as required. (Same options can be set for a Clip
controller export type).
Define the required command for a clip in the Event
property window. (Options are - Pause, Play, Pause and
Cue, Cue and Play, Rewind and Play, Pause and rewind,
Rewind.)
Activate Specify an audio preset to activate (as defined in the audio

audio preset presets file).
Keyframe Define a keyframe position for an object, to change its timing

position (available only for key frames defined in the scene).
Keyframe Define a keyframe value for an object to change its

value properties (available only for key frames defined in the
scene).
NOTE:
Timeline elements can be resized by dragging the corners of the track labels or the
linear timeline separator.

Linear Timeline
At the bottom of the timeline tab is a linear timeline that, by default, displays all the
tracks in the [visual] timeline in chronological order. The linear timeline can be edited
to include only certain tracks for previewing or working in NLE (where scripts cannot be
executed).
To edit the linear timeline:

Right-click and reset.
All Take tracks are added, and you can rearrange the tracks, move the cursor to adjust
time, and set the frame to use when "single frame preview" is enabled.
2. Page Creation

Setting Animations for a Page
Define the sequence in which animations are played by adding them to the timeline.
To set how an animation plays:

1. Choose an animation group from the Scene tab.
2. Drag the animation to the timeline.
A Start Animation event is placed in the timeline. For more information on using
the Timeline, see The Timeline on page 28.
If you require an event other than Start Animation, drag the required type of event
to the timeline, and define the animation group for it to trigger.
3. Select other animation groups as required, and repeat the procedure until you have
constructed a page containing all required animations.
4. When your sequence is complete, click take in the PageEditor toolbar to

preview, or save the page, and play the item from the Controller layout.
You can also connect to a remote rendering host, and preview the page using the
Remote Preview button.
2. Page Creation
Setting Animations for a Page | 33

Saving/Loading a Page
After editing a page, you must save the page so that it can be loaded into Maestro
Controller for airing.
To save a page:

Click Save in the PageEditor toolbar.
The arrow by the Save icon opens a context menu allowing you to Save the current
page, Save As..., or Save All open pages.
To load an existing page:

1. Click Open in the PageEditor toolbar.
The Open Page dialog box opens.
2. Page Creation
2. Choose the folder and page you want to open.

3. Click OK.
Connecting to External Data Sources

You can assign database queries to the various types of input controls, so that
information can be retrieved from the data sources and sent directly to a page without
the need for user input.
For more information, see Data Sources on page 51.
34 Saving/Loading a Page |
Advanced Page Editing Options
Signals
Signals allow you to use basic internal logic without the need for programming syntax.
Using a signal event, you can trigger any track in a page. A signal track is played when
a signal of that name has been received, only if the item is on-air.
To add a signal to be sent:

1. Add a signal event to an appropriate track in the timeline, as described in The
Timeline on page 28.
2. In the Event properties, assign a name to the signal event.
The signal is sent when its track is played, and any Slot:signal received track with
the same name is executed.
You can assign a name and value to the event to allow triggering of other events
according to the value and name.
To add a Slot:signal received track:

1. Add a Slot:signal received track in the Timeline, as described in The Timeline on
2. Page Creation
page 28.
2. In the Event properties, fill in the signal name under Value.
All events placed in this track are played when the matching signal event is played.
Scripts
Maestro allows you to use Java scripts for more complex operations. In order to write a
script, prior knowledge of Java or Visual Basic is required. However, Maestro provides
both a script assistant and wizard for easier scripts, and a built-in syntax checker.
To add a script for execution:

1. Add a script event to an appropriate track in the timeline, as described in The
Timeline on page 28.
2. In the Event property window, use the wizard to compose a script (in the Wizard
tab) or enter the script code in the Script tab.
Using the Script Wizard

When you select a script event in the Timeline, the relevant tabs are displayed in the
Event property window. In the Wizard tab, compose a script as described here.
To write a script using the wizard:

1. Click to add a new line.
2. In the new line, double-click the Action column to allow you to display a list of
commands that you can use in the script.
Advanced Page Editing Options | 35

3. Select the required command.
Take item Play a playlist item.
Out item Remove a playlist item from the playout.
Cue item Cue a playlist item.
Load item Load a playlist item.
Unload item Unload a playlist item.
Send event Add a signal event.
Send event Add a signal event destined for a specific control.

direct
4. Double-click the Parameters column to reference the required item.

5. Click Copy to script.
The script is now in the timeline, and is coded in the Script tab.
Coding a Script
If you are proficient in Java script or VB script, you can write a script from scratch in
the Script tab.
2. Page Creation
Maestros assistant displays a list of relevant commands for applications, playlists, and
items, when you type app., playlist., and item. You can press F5 to check your
syntax.
Global Parameters
Global parameters are user-defined parameters that can be used for a production,
together with other commands. Global parameters are given a value that can be used
by a script or set by a script, as required.
You can define two types of global parameters; integer and string.
36 Global Parameters |
3. Building a Playlist
This section explains how pages are used and edited for broadcast.
For any production, you create a playlist that contains the pages that you want to
display. The playlist is subdivided as follows:
Rundown top element, usually the rundown is identified with a program (e.g.,
News at 10, Closing Markets, etc.). A rundown can contain both stories and play
items. Multiple rundowns an be open together.
For information on creating a rundown, see Creating/Opening a Rundown on
page 38.
Story (optional) divides the rundown into logical sections. This element can be
used if a show naturally breaks into subsections. A story can contain only play
items.
Play Item a page, an essential element of the rundown, identifies a graphical
template containing the data/animation/tickers/etc. to be displayed during
production.
Creating/Opening a Playlist
Before you load pages, you must create a playlist. The playlist acts as a container for
all the pages that you plan to load.
To create a new playlist:

Select File > New.
A new playlist is created.
When you save this playlist, you are asked to name it.
To load a previously saved playlist:

1. Select File > Open.
The Open asset dialog box opens.
2. Browse to the required playlist, and click OK.
The playlist is opened.
NOTE:
Multiple playlists can be open in the work area simultaneously, as tabs, thumbnails,
or docked alongside each other. Toggle View mode in the playlist toolbar to switch
between views.
Stories
To create a story:
1. Right-click in the playlist area.
A menu is displayed.
2. Select New > Story item.
The new story now appears in the rundown.
3. Press F2 to rename the story (type the name, then press ENTER).
Adding Playlist Items
After creating a playlist (see Creating/Opening a Playlist on page 34), you can load any
page created in PageEditor to the playlist.
To add an item to the playlist:

From the Browser (see Using the Browser on page 35):
Drag a page to the playlist.
A playlist item with default data and animation settings is created.
From a page (that is open in the Browser):
Drag the button from the Browser to the playlist or press the INSERT key.
From the popup menu (see Editing Rundown Items on page 36):
Right-click a rundown/story/item element and select New > Dummy item.
An empty item (without an assigned scene) is created.
Using the Browser
The Browser provides access to all of the pages created in PageEditor. Pages and
folders are displayed as Thumbnail images.
Double-click a page to open it, and enter data.
Double-click a folder to display its contents.
The following table describes the Page Browser toolbar:
Drag Item Drag and drop this icon into the rundown to add the page.
Save Item Saves changes to the currently selected rundown item.
Up directory Moves the browser up one level in the directory.
Home Moves the browser to the root directory.

directory
Spell check Check spelling for all exports that are not connected to data
sources.
This field displays the unique ID of the selected item.
Adding Playlist Items | 35

