User`s guide

Real Time Scheduler 75
Scheduler
Real Time Scheduler
The DVM2’ s Real Time Scheduler is an amazingly powerful tool for
automating your videos. This section will enable you to take full advantage of
these easy-to-use features.
DVM2 Hardware Requirements
If you purchased your DVM2 prior to December of 1999, you will probably
need a hardware update in order to use the Real Time Scheduler. If you do not
intend to use the scheduler, no hardware update is required. Alcorn McBride
will perform any necessary hardware update at no charge. You can check your
unit’s compatibility by setting the date and time from the Date and Time web
page on the unit and then power cycling the DVM2. If the date and time are
correct, no update is necessary.
DVM2 Operating System
Requirements
The Real Time Scheduler function of the DVM2 was implemented in version
0.66 of the DVM2 operating system. If you have an earlier version of the OS,
you must upgrade your unit to take advantage of this feature. To get the latest
DVM2 operating system, go to www.alcorn.com/products/dvm2/osupdate.html.
Schedule File Format
The DVM2 scheduler is controlled using a schedule file named schedule.csv
which resides in the root directory of the drive. The schedule is loaded once, at
power up. The schedule file is a standard comma separated file, which can be
created and edited using Microsoft Excel or any standard text editor. When
using Excel, be sure to save the file in the comma separated format.
The scheduler divides the day into fifteen-minute blocks. When the time
advances into a new block, the scheduler checks to see if there is a new
scheduled event. If there is, when the current clip finishes playing, the new
scheduled event is executed.