PlayIt Live

Practical Examples

The following examples demonstrate complete setups for integrating PlayIt Live with external hardware using the External Devices feature.

Controlling an On-Air Light with Arduino

This example demonstrates how to automatically control a studio "On Air" light using an Arduino connected via USB.

Overview

An Arduino connected via USB controls an "On Air" light (LED, relay-controlled lamp, etc.). The Arduino listens for serial commands and turns the light on or off accordingly. PlayIt Live sends commands to the Arduino at scheduled times using Scheduled Event Actions in your playout log.

Hardware required:

  • Arduino connected to your computer via USB
  • Arduino programmed to respond to serial commands (e.g. LIGHT_ON and LIGHT_OFF)
  • On Air light connected to Arduino output pin
  • Arduino configured for 9600 baud serial communication

Step 1: Configure Hardware

  1. Connect your Arduino via USB.
  2. Note the COM port assigned (check Device Manager).
  3. Open Tools > External Devices in PlayIt Live.
  4. Click Add New under Hardware.
  5. Configure:
    • Type: Serial Port
    • Name: Arduino On Air Light
    • COM Port: Select your Arduino's COM port (e.g. COM3)
    • Baud Rate: 9600 (or match your Arduino's baud rate)
    • Data Bits: 8
    • Parity: None
    • Stop Bits: 1
    • Flow Control: None
    • Encoding: ASCII
  6. Click OK.

Check the Log panel for "Hardware started" and "Opened serial port connection" confirmation.

Step 2: Create Named Outputs

Output 1: Turn Light ON

  1. Click Add New under Named Outputs.
  2. Configure:
    • Hardware: Arduino On Air Light
    • Output Name: On Air Light ON
    • Output ID: ONAIR_ON
    • Command: LIGHT_ON\r\n
  3. Click OK.

Output 2: Turn Light OFF

  1. Click Add New under Named Outputs.
  2. Configure:
    • Hardware: Arduino On Air Light
    • Output Name: On Air Light OFF
    • Output ID: ONAIR_OFF
    • Command: LIGHT_OFF\r\n
  3. Click OK.

Step 3: Add Scheduled Event Actions

You can control the light using Scheduled Event Actions in clocks and scheduled events.

Using Clocks:

  1. Navigate to Manage > Clocks.
  2. Create or edit a clock for your live show (e.g. "Morning Show Clock").
  3. Add a Scheduled Event Action at the start of the clock:
    • Action: Trigger Output
    • Select: On Air Light ON
  4. Add your show content (music, links, etc.).
  5. Add a Scheduled Event Action at the end of the clock:
    • Action: Trigger Output
    • Select: On Air Light OFF

Using Scheduled Events:

  1. Navigate to Manage > Scheduled Events.
  2. Create event: "Morning Show Start"
    • Time: 6:00 AM (Daily)
    • Action: Trigger Output, On Air Light ON
  3. Create event: "Morning Show End"
    • Time: 10:00 AM (Daily)
    • Action: Trigger Output, On Air Light OFF

Typical Workflow

  1. 5:55 AM - Automation playing overnight content.
  2. 6:00 AM - Scheduled Event Action triggers On Air Light ON. Command LIGHT_ON\r\n sent to Arduino. Light illuminates.
  3. 6:00 - 10:00 AM - Live show content plays.
  4. 10:00 AM - Scheduled Event Action triggers On Air Light OFF. Command LIGHT_OFF\r\n sent to Arduino. Light turns off. Automation resumes.

Physical "Play Next" Button with Arduino

This example demonstrates how to use a physical button connected to an Arduino to control PlayIt Live playback. When the button is pressed, PlayIt Live skips to the next track in the playout log.

Overview

An Arduino connected via USB has a physical button that sends a command to PlayIt Live when pressed. PlayIt Live receives this command as a Named Input and triggers an Input Trigger to play the next track.

Hardware required:

  • Arduino connected to your computer via USB
  • Physical momentary pushbutton connected to Arduino
  • Arduino programmed to send serial commands when button is pressed
  • Arduino configured for 9600 baud serial communication

Step 1: Configure Hardware

  1. Connect your Arduino via USB.
  2. Note the COM port assigned (check Device Manager).
  3. Open Tools > External Devices in PlayIt Live.
  4. Click Add New under Hardware.
  5. Configure:
    • Type: Serial Port
    • Name: Studio Control Panel
    • COM Port: Select your Arduino's COM port (e.g. COM3)
    • Baud Rate: 9600
    • Data Bits: 8
    • Parity: None
    • Stop Bits: 1
    • Flow Control: None
    • Encoding: ASCII
  6. Click OK.

Check the Log panel for "Hardware started" and "Opened serial port connection" confirmation.

Step 2: Create a Named Input

  1. Click Add New under Named Inputs.
  2. Configure:
    • Hardware: Studio Control Panel
    • Input Name: Next Track Button
    • Input ID: BTN_NEXT
    • Command: PLAY_NEXT\r\n
  3. Click OK.

This input will be triggered when the Arduino sends PLAY_NEXT\r\n to PlayIt Live.

Step 3: Create an Input Trigger

  1. Click Add New under Input Triggers.
  2. Configure:
    • Trigger Name: Play Next when Button is Pressed
    • Input: Next Track Button
  3. Click Add Action...
    • Select the action: Play Next
    • Click OK.
  4. Click OK.