Editing Rundown Items
In the Browser, you can change the page data components used by an item:
The content of Data Fields
Textures and Clips that need to be updated
In the Browser, you can update both text and graphic exports in the page, but you
cannot move, add, or rearrange the labels themselves. If you want to do so, you must
return to PageEditor and edit the page there.
Editing a play item will not alter the original page. Each item receives a unique ID that
is displayed in the rundown.
Data Fields
Depending on the control type added in PageEditor, you can edit the content of the
controls in the browser; select the displayed item in a drop-down list, the state of a
check box, the text in a field, etc.
Textures
To edit a texture in a scene:

1. Click the Select Image control that was added in PageEditor.
A Browser window opens.
For more information, see The Image Browser on page 42.
2. Select an image file to be used as the texture. You can select an image stored on
your computer, or one stored in the Cinegy database, if relevant.
3. Click OK.
The texture is assigned to the exported object, scaled to fit the object to which it is
mapped.
Saving Playlist Items

After editing a page to be used as a playlist item, you have various options for saving
your changes. If you dont save the item, its data is the same as other playlist items
created from the same page.
Click Save to save the items with their new content, without replacing the original
page.
NOTE:
If the Automatically save changes for edited items option (in the preferences)
is selected, the save option is disabled (See Automatically save changes for edited
item on page 68).
If you want to save the original page with the new content, use the Save as template
option.
36 Editing Rundown Items |

Assigning a Channel
When an item is added to the playlist, an output channel should be assigned. Maestro
Controller can control up to four channels.
To assign a channel to an item:

1. Right-click in the channel column of the item to which you want to assign a channel.
A menu opens.
2. Select Add to Channel.
3. Select the playback channel(s) to be used.
Each item can have a predefined channel assignment, and can be changed with
shortcuts (1,2,3,4...).
New items will be added to a playlist assigned to the default channels set in
PageEditor.
Previewing and Airing Items

After each item has been added to the playlist, preview the playlist and then make any
required changes to the items, before sending to air.
To preview the playlist:
1. Click Connect to connect renderer devices.

As each host connects, the status lights for each rendering host in the bottom right
hand corner changes. Green indicates that the host is connected, and Red indicates
that the host is not currently connected.
Assigning a Channel | 37
Next to each host name is a small menu short cut that allows you to connect or
disconnect from individual hosts.
Items are initially displayed as Not Loaded.
2. Click Load All to load all items in the playlist (or use CTRL+L.)
-Or-
Right-click the status indicator to load the specific item in the channel that you
chose. (If multiple items are selected, you can right-click and select Load
Selected.)
Each item in the rundown changes to READY when they are ready for use.
The status buttons are colored as follows (by default. This can be changed in the
PGM & PRV preferences.):
Neither graphics nor clip is loaded.
grey
Item is loading/unloading, or item is partially loaded. For example,

graphics are loaded but clips are not.
light green
Item is loaded graphics and clips are ready to play.
green
Item is being aired to assigned channel.
red
Item is cued.
yellow
3. Once the items are loaded, play the items as follows:

Press CTRL+SPACE to view playback on local preview.
Press CTRL+ENTER to view playback on PGM channel only.
Additional status information is shown in the status bar in the lower left corner of the
screen.
Gfx shows scene status, and Clip shows if the clips
in the item are cached and ready. Color coding is as
described above.
38 Previewing and Airing Items |

Playback Control
The Playback Control allows you to Preview, Cue and Take pages from the rundown.
Actions initiated with the Playback Control are for the currently active item only.
To display the Playback control:
Click to toggle the Playback Control.
To select a channel for an item:

In the rundown list area, right-click in a channel column, select Add to Channel,
and then select the required channel. Channels can be assigned automatically to all
default channels defined in the settings window. Each page will then be added to
these pre-assigned channels.
Cue Cue the selected item to all assigned Program channel(s)
and rewind animations.
(Keyboard shortcut: CTRL+O)
Current Display the total number of takes required to play an item

Take and the current status of the item, for example, 2/3 means
Number that there are three "takes", two that have been already
executed.
Take Play the selected item on the assigned program channel(s)

until next break event or end of events. (Keyboard shortcut:
CTRL+ENTER)
Out Run all events in the Out track in the timeline.
Preview Play the selected item on the assigned Preview channel(s).

(Keyboard shortcut: CTRL+SPACE)
Page Input box for unique ID. The unique ID for page can be
selector entered here, to send that page to air at the next Take.
Selected either with keyboard shortcut CTRL+ or onscreen
with the cursor. The following color-coding is applied:
Red when: the unique ID is not in the current playlist or
the database.
Yellow when: the page is in database, but is not loaded.
Green when: the page is loaded in the current playlist.
Playback Control | 39
The Asset Browser
The Asset Browser is for quick management of all Maestro assets (templates, data
sources, workspaces, data sets, tickers), and for search capabilities.
The data sources folder contains all the defined queries.
The templates folder contains all available pages.
The workspace folder contains all playlists and items.
To display the Browser:
Click the button, to toggle the Asset Browser tabs.

For more information on search capabilities when using GAM, see Using Cinegy in
Maestro on page 84.
The Asset browser has a toolbar for easy management.
Navigate to the previous or next folder.
Up Navigate one level up in the folder hierarchy.
Search Open a window that allows you to search for an asset.
Folders Open a sidebar showing the folder hierarchy.
Details view/ Display the assets according to details or as thumbnail

Thumbnail view images.
Cut Cut an asset.
Copy Copy an asset.
Paste Paste an asset.
Delete Delete an asset.
New folder Create a new folder.
40 Playback Control |
Working with Tickers
NOTE:
The Ticker feature requires a separate license.
Tickers in a scene can be controlled from Maestro; you can control both the ticker
content and when and how the ticker is run.
To add a ticker control:

1. To show the available tickers, click the arrow next to in the Browser, and select
Show Plug-ins Bar.
The available plug-ins are displayed at the top of the Browser window.
2. Click Ticker in the Plug-ins bar.
The Browser displays Scene and Ticker options.
3. Click Scene, and select the scene from which you want to run a ticker.
4. If required, click Ticker to select the ticker parameter with the content that you
want to update manually.
5. Click Add under Ticker data to display ticker content parameters. Use and
to add or remove ticker items.
6. Click Build timeline.
Tracks are built for the ticker in the timeline.
7. Select the Start Ticker event, and set the ticker properties in the Event property
window.
To add a ticker to a rundown:

With the ticker open in the Browser, drag the button to the playlist or press the
INSERT key.
Tickers can be saved as pages using Save As in the browser window.
The Image Browser
For Image selector control types, you can open a browser that allows you to select an
image from any directory, to display. You can also edit the way the image is displayed
in Maestro.
To open the Image Browser:

Click the export control in the page (open in the Page Browser).
To Edit an image:

Right-click an image, and select Edit.
The Editor window is displayed.
Edit graphic parameters as required.
Adjust Adjust the following effects in the image editor, using the
sliders, arrows, or by setting the numerical values:
Brightness
Contrast
Gamma
Hue
Saturation
Lightness
Sharpness
Deinterlace Discard one of the fields that compose a frame, by selecting

one of the available options:
Keep upper
Keep lower
Flip Flip the image horizontally or vertically.
Resize Resize your image as required, using the required resampling

algorithm from the Method list.
Crop Use the cursor to mark the required area, while pressing CTRL.
Click Crop to crop the selected area. When an area is selected,
you can resize it using the cursor while pressing CTRL.
NOTE:
If the page aspect ratio is set to anything other than 0, a
selection rectangle with the correct aspect ratio is marked.
Display For editing purposes, you can choose to fit the image in the
image editor window, or display it at its normal size.
Reset Cancel all settings made in the editor.

