Alert Message
The Alert Message function allows operators to display a configurable visual notification on the on-air output during live operations.
This feature can be used to inform viewers about temporary situations, transmission interruptions, emergency communications, or other events requiring an immediate visual message.
The alert can be displayed according to the selected timeline position and duration, allowing operators to maintain control over when and for how long the message appears on-air.
Alert Message Types
CENSOR EX supports two types of alert messages:
Fixed Alert
A Fixed Alert allows operators to display a predefined image or poster.
The image can be prepared in advance and selected when required. Once applied, the alert replaces the current video output and transmission resumes according to the configured workflow.
Supported image formats:
• .tga
• .png
• .jpg
Image files must:
• Start with the prefix ImageOnly (for example: `ImageOnly_HD_Transmission_Interrupt.png`).
• Match the video output resolution (for example, 720x576, 1920x1080).
• Be stored in the configured graphics folder.
All available image files located in the configured folder are automatically loaded when the application starts.
Message Alert
A Message Alert allows operators to create a custom text-based notification directly from the application.
The operator can define:
• Title: Maximum length: 30 characters.
• Message: Maximum length: 30 characters.
The text appearance can be customized by right-clicking on the message panel and selecting the desired font color.
Alert Configuration
To correctly display alert messages, the required graphic resources must be configured:
• Graphics File Template (.vpm) – Defines the layout and formatting of the alert.
• Background File (.tga) – Defines the alert background image.
Fade transitions are not applied to alert messages.
Alert Duration
The alert duration can be determined in two ways:
• By the selected Mark In / Mark Out positions on the Timeline.
• By the predefined duration configured in the alert parameters when only Mark In is used.
This allows operators to quickly apply predefined alerts or precisely control the duration during live operations.
Applying an Alert
To apply an alert message:
1. Position the Editor at the desired timeline point.
2. Define the required marks if needed.
3. Select the alert type.
4. Configure the message or select the predefined image.
5. Apply the alert operation.
Once applied, the alert is displayed on the on-air output and a marker is added to the **Timeline** for tracking and review.