A container is a block with a simplest structure mainly used for filling spaces (i.e. reserve items) without knowledge on what kind of content they hold. Containers have only three properties (i.e. description, duration and segments).
The main difference between containers and blocks is containers may not have a segments structure (i.e. act as a placeholder) whereas blocks always have one. In case a container has a segments structure it will act as a block for all purposes.
Available functions
The "Containers" tab is located in the left panel of the Weekly Schedule, it allows managing containers through the following functions:
•Add: Insert the selected container into the scheduling structure of a certain station at a specific time.
•New: Create a Testing container for holding on-demand events. The New function will open the Container Editor for entering all details information about the container including description, duration and composition.
Segments are defined under the "Composition" section by making right-click, choosing the "enter" option and defining the offset, duration and type of the segment. As shown in the example above, a 3-hours container could hold 3 different hourly segments for different types of assets.
•Edit container: Modify the selected container, changing its description, duration or composition.
•Edit block: This function is available only for blocks.
•Create from asset: Create a container based on the properties (i.e. description, duration and segments) of a user-selected asset. In case the asset's EDL contains visible segments they will be inserted into the container composition, otherwise, a single segment will be created for the entire duration of the asset.
•Delete: Removes the selected container from the database.
•Update list: Refresh the list of containers by reading its data from the database.
Placing containers
Once a container is created, drag and drop it into the grid and move them around as required. By moving the cursor over a container in the Segments view in the bottom left hand corner of the screen you can visualize the composition of the container.