The Clip Browser
For Clip selector control types, you can open a browser, that allows you to select a clip
from any directory (or from the GAM database, in the Database tab), to play, preview
in the Clip Browser, or set the clip properties that determone how it will be played by
RenderEngine.
To open the Clip Browser:

Click the export control in the page (open in the Browser).
To preview a clip:

1. Select a clip.
2. Set the required properties:
Loop count The default number of loops for which a new clip added to a
page. By default, the value is Infinite.
Video When set to true clips are treated as video clips. When false,
video stream is ignored.
If clips are marked as video clips, you can set:
Alpha channel - when true, clip is played with an alpha
channel.
Interlaced - when true, clip is defined as interlaced, with or
without reversed polarity, as required.
Audio When set to true, clips are played with audio. When false, audio
is ignored.
3. To preview, click .
NOTE:
Certain clips might require you to install extra codecs in order to play them.
4. Data Sources
This section provides information on drawing content from databases.

Using a database is a way of airing text content without user/operator input. This reduces
the chances of accidental changes being made to text.
You can determine the rate at which content is refreshed, if at all, and draw that content
from various sources as required.
In this section:
Setting up a Data Source on page 52
Setting up a Data Source
When drawing content from a data source, you must define the database itself, and a
specific query in the database from which to take the contents. Data sources have their
own dedicated tab in Maestro, for managing data source setup and queries.
To define a data source:

1. Open the Data Sources tab.
2. Right-click in the Data Sources column and select Add Data Sources.
The Data Source dialog box is displayed.
3. Define your data source as required.
Factory name Set the format of the data source; each type requires
installation of its own dedicated driver.
Type Set the data source file type.
(All other settings derive from the data source type)

4. Data Sources
52 Setting up a Data Source |

ODBC Data Source
ODBC databases that have been defined in the ODBC Data Source administrator can
be used as data sources for Maestro. (Select Start > Control Panel >
Administrative Tools > Data Sources (ODBC) to open the ODBC administrator and
add a data source for your system).
4. Data Sources
To define an ODBC data source:
1. In the Data Source dialog box, select ODBC from the Type list.
2. Select a DSN Connection Name from the list (this must be defined in the ODBC
data source administrator),
-Or-
Type the path and filename of a File DSN Connection.
3. Type a User name and Password if necessary (this should be available from the
database administrator).
4. Type the Data source name as it will appear in the Data Sources and Queries
dialog box.
5. Click Test Connection to verify the connection has been made.
6. Click OK to save the data source information.
Setting up a Data Source | 53

Database (SQL) Data Source
Databases that are stored remotely can be defined using the Database Server type.
4. Data Sources
To define a database data source:

1. In the Data Source dialog box, select DATABASE from the Type list.
2. Under Enter database server location, type the path.
3. Type the database file name under Enter database name.
dialog box.

Excel Data Source
Microsoft Excel files can be used as data sources.
4. Data Sources
To define a database data source:
1. In the Data Source dialog box, select EXCELFILE from the Type list.
2. Specify the path of the Excel file.
3. Type the database file name under Data source name.
dialog box.

Text Data Source
4. Data Sources
To define a text data source:

1. In the Data Source dialog box, select TEXT_FILE from the Type list.
2. Specify the folder containing the file.
3. Type the User name and Password if necessary (this should be available from the
dialog box.

News (RSS) Data Source
4. Data Sources
To define a news (RSS) data source:
1. In the Data Source dialog box, select News as the Factory name.
2. Specify the URL address of the news feed.
3. If you are using a proxy server, select Use proxy server, and set the required
parameters.
dialog box.

XML Data Source
4. Data Sources
To define an XMLdata source:

1. In the Data Source dialog box, select XML as the Factory name.
2. Specify the file path of the XML file.
dialog box.

Using Queries
Database queries allow you to draw certain data from a given data source.
Once the data source is defined, you must create a query to use in Maestro. You can
type an SQL query in the Query Editor tab at any time, or use the query wizard as
follows.
To define a query:

1. Under Data Sources, select the required data source.
2. In the Query Columns subtab, in the Table/Column window, the available tables in
the data source are shown with their columns.
3. Select the columns from which you want to read data, and click to display the
column names in the right window.
4. Define a query name at the bottom of the Query Sources tab, and click Save
Query.
5. Open the Query Order subtab.
6. Under Column, select the table column by which to arrange the data items, from
the list.
4. Data Sources
7. Under Order, select ASC (ascending) or DESC (Descending), as required.
8. Open the Query Result subtab.
9. All cells from the selected table(s) are displayed.
Using Queries | 59
4. Data Sources
60 Using Queries |
5. Customizing
This section includes information on customizing Maestro for your needs. Preferences can
be set for the following:
Asset Database on page 62
Log on page 64
Appearance on page 65
Shortcuts on page 66
PGM & PRV on page 67
Play on page 69
Miscellaneous on page 71
JStation on page 73
Virtual Slots on page 74
Automation on page 75
GPI on page 79
MOS on page 81
External Tools on page 83
Customizing the GUI on page 84
Graphics Asset Management Database (Cinegy) on page 86
Asset Database
The Asset Database settings display the defined the storage database for all of your
Maestro assets and the login information used during login. The only setting to edit
here is the length of the unique ID used for each asset.
NOTE:
These settings are defined during Login, and cannot be changed here.
5. Customizing
Login The current username used to login to Maestro Asset Database.

The username is defined during Maestro installation.
Password The password used to login to Maestro Asset Database. The

password is defined during Maestro installation. It is
recommended not to change this parameter.
62 Asset Database |
Server name The name and path of the current database server.
Database The name of the current Maestro Asset database.

Name
Server type The type of database you are using.

The Native Maestro Database option is for the Orad database.
The GFX Asset Management enables many options, the most
notable being conditional access to assets according to the user
logged in. This option uses third party software.
Authentication The type of database authentication protocol.
Unique ID Set the allowed length of Item and page IDs (default=8, max. of
Length 32 characters). ALL applications connected to the same database
need to use the same unique ID length.
Warning:
Changing the ID length might reset all IDs in the database.
Do not change the length.
5. Customizing
Asset Database | 63
Log
In the Log options, you can define log storage options.
5. Customizing
Log File Path Specifies the location where the log files are saved.
Remove older Logs older than the time defined here will be automatically
than deleted.
Remove when Logs larger than the size defined here will be automatically
larger than deleted.
64 Log |
Appearance
The Appearance settings show you the location of the default Maestro style sheet,
which defines the appearance of the GUI.
5. Customizing
Style sheet Define the style sheet to use to define the GUI display. This file is
an HTML cascading style sheet (CSS) file and can be used to
customize the Maestro GUI.
Item colors Define the colors used in playlists to color-code item status.
Select the check box of an item status to display it using the
color defined here.
Edit color by clicking the color display. A color pallet dialog box
opens.
Appearance | 65
Shortcuts
You can define shortcuts for many of the actions in Maestro. You can save personal
settings as a file, and load them when required.
To edit/create a shortcut:

1. In the Shortcuts dialog box, select an action in the left window.
5. Customizing
2. Place the cursor in Press shortcut keys, and press the required key combination.
3. Click Assign.
To cancel a shortcut:

Select the action and click Remove.
When you are finished customizing the settings, click OK.
66 Shortcuts |
PGM & PRV
In the PGM & Preview window, you define output settings, DVG channels, and local and
remote RenderEngine behavior.
5. Customizing
NOTE:
While connected to your devices, you cannot change any of the remote program
channel definitions.
Program See Defining HDVG Channels on page 68.
Local When this check box is selected, the output is previewed in the
embedded RenderEngine Preview window.
Remote When this check box is selected, the output is previewed on the
host whose IP address or host name is defined here.
PGM & PRV | 67

Aspect Select the aspect ratio of the Preview window.
Single Vslot When this check box is selected, only a single scene can be
Preview displayed in the preview, regardless of different Vslots defined
for each scene. Dynamic blending is disabled.
Single Image When this check box is selected, only a given frame of the
Preview animation is shown. This frame is defined in PageEditor for each
page, by setting the Background image path property (see page
page 25). A yellow triangle is displayed on the required frame on
the linear timeline.
FPS Select the frame rate (frames per second). This setting affects
the time displayed in the duration of the timeline.
Defining HDVG Channels

Before you begin previewing and airing items, you must define the HDVG channels on
which they will be played. For example, define a program channel that is played on air,
and a backup channel.
To define a channel:

1. Select Customize > Settings.
5. Customizing
The Preferences dialog box is displayed.

2. Select PGM & PVW on the left.
The PGM & Preview settings are displayed. You can define settings for up to 16
program channels, and two preview channels. One of the preview channels can be a
remote host (requires additional hardware), the other is the Preview window. Define
the hostname of each channel.
3. Click Add host .

