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Preface

In Schedule Mode, a Channel records files based on Calendar Events from the macOS Calendar application of the machine running Just Control. You may use any Calendar that can be added to the macOS Calendar app, such as iCloud or Gmail Accounts or from other Mail/Calendar servers. Events scheduled in the corresponding/selected Calendar will automatically switch the Channel to Schedule Mode and start a Recording. When stopping a Schedule Recording manually, the corresponding Event will be deleted automatically.

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Choose a Calendar for a Recording Channel

Run Just Control and select a Channel. Switch the Channel Mode to “Schedule” and select the appropriate Calendar from the Calendar selection box at the very top. Additionally, verify that the correct Naming Preset for Schedule Mode is selected as well.

Add Calendar Events for Schedule Mode

Open the macOS Calendar application and select the desired Calendar for this Channel. Add Events to the Calendar (the max. duration of an Event is 12 hours).

The Events will show up in the Inspector of Just Control. Each Event will result in one Recording and the event name can be part of the actual file name. Please refer to the next chapter for more information regarding file naming in Schedule Mode.

File Naming

In version 6.1 of our capture products, we have improved the file naming functionality specifically for Schedule Mode. Notably, we have introduced a new Clip Section within the Channel Inspector, a familiar feature from Crash and Batch Mode.

Additionally, Naming Presets are now integrated into Schedule Mode, providing operators with increased flexibility in defining file names. This version also introduces new “Date” and “Time” formatting options, expanding customisation possibilities.

To elucidate the process of creating file names in Schedule Mode, let's break it down. The first component is the Naming Preset section, where operators can leverage standard presets to configure file names for scheduled recordings. It is crucial to note that the “Name” token within the available Naming Preset tokens corresponds to the actual event name. Consequently, if a Naming Preset solely incorporates the “Name” token, the resulting file names will precisely mirror the names of the Calendar Events, as illustrated below.

This particular Naming Preset exclusively utilises the “Name” token. As a result, it identically reproduces the scheduled Event Name.

Within the provided Calendar, users can create a new Event. When employing the previously mentioned Naming Preset, the file name for this particular Event will be automatically set to match the corresponding Event Name.

Upon returning to the Channel Inspector, operators will find the newly created scheduled Event listed in the Schedule list. The Event Name will be visible in this section. It is important to note that the “Resulting Filename” label currently displays “Name” because the recording has not commenced. Once the scheduled Event undergoes recording, the accurate file name will be showcased in this field.

Certainly, users still have the option to incorporate “Date” and “Time” tokens for Event names, akin to the functionality in previous versions. However, instead of directly using variables within the Event names such as “<Date>”, “<Time>”, and “<Channel>”, the current version introduces the capability to seamlessly integrate actual Event names with Naming Preset tokens. This integration enables users to leverage the new “Date” and “Time” formatting options, as explained below.

Once again, the foundation is a Naming Preset, which now comprises both a “Date” and “Time” token along with the “Name” token. This combination facilitates the generation of a file name incorporating the specified date and time format options, seamlessly blended with the event name.

Within the provided Calendar, users can create a new Event. When employing the previously mentioned Naming Preset, the file name for this particular Event will be automatically set to match the corresponding Event Name, including the “Date” and “Time” tokens.

Upon returning to the Channel Inspector, operators will find the newly created scheduled Event listed in the Schedule list. The Event Name will be visible in this section. It is important to note that the “Resulting Filename” label currently displays “Name” because the recording has not commenced. Once the scheduled Event undergoes recording, the accurate file name will be showcased in this field.

Additional Functionality

Below, we elaborate on additional information and functionality.

Repeating Calendar Events

Repeating Calendar Events can be utilised in Schedule Mode. However, it is crucial to ensure the use of unique file names to prevent any unforeseen behaviour (Date and Time Naming Preset tokens).

Utilising a Naming Preset that incorporates “Date” and “Time” tokens ensures the generation of unique file names.

Maximum Event Length

It is not possible to use Calendar Events, that exceed a length of 12 hours. Just Control will truncate the Recording length automatically if required.

Adjustable Event End Time while Recording

The Recording Event End Time can be changed during recording. This is especially useful if you have to make changes during an ongoing recording. Simply adapt the Event End Time in the Calendar application and Just Control will recognise the change.

Manually stopping a Scheduled Recording

You can manually stop a Scheduled Recording by simply pressing the “Record” button within the Channel Viewer. Doing so will delete the Calendar Event in the macOS Calendar application.

List of Scheduled Events in the Inspector

The Scheduled Event list only shows the upcoming ten (10) events scheduled in the chosen Schedule Calendar, provided that these Events are within the next 24 hours. All further Events are only visible in the Calendar itself and get displayed within Just Control as soon as one of the previous recording Events has been completed.

Quit Just Control

Quitting Just Control results in the application no longer receiving updates or new Events. It is necessary to have Just Control open all the time when using Schedule Mode for a Channel.

Working with shared Calendars in Schedule Mode

As mentioned above, you can also work with shared Calendars (such as Gmail, iCloud, or any other Mail/Calendar server that can be added to the macOS Calendar application) in Schedule Mode. This enables you to use two or more machines for adding recording events to the appropriate Calendar. You need to make sure though that the machine running Just Control has access to the Calendar and that the Just Control application is running.

Importance of the Timecode Source in Schedule Mode

When using the Schedule Mode in just:in mac, the Timecode Source is an important setting, and should be chosen correctly to ensure a smooth operation.

Generally, all available Timecode Sources can be used for Schedule Mode. System administrators need to ensure that the just:in engine (mac and linux) are provided with the same Timecode Source as the macOS machine, where the Scheduling process (Just Control User Interface and macOS Calendar application) is running. For instance, when using an NTP Server as a source (i.e. ”Computer Time”), then the macOS machine running the Just In Engine application and the machine running the Just Control User Interface need to have the same NTP server configured.

It is also possible to use an LTC source (AJA Capture Card LTC) for Scheduling. The just:in engine can receive the required signal via the Timecode In of the video device card, and the machine running Just Control can be configured with NTP.