VideoPlaylistScheduler plugin

Introduction

The VideoPlaylistScheduler plugin enables video broadcasting platforms to organize and manage scheduled video playlists. With features like calendar-based scheduling and time zone adaptation, it enhances the viewing experience by ensuring viewers are informed of upcoming shows and can access previously broadcasted episodes as Video On Demand (VOD).

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Feature Overview

1. Calendar Interface:

   • A calendar displays scheduled shows, with each day and time slot clearly marked for user convenience.
   • Time zone adaptation ensures viewers see accurate scheduling information.

2. Playlist and Show Management:

   • Playlist as Show: Each scheduled "show" corresponds to a playlist, with individual videos treated as episodes.
   • Show Host: The playlist owner is designated as the show host.

3. Administrative Control:

   • Only administrators can schedule shows and manage time slots.
   • Scheduling can be done in 30-minute increments and extended across multiple slots if needed.

4. Enhanced Customization:

   • Notes: Customize time slots with HTML-enabled notes, allowing different text styles and colors for added context.

5. Sequential Playback and VOD:

   • Episodes are broadcasted in sequential order.
   • After a live stream, episodes are accessible as VOD.

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Plugin Setup and Usage

Accessing the Plugin

1. Open Plugins Manager: Navigate to the plugins manager page.
2. Open the Calendar: Click on the Calendar button within the VideoPlaylistScheduler plugin to open the scheduling interface.

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Managing Video Status Post-Playback

The VideoPlaylistScheduler plugin lets you control the status of a video after it has been played. By default, videos remain active, but you can customize this to fit your needs.

Steps to Configure Video Status:

1. Open Plugin Parameters:

   • In the plugins manager, find VideoPlaylistScheduler and click Edit Parameters.

2. Set Status Options:

   • In the "After the video play in a show change its status" dropdown, select from:
     • Do Not Change: No status change post-playback.
     • Active: Video remains visible and accessible.
     • Unlisted: Video is hidden from public listings, accessible by direct link.
     • Unlisted but Searchable: Hidden from listings but remains searchable.
     • FansOnly: Limited to fan access only.
     • Inactive: Video becomes unavailable post-playback.

3. Additional Options:

   • Play Calendar Live: Enable or disable live calendar playback.
   • Rebroadcast to Specific User ID: Enter a User ID to rebroadcast all calendar events to a specified profile.

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Creating a Show

1. Select Time Slots: In the calendar, select one or more time slots for your show.
2. Configure Show Details:
   • In the Playlist Show tab (right panel), search for a playlist, add a title, and select a color to categorize your show.
3. Save: Click Save to confirm the selected show and time slots.

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Managing Show Scheduling and Editing

1. Multiple Scheduling:

   • Select multiple time slots to schedule a playlist at different times or days.

2. Editing Scheduled Shows:

   • Drag and drop shows in the calendar to change timing.
   • Resize shows to adjust duration.

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Advanced Scheduling Techniques

• Cross-Day Scheduling: Schedule shows to span multiple days. For example, scheduling a show for Monday and Wednesday at 3 PM will automatically play the next video in the sequence each session.

• Recurring Playlist Scheduling: If a playlist is set for different times on different days (e.g., Monday at 3 PM and Wednesday at 5 PM), each session begins with the first video in the playlist.

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Dependencies

To ensure the plugin functions correctly, the following plugins must be installed:

1. Rebroadcaster Plugin: Required for managing stream rebroadcasts. Rebroadcaster Plugin Wiki
2. Scheduler Plugin: Provides core scheduling functionality. Scheduler Plugin Wiki
3. Playlist Plugin: Manages playlists, essential for show scheduling.
4. Live Plugin: Manages live streaming, ensuring smooth broadcasts.

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Conclusion

The VideoPlaylistScheduler plugin simplifies playlist management and scheduling, helping administrators maintain a seamless broadcast experience for viewers. Integrating with key plugins, it creates a cohesive, user-friendly system for delivering video content on demand.