A new empty channel slot is appended.
Each of the program channels is assigned a letter (A, B, C, etc., to P).
4. Enter the name of the remote host to be used in the Host column, and if required,
give an Alias Name that will be used in the status bar and in the playlist as the
channel name.
NOTE
Alias names for channels are unique across all Maestro family applications
connected to the same database. If you want different channel definitions on each
Maestro station, leave the Alias names blank.
The default channel(s) can be set here as well; whenever a new item is added to the
playlist, it is automatically assigned to the default channels listed here.
Under On select the check box to activate a channel.
5. Click OK to close the Preferences dialog box.
In the status bar you see all of the channels and devices that have been defined,
listed at the bottom of the controller. You have the option to disconnect device in
the status bar.
68 PGM & PRV |

Play
In the Play options you can set default scene options that are executed when cueing,
playing or fading out, as well as audio presets.
5. Customizing
Cue\Custom When selected, application executes the items cue.When cleared

Cue track is not executed.
Cue\Reset When selected, the scene is reset upon cue. When cleared, scene
scene remains in its current state when an item is cued.
Note:
Remembermore than one page can use the same scene.
Cue\Activate When selected, scene is activated upon cue; that is - the scene is
scene displayed, if not already visible. When cleared, nothing new is
displayed upon cue.
Play | 69
Cue\Load scene When selected, the scene used by the cued item is loaded upon
cue. When cleared, the scene is not loaded upon cue, and must be
loaded manually.
Cue\Load clip When selected, clips used by the cued item are loaded upon cue.
This can be used as an alternative to smart clip management.
When cleared, clips are not loaded upon cue.
Take\Cue item When selected, the current item is re-cued (reset) after the last
take. When cleared, item remains as is.
Take\Advance When selected, advance to next item after the last take in the
to next item item. When cleared, an item remains selected after it has been
played out.
Out\Reset When selected, the scene is reset upon scene out. When cleared,
scene scene is not reset.
Out\Deactivate When selected, scene is deactivated upon scene out. When

scene cleared, scene might remain active or even displayed after scene
out.
Out\Mute audio When selected, the mute audio preset is set upon scene out.
When cleared, audio plays out.
Smart Clip When selected, Maestro looks ahead at items in the playlist, and
5. Customizing
Management preloads any clips to an available cache. If you air items randomly
(not according to their order in the playlist), disable this option,
and cache clips manually.
Select the number of items that should be inspected for clips in
advance, when smart clip management is enabled. The number of
caches is set in the HDVG Control Panel. For more information, see
the HDVG Control Panel Configuration Guide.
Mute audio Select the audio preset to be recalled when an HDVG channel is
preset cleared of output.
Preset file Select the XML file that contains the definitions for audio presets.
This file is created in the HDVG audio panel.
Mute audio on When selected, the preset defined under Mute Audio Preset will
channel clear be recalled when one channel output is cleared. When cleared,
nothing is changed in audio processing when a channel is cleared.
70 Play |
Miscellaneous
In the miscellaneous options you can define various system parameters.
5. Customizing
Enable page When selected, item name/content is displayed in the playlist page
parameters in title for easier identification. If required, you can display only
items title certain exports, by setting the UseInItemTitle property.
(True (default)=display, False=hide). When this option is selected,
you can modify the contents of the item by pressing F2 and TAB to
move between fields in the title itself.
When cleared, only the item name is displayed in the playlist.
Miscellaneous | 71
Automatically When this option is selected, changes made to the current item in
save changes the playlist are saved automatically when a different item is
for edited item selected.
When this option is cleared, changes made to an item are
discarded when a different item is selected, unless the item is
saved manually in the Browser.
Check user When selected, access to various functions is applied according to

profile permissions given to logged in user. When cleared, user profile is
not checked and users have access to all functions.
Once you activate this option, you cannot access preferences
unless you belong the right group.
Spell check Define the dictionary language and path to use when running the
spell-checker.
Language Define the language displayed in the Maestro GUI.
Data path This preset is how to set the correspondence between Windows
mapper and MAC/Linux path, for setting the asset storage location.
Graphics event Define the prefix for items that Maestro should use in a .lst format
prefix file. (Default=G)
Dummy item Define the template to use as a dummy item when using third level
template playlist items in imported .lst playlists.
5. Customizing
72 Miscellaneous |
JStation
The Journalist Server (known as JServer) is enabled here. By activating the JServer,
multiple journalists, working remotely can view, edit, and add to playlists.
It is used to receive items entered by remote users using JStation. These items are
added to a playlist, that is updated automatically when new items are added.
To enable the Journalist Station:

Select the Accept incoming connections from JStation on port check box, and
set the port number.
5. Customizing
NOTE:
Journalist station requires additional software. JStation should not be enabled
unless required.
JStation | 73
Virtual Slots
Virtual Slots (Vslots) are visual layers in a channel (preview or on-air). Different
scenes can be played simultaneously to different VSlots. The result would be one scene
appearing to be superimposed upon another. You can define up to 255 Vslots. 0 is the
back layer, and 254 is the front layer.
In the VSlots window, you can define slots 0-254.
5. Customizing
To define a slot:

1. Set a VSlot number.
2. Type an Alias for the slot.
3. Click Add.
4. Click OK to close the dialog box.
NOTE:
The Virtual Slots definition is applied to the resource database. You can modify the
Vslot; changes made here affect all hosts connected to the current database.
To delete a VSlot from the list:

Select the VSlot from the list, and click Delete.
74 Virtual Slots |
Automation
In the Automation window, define Maestro behavior when controlled by one or more
external automation systems.
5. Customizing
Root folder Define the location in which to save external

automation-related items. This definition is important
especially for systems using a VDCP protocol, because only
items within this folder or in the current playlist can be played.
Connect/ When selected, automation system is connected whenever a

disconnect PGM channel (RenderEngine) is connected.
devices when When cleared, you must connect the Automation system
PGM channels manually by left-clicking its device indicator.
are connected/
disconnected
Automation | 75
Remove item When selected, if the automation systems sends a 'STOP item'
from playlist on command, the item is removed from the playlist.
STOP event When cleared, the items are not removed, and the playlist
becomes longer over time.
Force item Select this check box to reload items whenever a cue
reload on cue command is received from the automation system to ensure
event that the latest data is always aired.
Automation Define the automation systems that Maestro can receive

devices commands from.
For more information, see Configuring an Automation System
on page 76.
Configuring an Automation System

Maestro can be controlled by an Automation system using multiple Avid ControlAir,
CII, VDCP, and Sony protocols. In order to work with an automation system, the
appropriate driver must be installed, and you must configure Maestro, as described
here.
5. Customizing
To configure an automation system:

