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TMS Playback Control

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Loading a SPL or CPL in Playback Control

This guide walks you through how to manually load and play a Show Playlist (SPL) or a single Composition Playlist (CPL) using the Playback Control module in Expersys TMS.

✅ When to Use This

  • Testing playback of specific content
  • Skipping scheduled playlists temporarily
  • Manually managing a screen during troubleshooting or previews

🧭 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Select Screen

At the top-right dropdown, choose the target auditorium or screen (e.g., Screen-01).

 

2. Set to Manual Mode

Click the Schedule Mode toggle and set it to Manual.

This allows direct playback control and disables scheduler automation for the selected screen.

3. Eject Current Playlist (If Any)

If there’s already a playlist loaded:

  • Tap the Eject icon ⏏️ to unload it
  • This clears any currently playing content or queued cues

4. Press Load

Click the Load dropdown button.

This will open the list of available SPLs (Show Playlists) or individual CPLs (Content) stored in the LMS.

5. Select the SPL or CPL

From the list:

  • Click to select the desired playlist or single CPL
  • The system will begin preparing the playback environment

6. Wait for Loading

You’ll see a loading progress bar and status indicator.
Wait until the content is fully loaded and displayed in the playback timeline.

🎥 TIP: Make sure the playlist appears correctly with cue markers and runtime.

7. Press Play

Once loaded:

  • Tap the ▶️ Play button to begin playback
  • Playback status will update and current cue will be highlighted in blue

🎯 Notes

  • Playlists that are available in the Server will appear here
  • Single CPLs may be used for playback without scheduling
  • If loading fails, identify the message such as Security Error, KDM Missing or other issues.
  • Switching back to Schedule Mode will resume normal next session playback based on schedule.

TMS Playback Control

The Playback Control module in Expersys TMS allows operators to manage currently playing Show Playlists (SPLs) in real time. Whether running in Manual or Scheduled mode, this screen provides live playback feedback, SPL navigation tools, and access to macros and device controls.

🖼️ Interface Overview

The following screenshot shows the Playback Control interface, including playlist cue tracking and control buttons:

🔹 Manual vs Schedule Mode

  • At the top left, you can toggle between:

    ModeDescription
    ManualPlayback actions are controlled manually via buttons; macros can be triggered at any time
    SchedulePlayback is handled automatically by Scheduler; manual controls and macros are locked unless overridden

    ✅ In Manual mode, operators have full control to pause, skip, or execute macros.

🎬 Playback Cue Display

  • The center of the screen displays:

    FieldDescription
    Current SPL TitleShows the active playlist segment title (e.g., Feature, Trailer)
    Progress BarIndicates elapsed vs total time (with exact timecodes)
    Next CueDisplays the next SPL element queued for playback
    Upcoming TitleAlso includes its playback bar and duration

▶️ Manual Playback Controls

  • Available only in Manual Mode, the black bar in the middle shows action buttons:

    ButtonAction
    ⏪Jump Back to beginning of segment
    ◀️Skip Back to previous cue
    ⏸️Pause playback
    ▶️Resume playback
    ⏩Skip Forward to next cue
    ⏭️Jump Forward to end of current segment

    These buttons allow precise navigation across trailers, ads, or main features without interrupting automation.

📋 Playlist Panel (Right Side)

  • The panel on the right lists the full playlist (SPL) currently loaded for the selected screen. Each item represents a cue such as trailers, ads, feature content, or automation commands (e.g., lights, projector format changes).

    Cue Status Indicators

    IconMeaning
    🟢 Green DotPlayback or automation cue has completed successfully
    🔵 Blue DotCue is currently playing or executing
    🟡 Yellow DotCue is queued or pending execution
    🔴 Red DotPlayback was interrupted, or automation failed or was skipped

⚙️ Quick Macros Section

  • Located below the playback controls, the Quick Macros Section displays macro execution buttons grouped by functionality. These are customizable and reflect your current setup in the Quick Macro Settings and Macro Library.

    Tabs You May See:

    Tab NameFunction Group
    Pack MacrosFull show flows: PreShow, Feature, Credits, End
    Projector ControlsLamp On/Off, Format Change, Douser Toggle
    House LightsCue-based lighting control
    Sound VolumePredefined fader level settings
    Sound InputsSwitching between audio sources (TMS, HDMI, AES, etc.)

    Macro Buttons

    Examples of automation buttons that may appear (custom per cinema):

    • PreShow 2D Flat
    • ShowFeature 3D Scope
    • Show End
    • Lights Down
    • Volume 5.1

    🛠️ These buttons execute macro commands in real time as defined under the TMS Quick Macro Settings module.

✅ Summary

  • The Playback Control screen is the live control center for cinema playback operations. Use it to:

    • Manually control trailers, ads, and feature playback
    • View playback timeline and upcoming cues
    • Execute macros instantly based on real-time needs
    • Verify active content during live sessions

    If you have any questions, please contact our Support Team.