Signal Flow

  1. Physical Action: DJ presses the button on the control panel.
  2. Arduino: Detects button press and sends PLAY_NEXT\r\n via serial.
  3. Named Input: PlayIt Live receives the command and matches it to "Next Track Button".
  4. Input Trigger: "Play Next when Button is Pressed" activates.
  5. Action Executes: PlayIt Live plays the next item in the playout log.
  6. Result: Current track fades and stops, and the next track begins playing immediately.

Satellite Feed Sync with Broadcast Tools Switcher

This example demonstrates how to use a Broadcast Tools ACS 8.2 Plus switcher to receive a GPI (General Purpose Input) signal from a satellite receiver, which triggers PlayIt Live to play commercials during local breaks.

PlayIt Software provides support for the External Devices feature and Named Input configuration only. For help with Broadcast Tools hardware configuration, wiring, and troubleshooting, contact Broadcast Tools directly at [email protected] or +1 (360) 854 9559. See the Broadcast Tools ACS 8.2 Plus product page for the Installation and Operation Manual.

Overview

Your station receives a syndicated program via satellite. The satellite receiver has a GPI output that sends a signal when the program ends and it is time for local commercials. You want PlayIt Live to wait for this signal before starting your commercial break.

Prerequisites:

  • Broadcast Tools ACS 8.2 Plus properly wired to your satellite receiver's GPI output
  • Serial connection established between Broadcast Tools unit and your computer
  • Broadcast Tools unit configured with appropriate Unit ID, baud rate, and PIP mode enabled
  • Verified that the Broadcast Tools unit is receiving the GPI signal from your satellite receiver

Step 1: Configure Hardware

  1. Open Tools > External Devices in PlayIt Live.
  2. Click Add New under Hardware.
  3. Configure:
    • Type: Broadcast Tools
    • Name: Satellite Receiver
    • COM Port: Select the appropriate port
    • Baud Rate: 9600 (or match your Broadcast Tools configuration)
    • Read Timeout: 1000 ms
    • Write Timeout: 1000 ms
  4. Click OK.

Check the Log panel for connection confirmation.

Step 2: Create a Named Input

  1. Click Add New under Named Inputs.
  2. Configure:
    • Hardware: Satellite Receiver
    • Input Name: Satellite Break Ready
    • Input ID: SAT_BREAK
    • Unit ID: Your Broadcast Tools unit ID (typically 0 or 1)
    • GPI/PIP Input Number: The input number where your satellite GPI is connected (e.g. 1)
    • Value Changes To: 1 or 0 depending on your GPI signal type
  3. Click OK.

Step 3: Create an Input Trigger

  1. Click Add New under Input Triggers.
  2. Configure:
    • Trigger Name: Satellite Break Continue
    • Input: Satellite Break Ready
  3. Click Add Action... and select Play Next.
  4. Click OK.

Step 4: Create a Clock

  1. Navigate to Manage > Clocks.
  2. Create a new clock or edit an existing clock (e.g. "Satellite Show Clock").
  3. Add items to your clock in this order:

Clock Start (Precise Timing):

  • Add a Fixed Time Marker at 00:00 (start of hour) or your show's start time. Type: Hard.

Switch to Manual Control:

  • Add a Scheduled Event Action. Action: Change Playout Mode. Mode: Automation OFF.

Initial Silence (waiting for break cue):

  • Add a Break Note. Duration: set to a long duration (e.g. 1800 seconds for 30 minutes). Notes: "Satellite show playing, waiting for break cue". Ensure the Segue checkbox is unchecked (red stop sign).

Commercial Break:

  • Add your commercial break tracks/jingles. Ensure these have Segue checked (green arrow) for normal flow between commercials.

Return to Silence:

  • Add another Break Note. Duration: set to cover the remaining satellite show time (e.g. 1800 seconds). Notes: "Satellite show resumed, local break finished".

End of Show (Return to Normal Operation):

  • Add a Scheduled Event Action. Action: Change Playout Mode. Mode: Automation ON.
  1. Save the clock.

Step 5: Schedule the Clock

  1. Schedule the clock at your show time (e.g. 2:00 PM) via Manage > Clock Schedule.
  2. Switch Log Scheduler ON.
  3. At the scheduled time, PlayIt Live will start the clock with precise timing and proper automation control.

Complete Workflow

  1. 2:00 PM - Fixed Time Marker ensures precise start time.
  2. Automation switches OFF - Ensures manual control and red stop signs are respected.
  3. First Break Note begins - PlayIt Live outputs silence.
  4. Satellite show plays - External satellite feed is live on-air.
  5. Break Note reaches end - PlayIt Live stops at red stop sign and waits.
  6. Satellite receiver - Detects end of program segment, activates GPI output.
  7. Broadcast Tools unit - Detects GPI state change, sends data to PlayIt Live.
  8. Named Input triggered - "Satellite Break Ready" receives the signal.
  9. Input Trigger activated - Executes the "Play Next" action automatically.
  10. Commercial break plays - Local spots air with normal segues between them.
  11. Return to silence - Second Break Note begins, PlayIt Live outputs silence again.
  12. Satellite show resumes - External satellite feed continues.
  13. End of show - Automation switches back ON for normal programming.
Docs Build d4b6551.68