1. Select Customize > Settings.
The Preferences window opens.
2. In the Automation options, under Automation devices, click Add to add a device
to the list.
3. Double-click the device name to rename it, as required.
4. Select the device type from the list.
5. Click Configure to open the device configuration dialog box.
Continue as required:
Avid ControlAir / Sony

NOTE:
ControlAir works only when the iNews system is used.
To configure an Avid ControlAir system:

Load a Profile and specify the MOS page number, then click OK.
A default profile is provided with Maestro in the file called:
C:\Orad\Maestro\DM\oradDM.dmp.
The following settings must be modified in this file according to the settings in
ControlAir.
SvrHostName=serveName (ControlAir Server host name)
DeviceName=oradCG (Orad device name in NRCS)
76 Automation |
VDCP Protocol
To configure the VDCP protocol:

1. In the Driver tab, select the required options:
Communication Select Serial or TCP/IP according to the automation system

protocol requirements.
Logger Select the Logger check box to create a log for Maestros
interaction with the automation system.
File path Set the path and file name of the log file.
Trace levels Select the trace level check boxes to set which types of
messages are written to the log file.
2. In the Settings tab, set the following:
ID length Set the required length of the item IDs that the automation
system can send to Maestro.
Port to channel Assign a Maestro channel and Vslot to each automation

mapping system port. Click Add to add new ports, double click the
port/channel/Vslot name to edit.
5. Customizing
IDReqest: Select this check box to cue items once they are validated by
Cue ID on the automation system. When cleared, validated items must
validation be cued independently.
IDList Set which item IDs to send when the automation system
requests a list of items; Return automation root folder
content - list the item IDs that are in the folder specified in
Root folder on page page 75. Return playlist content - list
the item IDs in the currently active playlist.
3. Click OK.
CII Protocol
To configure the CII protocol:

1. In the Driver tab, select the required options:
Communication Select Serial or TCP/IP according to the automation system

protocol requirements.
Charset Set the character set to use for communications between the
automation system and Maestro.
Logger Select the Logger check box to create a log for Maestros
interaction with the automation system.
2. In the Settings tab, set the following:
ID length Set the required length of the item IDs that the automation
system can send to Maestro.
Automation | 77
Send ACK Select this check box to immediatly send an acknowledgment
immediately when an item is sent, or clear for item to be fully loaded
before acknowledgment is sent.
Play item with Select this check box to automatically play an item when an
READ/UPDATE update command is received from the automation system.
command Clear to update the item without playing.
PGM channel Assign a Maestro channel and Vslot to each automation

assignment system output.
3. In the Macros tab, you can set a name for any macro command not defined in the
protocol.
5. Customizing
78 Automation |
GPI
NOTE:
The GPI option is a licensed option and is available only if the appropriate card is
installed.
5. Customizing
Connect/ When selected, the device is connected whenever a PGM channel

disconnect (RenderEngine) is connected.
devices when When cleared, you must connect the device manually by
PGM channels left-clicking its device indicator.
are connected/
disconnected
Device Select the installed GPIO device from the list.
Automation | 79
GPI Define what action to execute when the GPIO device status
configuration changes; double click the Action name to open a list of possible
actions, or Data to enter an items unique ID.
Cue selected - cue the item selected in the playlist.
Cue ID - cue an item with the specified ID.
Take selected - play the item selected in the playlist.
Take ID - play an item with the specified ID.
Preview selected - cue the item selected in the playlist.
Clear output - clear output from all Vslots.
Clear output on Vslot - clear output from specified Vslots.
Out selected - play the out sequence of the item selected in the
playlist.
Out ID - play the out sequence of the item with the specified ID.
5. Customizing
80 Automation |
MOS
In the MOS window, you can set preferences for using the MOS protocol for
communication with newsroom clients.
5. Customizing
Use MOS When this check box is selected, MOS communication with
connection newsroom systems is enabled.
Listen Port It is recommended to leave the default. This parameter defines the
communication port between the Orad MOS Server and Maestro.
(Default = 6001)
roChannel(s) This parameter defines channel names, as defined in the

newsroom system, that Maestro should listen to. If left
empty, Maestro receives all active playlists in the newsroom
system.
MOS | 81
Database Used for accessing the MOS database. Host should be the location
Host/UserName of MOS database. It is recommended to leave the defaults
/Password (username: sa, password: Maestro).
Initialize MOS When this option is selected, MOS is started when you open
on application Maestro. When this option is cleared, you must use the Start MOS
start toolbar button to start MOS.
Allow playlist
synchronization When this option is selected, the Sync MOS List button is
available in the toolbar.
When this button is clicked, all active playlists are resent from the
newsroom system.
Manual playlist
selection When this option is selected, the Select playlist button is
This button opens a window that displays a list of active playlists in
the newsroom system, and allows you to select playlists to open.
Manual playlist
update When this option is selected, the Update playlist List button is
This button is inactive when no updates are available to the active
playlists in the newsroom system; the button blinks several times
before becoming active when any modification to an active playlist
5. Customizing
in the newsroom system becomes available.
Use aliases as When this option is selected, channel aliases are stored in the
channel names database are used by the Maestro news producer plugin to refer to
render channels, instead of the channel ID (A, B, C...).
82 MOS |
External Tools
Maestro allows you to start external applications or scripts and adding them to the
Toolbar.
5. Customizing
To add a command to the Toolbar:
1. Select Add.
A browser window opens.
2. Browse to the required executable, and click Open.
The application icon is added to the toolbar. Icon and application parameters can be
defined as required.
External Tools | 83
Customizing the GUI
By default, Maestro has three pre-programed layouts for convenience when working in
PageEditor, playout, or a third, default layout, optimized for playlist creation in high
resolution screens, with access to all available tools.
You can save a layout with a new name, for a tabbed option that will be available
whenever you start Maestro.
To create your own layout:

1. Arrange the GUI as required; open or hide windows and panels, and resize them as
required.
2. Select Customize > Layout > Save Current.
The Save layout dialog box is displayed.
3. Type in a new name, or select an existing name from the list.
4. Click OK.
The layout is saved, and its tab appears alongside the default tabs.
To automatically save changes to the current layout:

1. In the Customize menu, select Layout > Auto save.
5. Customizing
84 Customizing the GUI |

Creating Groups in Windows
In order to allow different permission levels, users must be part of one of four Windows
administrative groups, defined by the system administrator. The Check user profile
option (on page 72) must be selected during setup (if the option is cleared, all users
have full control). Each group has the permissions specified below:
Orad Administrator
Locked features: None
Allowed features:
a. All features currently available
b. Full Assets administration
Orad Super User

Locked features:
a. Change in Default Pages
b. Add/remove renderer
c. Change rendering format
Allowed features: everything else
5. Customizing
Orad Standard User
Locked features:
a. Changes in Configuration menu
b. Change layout
c. Query assignment to items
d. Changes in VSlot assigned to items
Allowed features: everything else
Orad Restricted user

Locked features
a. Changes in Configuration menu
b. Change layout
c. Access to Timeline editor
d. Add items to playlist
e. Add items to Quick Pages
f. Changes in VSlot assigned to items
g. Changes in items duration or start time
h. Query assignment / modification
i. Change Clip / Texture browsing filter
j. New ticker creation
k. Access to DB folders without proper user permissions
l. Scene edit.
Creating Groups in Windows | 85

Graphics Asset Management Database (Cinegy)
NOTE:
Cinegy is a third party utility, sold separately, to be used by Maestro. The
information in this section may be subject to change.
When you select the Gfx Asset Management option (see Asset Database on page 62)
you are, in effect, choosing to use the Cinegy database. For this you must have a
license to use Cinegy, and a host with an installed database. (For more information,
contact the Orad Support team.)
The Cinegy database allows more control over user permissions at multiple levels.
Configuring Cinegy for Maestro

To configure the Database for Maestro:
1. Open the Cinegy Enterprise Manager (on the computer where the database is
installed).
The Connection dialog box opens.
5. Customizing
2. Enter the information as follows, and click OK:
SQL Server Enter the name of the host computer where the database is
located, and \Maestro.
Use trusted Select this check box to authenticate your database connection
connection against your login name, so no password is required.
Login ID Should be sa (do not change).
Password Should be Maestro (do not change).
86 Graphics Asset Management Database (Cinegy) |

The Enterprise Manager main screen opens.
3. Select Install and update procedures.
5. Customizing
The Install dialog box opens.
4. Click Update, and wait for the files in the lower list to appear in the upper list.
5. Close the Install dialog box.
Graphics Asset Management Database (Cinegy) | 87

The Enterprise Manager window changes.
6. Close the Enterprise Manager window.

