User Interface Overview

Section 2: User Interface Overview

The NextKast OnAir interface is designed to provide an intuitive and efficient experience for managing all aspects of your radio station. This section covers the layout of the main screen, the functions of key buttons, and the various options available to customize your station’s operation.

Main Screen Layout

The main screen of NextKast OnAir is divided into several key sections:

1. Playlist\Rotation Screen: Displays the currently playing track, upcoming tracks, and the current rotation or playlist. This area allows for real-time adjustments to the playout order and provides access to key playback controls.
2. Track List\Add Music: Provides quick access to the entire audio library, including music, jingles, commercials, and other audio assets. The library view can be filtered and sorted based on various criteria to find specific content quickly.
3. Playlist Builder Screen: A powerful tool used to create, modify, and manage playlists. You can drag and drop audio files, rearrange tracks, and set specific rules for playback.
4. Configuration Panels: Include various settings for audio processing, scheduling, automation, and other functionalities. These panels can be accessed via the settings menu and provide granular control over all aspects of your station’s operation.

Key Buttons and Their Functions

• Manual/Automated Mode Toggle: Allows the user to switch between manual mode (where the DJ controls the playout manually) and automated mode (where the software automatically manages the playlist based on pre-set rules and rotations).
• Mute Playback Sound: Instantly mutes or unmutes the audio output without interrupting the broadcast. This button is useful for in-studio monitoring.
• Radio CMP (Compressor Settings): Opens the compressor settings panel, where you can adjust the compressor parameters to optimize sound quality during live broadcasts.
• Help and Support Options: Provides quick access to the online help, support documentation, and tutorials. This can be found in the top menu under the “Help” section.

Manual/Automated Mode Toggle

• Manual Mode: Enables the DJ or operator to take full control over what is playing. Songs can be dragged and dropped into the playout area, and the DJ can manually start and stop playback, insert voice tracks, and more.
• Automated Mode: The software automatically plays content according to the pre-configured schedules and rotations. This mode is ideal for unattended operation or when consistent scheduling is required.

Mute Playback Sound

• Function: Mutes or unmutes the sound on the main output without affecting the broadcast output. This allows the DJ or operator to control the in-studio monitoring volume without impacting the listener experience.

Radio CMP (Compressor Settings)

• Sound Processing Window: Configure settings for:
  • Auto Gain: Automatically adjusts the volume of the audio to ensure a consistent output level.
  • Sound Compression: Applies dynamic range compression to maintain a consistent sound level across different audio elements.
  • 10-Band Audio Equalizer: Allows customization of the station’s sound to preferred settings.
  • Expander Button: Enables a special set of processing to expand and enhance audio quality, which can be enabled or disabled as needed.
• External DSP Support: NextKast supports the use of external DSP software, allowing users to run Winamp-compatible plugins inline instead of using internal signal processing. To enable this:
  • Place the plugin .dll file in the /plugins directory of the NextKast installation directory.
  • Configure the external software as needed.
  • Disable the internal Radio CMP by pressing the button at the top left.
  • Right-click the Radio CMP button to display available plugins and select the desired plugin from the list.

Help and Support Options

• Location: Accessible via the top menu bar.
• Options:
  • Online Help: Directs to the NextKast website for user manuals, FAQs, and instructional videos.
  • Support Contact: Provides contact information for technical support, including phone numbers and email addresses.
  • Tutorials: Offers access to a series of video tutorials that cover various aspects of using NextKast OnAir effectively.

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User Interface Customization

NextKast OnAir provides a range of options to customize the user interface, allowing users to tailor it to their specific needs and preferences.

Customizing Visual Elements

• Icon Listview Appearance: The category, playlist, and rotation icons can be adjusted to suit the station’s branding and style, enhancing the overall look and feel of the software. To adjust right click on the ‘+’ add category button in the playlist rotation screen. A option list will appear. The user can select the view that best suits thier needs and preference.
• Minimizing Screen Elements: Users can choose which elements are displayed on the screen, such as hiding the line-in, mic, or sweeper buttons if they are not needed. This can be done through the settings screen by accessing the ADV window and adjusting the visual preferences, allowing for a cleaner and more focused interface.
• Playout Only Mode: In the ADV window there is an option for ‘PlayoutOnly’ BY selecting this options users of the software will only be presented with the Playout Screen, which is the screen most presenters and host need to see. The Size of font can also be selected from 100% to 300%

Customizing Player Layout

• Player Layout Options: Users can select between different player layouts, including a vertically stacked player layout for those who prefer this arrangement. This flexibility helps match the software interface with the user’s workflow and operational style.

Enhanced Search and Playlist Management In Playout Only Screen

• Search Functionality: The search feature on the live assist playout-only screen enables users to find tracks by name or duration quickly. Tracks can be inserted directly into the active playlist, simplifying playlist management and modification in real-time.
• Screen Partitioning: Users have the ability to resize different screen panes by dragging a partition icon, allowing them to customize the layout to fit their needs. This feature offers flexibility in adjusting the dimensions of the left and right panes on the live assist playout-only screen.

These customization options allow users to configure the NextKast OnAir interface to better suit their workflow, improving efficiency and creating a more intuitive user experience.