Play counts can be assigned individually at the episode level. Episodes can have individual play counts for individual Stations.
Steps:
Select the program or create a new program acquisition for which to assign plays at the episode level.
Once all program information is entered and the program appears on the screen it will look similar to the following:
Select the Program Type from the Program Type dropdown box. This is also considered the “Theme” of the program. A new Program Type may also be added here by clicking on the New Program Type button. (For more information on adding new Program Types, see Program Types under Definitions in the File menu)
Select the Distributor from the Distributor dropdown box. A new Distributor may also be added here by clicking on the New Distributor button. (For more information on adding new Distributors, see Distributors under the File menu)
Episodes – defines the number of episodes that have been acquired from the distributor
First Delivery Date – this is only available when recalling a contract
Nominal Length – the length of the program
Default Segments – how many segments will be in the program
Primary Synopsis - The Primary Synopsis is a general overall summary about the program. This field is optional, however if the system is to export a synopsis about the program to an outside source, such as TV Guide, it is recommended that the Primary Synopsis be filled in
Play Counts - When entering play count information there are 6 different options that will track Program and Episode plays:
•Unlimited - SDS will track the number of plays for reporting purposes only. There will be no validation in the number of times the program may be scheduled.
•Total Plays – SDS will track the number of total plays at either the Program or Episode level.
•Cable Days – this option will allow a number of plays within a limited number of days. SDS will track the number of Broadcast days entered. Validation will only look at Broadcast days not plays.
•Defined Start of Day – this option works similar to Cable Days, except it allows the user to enter a different start of day definition. This must be entered for a broadcast day beginning at any time other than 6:00am
•Cable Days (w Repeats) – this option works similar to Cable days. SDS will track the number of repeats allowed within a broadcast day.
•Defined Cable Days (w Repeats) – this option allows a definition of the broadcast day if it is not 6:00 am and will monitor the number of repeats with the broadcast day.
•Dynamic Start – Usually a broadcast day is only 24 hours for repeats, but for some contracts, repeat periods can be up to 7 days (or longer). So when the time frame is greater than 24 hours, enter this number in dynamic start and the system will then scan for both forwards and backward to determine if the play is an original or repeat