5. Customizing
7. Open the Cinegy Database Wizard.
8. Enter the parameters as described in step 2, and click Next.

A dialog box is displayed.
5. Customizing
9. Select Create new database, and click Next.

10.Select the latest version from the list, and click Next.
5. Customizing
11.Select New Database, and type in orad_cinegy.

12.Click Next.
13.In the dialog box that opens, leave the font setting unchanged, and click Next.
An installation progress screen is displayed.
14.When you see the message installation successful, close the Cinegy Database
Wizard.
You can now set permissions in the Enterprise Manager.
Setting Permissions
A number of roles are predefined in Cinegy, with preset permissions. For each role you
can define relevant permissions.
To set permissions:

1. In the Enterprise Manager window, click Permissions and Security.

A dialog box opens.
5. Customizing
2. In the Roles and metadata restrictions tab, the Roles sub tab lists all predefined
rolls. Add or delete roles as required.
3. Select a role for which you want to set metadata restrictions.
4. Open the Metadata restrictions subtab.
5. Restrict access to specific metadata by moving items between the panes.

For more information, see Graphics Asset Management Database (Cinegy) on
page 86.
6. Open the Actions tab.
5. Customizing
7. Select or clear the relevant check boxes to allow or restrict permissions for each
role. The relevant actions when using Cinegy with Maestro are:
View a folder
Edit a folder
Edit a Root
View full paths
Edit metadata

8. Open the Groups, users, and assigned roles tab.
5. Customizing
9. A list of Windows user groups is displayed under Groups.
10.Select a group, and under Roles select the role with the appropriate permissions to
assign to the group.
11.Close the Groups, users, roles, actions, activity dialog box to return to the
Enterprise manager main window.
Creating New Metadata Fields

You can create Metadata field that will be accessible to Maestro users (as defined).
To create new metadata fields:

1. In the Enterprise Manager window, click Descriptors, presets.

A dialog box opens.
2. Select the type of asset to which you want to add a metadata field under
5. Customizing
Descriptor groups.
3. Under Descriptors, click new and enter the information for the metadata field to be
added.
4. Click Commit to save new fields to the database.
Using Cinegy in Maestro

When working in Maestro, you must select the Gfx Asset Management option (see
Maestro on page 50), and then restart Maestro, in order to see the Cinegy database.
Once this is done, you will notice a few changes:
Assets that the logged user does not have the permission to view are not visible. A lock
icon indicates the status of items according to color:
Blue: view access only.
Red: locked asset by other user (no editing possible).
Green: asset open by another user that does not have editing permission.
The metadata capabilities are extended.
Metadata for each item is displayed according to the permissions set in Cinegy (type
of metadata per item, and viewable metadata per user).
The search capabilities in the Browser tab are extended to allow full text searches.
To search for an asset:

1. Click Search in the Asset Browser.

The Search window is displayed.
2. Type in a name for your search and click Search.
5. Customizing

5. Customizing

6. Journalist Station
This section covers the setup and use of Journalist Station (JStation).
The JStation provides access to the Maestro Assets for operators outside of a newsroom
environment. Users can open Maestro Workspaces and add pages with new data.
The JStation workflow is straightforward: choose pages, edit data as required, and save
the page in an existing playlist. If playlist is open in Maestro and the JStation is
connected, the new item will appear at the end of the playlist, and it can be sorted,
previewed, modified, and played in Maestro. Jstation is recommended when distributed
data entry is required, and newsroom systems are not in use.
Setting Up JStation
The JStation provides access to Maestro assets for operators during a broadcast. Users
can open Maestro workspaces and add items with new data. Pages sent from JStations
are added to the playlist while Maestro is running.
You can specify custom columns that are used to display additional information about
an item; for example, journalist name, location, etc.
Each title that is added is displayed as an additional column in the playlist. JStation
operators can use the same column settings, and send data with each item in
Maestros playlist.
Once JStation is enabled, a connection light is displayed in the lower right corner of the
screen. (You dont have to be connected to work, only to send new items to an active
playlist.)
When JStation connects, the indicator switches to green. The number indicates the
number of connected JStations.
For more information on enabling JStation for Maestro, see JStation on page 73.
98 Setting Up JStation |
The Journalist Station Main Screen
JStation software provides a simple interface for newsroom operators to add their
items to playlists on the main controller.
JStation requires an additional PC for installation, as well as a HASP and JStation
license.
After installation, you can launch JStation from the desktop shortcut, or from Start >
Programs > Orad > Journalist Station.
Main JStation Window
Each area in the GUI is used for the following:
The Asset browser showing the workspaces available to the JStation operator, where
you can add items (this list is updated when new playlists are created) and the
selected folder content display. Pages added to the playlist will be listed in this
window. Their order is unrelated to the place of items in the playlist.
Display of all pages stored in the Maestro database (Browser). You can select pages
from here, and provide new data prior to adding to the playlist.
Custom data (metadata) for use and identification in Maestro.
Preview window for previewing pages.
The Journalist Station Main Screen | 99

Working in JStation
After starting JStation, the status light in the bottom right hand corner is green when
connected to the JServer. The folders listed in the browser can be selected; the
contents of the folder will be displayed.
Operators can select pages from the right browser window, which can be modified and
added to the currently selected playlist.
To create a new item in a playlist:

1. Select the page in the browser (or in the Asset browser).
2. Enter data to the input boxes.
3. Add additional information to the page tags.
4. Click Save to add the page to the playlist.
You can also preview a page using the Play button (5) in the local preview, to check
playback.
The Custom data is also displayed in the custom data columns in Maestro.
When the page is saved, it is appended to the end of playlist. Existing items are not
affected. The item is also added to the currently selected playlist in the JStation.
If the Maestro Controller operator has the same playlist open, they will see the item
added to the end of the playlist.
100 Working in JStation |

Setting JStation Preferences
The Customize > Settings menu allows access to various settings that can be
personalized as required.
Hosts
In the Hosts settings, set the name of the Maestro station to which JStation connects.
You can add additional hosts by clicking Add, and setting the host name and port.
Setting JStation Preferences | 101

PGM & PVW
Local Select this to display a local preview window in the JStation Main
window.
Aspect Select the aspect ratio of the Preview window.
Single Vslot When this check box is selected, only a single scene can be
Preview displayed in the preview, regardless of different Vslots defined for
each scene. Dynamic blending is disabled.
Single When this check box is selected, only a given frame of the
Image animation is shown. This frame is defined in PageEditor for each
Preview page, by placing taking a snapshot or by setting the Background
image path property (see page page 25).
102 Setting JStation Preferences |

Log
Log file path Set the location of the log file.
Remove older Send log files older than the limit defined here to the recycle bin.
than
Remove when Send log files larger than the limit defined here to the recycle bin.
larger than
Setting JStation Preferences | 103

