Scheduling of one or more programme channels involves editing grids, preparing and filling playlists building stacks of jingles, music clips and commercials etc. Radio-Assist 8 has a number of scheduling tools available especially for radio stations.

Grid editor

The Grid editor is a veritable timetable where programme slots (news, morning programmes, etc) are modelled for a given period. The sequence of programmes is detailed step-by-step, models or steps are inserted, times are defined as fixed or floating, mode of start (automatic, manual, with extra time allowed, etc).Recurrent sounds such as programme jingles are set directly in the grid, so they do not need to be loaded for each new schedule. Once the grid has been defined, it can be used throughout the given period, and will accept either temporary or permanent modifications at any time. Once modelled, the grid is used to automatically generate the template of new playlist. For greater flexibility of use, the Radio-Assist 8 version can now be used to insert meta-data (information related to a programme, files, etc.).

Playlist editing

Playlist preparation is more rapid and flexible than ever as Feder-All Desk makes all the necessary time calculations. Now that the playlist template is ready it just needs filling. When a sound is "ready-to-broadcast", its author just needs to drag & drop it into the space reserved for it. Feder-All Desk is also very popular with journalists as they place their reports in the news playlist directly from the production workstation. Each time a sound is inserted, the software automatically calculates the time and warns of any overruns or underuns. Music sequences are automatically filled and preset. It can also import music programming from third party systems either manually or automatically. All insertions and modifications are dynamically saved in the main playlist.
Playlists can be generated automatically. They may be created several days in advance, and any automatic imports associated with them (jingles, advertising, etc.) will also be dealt with transparently for users.
Feder-All Desk has several production tools: MultiMix allows access to four tracks to fine tune the sequencing of four consecutive sounds; Voice-Over allows access to three tracks, of which the middle one is used for a vocal or musical intervention between two sounds. Each tool has several functions (fade setting, loop play, automatic play of one or more sequences, systematic drag & drop etc.).
The flexibility of the Feder-All Desk facilitates the preparation and broadcast of automatic overnight programmes.

Stack and Cartstack editing

Preparing a broadcast also means preparing stacks of jingles, commercials,etc. Radio-Assist includes several scheduling tools adapted to routine or special broadcast requirements such as stacks or cartstacks. These tools are designed to facilitate the preparation of a perfect broadcast.