Miscellaneous
Custom data Set metadata fields here, to be used in Maestro for asset sorting
and searching. You can add as many fields as required.
Check user When selected, the system verifies that you have user rights for
profile changing the JStation preferences against your user name. This
only applicable for users working via an asset management
system.
IMPORTANT
If you select this check box and do not use an asset management
system, you will not be able to access the settings again.
spell-checker.
104 Setting JStation Preferences |

7. NLE Plug-in
The Maestro plug-in for non-linear editing requires a separate license. The plug-in works
with Avid Media Composer and Apple Final Cut to allow adding Maestro graphics to video.
NLE Server
In order to run the plug-ins, the NLE server must be running.
To start the NLE Server:

Double click the Maestro NLE shortcut on the desktop.
The server functions as a browser only, for viewing the pages available from Maestro.
In order to set the proper connection to allow you to connect to the server from Media
Composer or Final Cut, you must set the connections in the Server.
To set connection preferences:

Right-click one of the empty spaces in the menu bar, and click Preferences.
The Preferences dialog box opens.
7. NLE Plug-in
106 NLE Server |

NLE Server Preferences
Login
Login & Password The user name and password for logging in to the required 7. NLE Plug-in
Maestro database.
Server name The name of the computer where the Maestro database is
stored.
Database name The name of the Maestro database.
Use DSN Select to use a DSN Connection, and specify the

connection connection name (this must be defined in the ODBC data
source administrator).
Server type Choose the type of Server on which the asset database is
stored.
NLE Server Preferences | 107

Authentication Choose the type of storage security to log in with;
Windows or SQL. If you choose Windows authentication,
no password is required, and the Windows logon name is
used.
Log
7. NLE Plug-in
Log file path Set the location of the log file.
Remove older Send log files older than the limit defined here to the
than recycle bin.
Remove when Send log files larger than the limit defined here to the
larger than recycle bin.
108 NLE Server Preferences |

NLE Renderer
7. NLE Plug-in
Local Select this check box to set if to display a local preview
RenderEngine window. If this is selected, you must specify the path of
the Render engine application and the work directory.
Initialize on Select this check box to start RE when you start the NLE
application start Server.
Remote Select this check box to use a remote HDVG as a PVW

RenderEngine device, and specify the host name.
Aspect Set the aspect ratio of the Preview window.

Miscellaneous
7. NLE Plug-in
spell-checker.
Remember Select to remember the last folder opened in the browser, or clear
last folder to return to the root each time the browser is opened.
Data path Set the path where the required graphics are stored.
mapper
110 NLE Server Preferences |

NLE
7. NLE Plug-in
Communication It is recommended to leave the default. This parameter
Port defines the communication port between the NLE Server
and Maestro. (Default = 2310)
Response timeout Set the duration before the system time out.

Using the Plug-in
In Media Composer or in Final Cut the workflow is as follows:
After adding the Maestro effect from the effect palette to the timeline, in the Effect
editor (or list) click the page selector button to open the NLEServer window. Select the
page that you want to use, and the required data, and click OK.
You can see the graphics rendered in the local Preview window.
For Media Composer the AVX2 plugins are installed with MaestroNLE
(AVX2MaestroNLE.avx) and must be copied to the the AVX2 folder of the Avid NLE
application.
When using the NLE plugin with Final Cut, contact support for further information.
7. NLE Plug-in
112 Using the Plug-in |

8. M6 scripting API
Item level API
Properties
Several item properties are accessible directly from the script through 'item' object.
You can read and set values of item's properties:
item.Title - item's title, title is displayed in playlist view
item.Project - name of project of graphic scene
item.Scene - name of scene
item.TakeCount - number of OnTake
item.CurrentTake - current take number (NOTE: takes are numbered from 0)
item.UniqueID - item unique id
Parameters
Script parameters are accessible by their names. To set the value of a parameter it is
enough to type:
item.parameter_name = some_value;
8. M6 scripting API
To read a value from a parameter, use the same semantics with reversed order of
script parameters:
var script_value = item.parameter_name;
NOTE:
Because of scripting, parameter names are limited to alpha-numeric strings with '_'
character. Other characters are forbidden.
In Maestro parameter can be a single value, or an array value. In order to operate on

array parameter, in scripts you can use parameter's properties:
"item.parameter_name.Data - returns data as array of strings,
"item.parameter_name.Size - returns size of array (this property is read only)
"item.parameter_name.Index - returns current index of array
"item.parameter_name.Value - returns value of current index from array (value of
this property is updated automatically when Index or Data is modified)
Functions
bool addParameter( string name ); Add new parameter. If parameter with name exists
return false.
Set value of parameter to parameter_value, if parameter "name" does not exist,
create a new one. return true on success.
bool hasParameter( string name );
Return true if parameter name is defined.
114 Item level API |

Examples:
1. Changing item's title during play operation:
In this example I will use simple scene with one text export, and 2 'IN' and 'OUT'
animations.
Sample time line contains 2 Take sequences:
- first take sends text export, and plays 'IN' animation
- second 'take' plays 'OUT' animation.
this is script for first 'Take':

if(TAKE_NO === "0")
{
item.Title = "First take: info bar IN";
return true;
}
return false;
and for second 'Take':
8. M6 scripting API
if(TAKE_NO === "1")
{
item.Title = "Second take: info bar OUT";
return true;
}
return false;
2. Using one item do display different data for each take.

In this example we will same scene and timeline, only scripts for 'Take' events are
different.
In this case we have newsText parameter, which holds and array of text data (e.g.
from data query).
(1)if((TAKE_NO % 2) === 0)
(2) {
(3) item.Title = 'Data to display: "' + item.newsText.Value + '"';
(4) return true;
(5) }
(6)return false;
few words of comment for first script: in first line (1) we check if take number is an
even number.
In line (3) I change the title of item.
Item level API | 115

Second script:
(1)if((TAKE_NO % 2) === 1)
(2) {
(3) item.newsText.Index += 1;
(4) if (item.newsText.Index === item.newsText.Size)
(5) {
(6) item.Title = 'End of data';
(7) item.newsText.Index = 0;
(8) }
(9) return true;
(10) }
(11)return false;
In line (1) I check if script call parameter in an odd number.

In line (3) current index of param newsText is increased by 1; we want to display
next data.
8. M6 scripting API
In next line (4) I check if current index does not exceed the size of data (remember
that the first index is 0).
(6) if we are after last index, I change the item's title 'End of data'.
116 Item level API |

Playlist level API
The Playlist can be accessed in scripts through 'playlist' object.
Item can only access it's 'parental' playlist.
Properties.
No properties for playlist object has been defined. It is probable that this will be
changed in new versions.
Sample properties (not available in first version):
playlist.Name - name of playlist, without location prefix (read only property)
playlist.Type - {MOS, MANUAL, ....}
Parameters
Playlists like items can have parameters. Playlists parameters are identical to item's
parameters.
We can access parameter object by its name.
playlist.parameter_name
8. M6 scripting API
Functions
Similar to item object, playlist will have functions to manipulate its parameters.
bool addParameter( string name );
Item enumeration functions, set of function for easy navigation between items. By
navigation I mean getting access to each item in playlist.
int getItemCount();
returns number of items in playlist.
Object getItem(int anIndex);
returns reference to item.
Another proposition for enumeration functions:

Object getFirstObject();
return first item in playlist
/* Object getNextObject(); */
Object getNextObject(Object aPreviousObject);
return next object or null;
Playlist level API | 117

Object findItemByID(string uniqueID);
return item with uniqueID or null;
Examples:
1. Change the project name in each item in playlist. With this simple script we can
quickly replace graphics in each item in playlist.
function changeGraphics()
{
var oldProject = playlist.old_project; // get old project name from playlist
parameter 'old_project'
var newProject = playlist.new_project;
var nextItem = playlist.getFirstObject(); // take the first item from playlist

while (nextItem != null)
{
if (nextItem.Project == oldProject)
8. M6 scripting API
{
nextItem.Project = newProject;
}
/*nextItem = playlist.getNextObject();*/
nextItem = playlist.getNextObject(nextItem);
}
}
118 Playlist level API |

Application level API
Application object in script will be named 'app'.

There will be only one application object, it can be accessed from any script. (Please
note that item cannot access other playlist than it's own).
Properties
Complete list of application properties has not been defined yet. This is only a
proposition.
app.Name - name of application (in case of Maestro it will be 'Maestro', MOS plugins
might have different names);
app.Version - version number
app.User - name of current user (user name is set during application start);
Parameters
Like item and playlist objects, application will have parameters. Parameters can be
8. M6 scripting API
accessed by their names:
app.parameter_name
Functions
Like item and playlist objects, application will have functions to manipulate
parameters.
bool addParameter( string name );
CHANGED: only add new parameter. If parameter with name exist return false.
bool deleteParameter( string name );
Delete parameter "name". return true on success.
Playlist enumeration functions, set of function for easy navigation between playlists. By
navigation I mean getting access to each opened playlist in application.
int getPlaylistCount();
returns number of opened playlists.
Object getPlaylist(int anIndex);
returns reference to playlist.
Another proposition for enumeration functions:
Object getFirstPlaylist();
return first playlist
Application level API | 119

Object getNextPlaylist();
return next object or null;
Object getActivePlaylist();
return playlist which is marked as active;
Asynchronous communication (more details here):

postSignal(signal_name, parameter);
Send signal to all slots (items, playlist, application).
Parameters
'signal_name' - first parameter will allow receiver to recognize type of signal
'parameter' - each signal can 'carry' some value with itself.
postSignalDirect(signal_name, parameter, recipient);

Send signal only to recipient object. This function guarantees that only one object will
receive this signal.
8. M6 scripting API
Parameters:
'signal_name' - first parameter will allow receiver to recognize type of signal
'parameter' - each signal can 'carry' some value with itself.
'recipient' - signal destination, it can be item, parent playlist, or application.
Object findItem( string uniqueID )

Tries to find an item in playlist. On failure returns null.
example:
var uniqueID = "JKP";
var item1 = app.findItem( uniqueID );
var item2 = app.findItem( '1LINE' );
void loadItem( Object obj )

Function will try to load graphics to RE.
example:
var item1 = app.findItem( '1LINE' );
if ( item1 != null )
{
app.loadItem( item1 );
}
void unloadItem( Object obj )
120 Application level API |

(On-Air mode only) function will try to unload graphics to RE
bool isItemLoaded( Object obj )

returns true if item is loaded
void cueItem( Object obj )

execute 'CUE'
void takeItem( Object obj )

execute 'TAKE'
void outItem( Object obj )

execute 'OUT'
8. M6 scripting API
Application level API | 121

8. M6 scripting API
122 Application level API |

Index
A F
adding finding an asset 94

event to timeline 30
export to page 23
item to channel 43
G
playlist items 39
track to timeline 28 graphics asset managment database 86
vslots GUI 9
aligning controls 20 GUI layout 84
animations 33
application window 9 H
asset browser 44
asset search 94
assigning a channel 41 HDVG channels 68
C I
CII system macro 78 ID 63

Cinegy 86 input mask 27
clips 49
cloning pages 21 J
control properties 26
creating
metadata fields 93 JStation
playlist 14, 38 enabling 73
rundown 14 main window 99
story 38
L
D
linear timeline 32
data entry form 39 loading
data source 52 page 34
dummy playlist item 39 playlist 14, 38
scene 22
log 12
E
M
editing images 46
enabling JStation 73
error log 12 main window 9
Excel data source 55 metadata 93, 94
export, adding to page 23
N
new page 19
| 123
NLE 112 playlist item 40
NLE server 106 scenes 22
numbering tabs 20 script 35
script wizard 35
search 94
O setting
control properties 26
ODBC data 53 default page directory 62
opening page properties 25
page 19 permissions 90
playlist 38 shortcuts 66
out 20 vslots 74
signals 35
P snapshot 20
spell checker 20
SQL data source 54
page 18 starting Maestro 8
loading 34 story 38
new 19
opening 19
properties 25 T
saving 19, 34
tabs 21 tab order 20
variation 21 text data source 56
parts of the GUI 9 texture 40
permissions 90 ticker 45
play 19 speed & offset 45
play out 20 timeline
playback control 43 linear 32
playing animations 33 new event 30
playlist new track 28
creating 14
items 39
loading 14
U
stacking 15
preview 19 using NLE 112
previewing
clips 49
playlist 41
V
virtual slots 74
Q vslot see virtual slots
vslots 74
queries 59
X
R
XML data source 58
retaining GUI layout 84
RSS data source 57
saving
layout 84
page 19, 34
124 |

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Maestro

Feedback to this manual should be sent to documentation@orad.tv.

Getting Started ...................................................................7

Page Creation ...................................................................17

NLE Plug-in .....................................................................105

To start Maestro:

Use the desktop shortcut .

The Login dialog box is displayed.

2. Enter the required parameters, and click Login.

Login User name.

Server name Host name or IP address of the computer on which the

Authentication Choose the type of authentication method to log in with;

Open... Open an existing playlist.

Save... Save the current playlist.

Import Import a playlist from another system.

Close Close the current playlist.

<list> List of recently opened playlists.

Maestro Main Screen | 9

Cut Cut the selected playlist item.

Copy Copy the selected playlist item.

Paste Paste the playlist item from the clipboard.

Delete item Delete the selected playlist item.

Load all Load all pages to connected hosts.

Cue Rewind the animation timeline to the start.

Preview Play animations to Preview window.

Vslot - Set the previous Vslot in the list of defined Vslots

10 Maestro Main Screen |

Maestro Main Screen | 11

Open Open an existing playlist.

Save Save the current playlist.

Cut Cut an item (playlist, story, or page).

Copy Copy an item (playlist, story, or page).

Paste Paste an item (playlist, story, or page).

Delete Delete an item (playlist, story, or page).

Start Log Opens the Log View dialog box.

Connect All Connect all defined renderers.

Load All Load all pages to connected renderer channels.

Unload All Unload all pages from connected renderer channels.

Connect Connect to all defined automation systems.

Asset Show/hide the Asset browser.

Timeline Show/hide the Timeline.

Browser Show/hide the Browser.

12 Maestro Main Screen |

Control Show/hide the Control panel.

PageEditor Show/hide the PageEditor tab.

Playlist Show/hide the Playlist area.

Global Show/hide the Global parameters tab.

Macros Show/hide the Macros panel.

RE Show/hide the RE manager tab.

Preview Show/hide the Preview window.

View mode Toggle the available display modes:

Playlist Show/hide special items (with associated timeline) that is

Parameters Show/hide the parameters panel.

Maestro Main Screen | 13

To create a new playlist:

To load a previously saved playlist:

2. Browse to the required playlist, and click OK.

To work in the PageEditor layout:

At the top of the PageEditor workspace is a toolbar dedicated to the PageEditor.

Open Open an existing page, from a browser window.

Save Open a browser window to save the current page.

Cue Rewind the timeline to the beginning.

Take Play the current take.

Using the PageEditor Layout | 19

To start Maestro:

To create a new playlist:

To load a previously saved playlist:

To work in the PageEditor layout:

To create a page variation:

To load a scene:

To add an export to the page:

To populate the list manually:

To add items from a data source:

To set page properties:

To set control properties:

To add a track: