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Notepad or any text editor is the preferred way to add text to a project. The primary reason for this is to provide the ability to update projects or templates without having to open the project and re-enter text. Instead a staffer can open the text file associated with the project and update the text or they can use InformaWeb to update the text.
Text can be created in two ways. The first method is to create a text file and then place the text on the Draw Screen in Informa Create. Once the text is placed on the Draw Screen it can be formatted to fit the project.
The second way to create text is through wildcards. These are the <%1> placeholders referenced in the last few issues of this newsletter. If you use a wildcard, use the same tools to format the wildcard as you do the text. The only difference in the two methods is that in the first instance you enter the actual text in a text file and place that file on the Draw Screen. In the second method you add an empty text file with a wildcard as a placeholder. This file is then updated by another text file, manual wildcards from InformaGen, Dashboard or the InformaWeb Internet interface.
The tools needed to format text include:
- Font Properties - This the "F" in the tool bar or right click and select the first item in the list. Select the font, size, weight and color desired. A font preview is shown in the window as you make your selections.
- Object Opacity - Allows you to determine the opacity of the text or the back bar or background. Settings are from 0 to 255.
- Transform Properties - This is the right facing arrow in the tool bar as well as a right click. From here you can modify whether the text is a single line or block; modify the alignment; set the direction of the text in transform mode such as left, right, fade, etc.; set the number of times to loop the text; adjust the speed and other settings. If you select text block rather than single line you can change the size of the text block by grabbing the red border with the mouse.
- Background Properties - Make the background transparent or opaque and modify the color of the background as well as configure a boundary around the text.
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Software Modules
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There are a variety of software modules used with BugCrawler and Informa. In case you are not aware of their purpose this article will provide a brief overview of each module:
Graphical Creation and Publishing Software
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InformaCreate - This is the graphical compositing and editing application for the Informa graphics engine used in both Informa and Firebird. There are two versions of this software; a full version and a limited rights version.
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Repository Agent - This application is a "holding tank" for Informa projects that are created by the limited rights version of Informa and are subject to review by the System Administrator. When a user with a limited rights license publishes a project it goes to the Repository Agent. Once viewed and approved by the Administrator, limited rights projects are then published to the unit.
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BugMaster - Editing application for the BugCrawler graphics engine.
Administrative Applications
- Access - Provides hardware and software maintenance for all three products including software updates, overlay and capture card settings, IP administration of remote units, and more.
- Dashboard - This module is used for manual control. It was originally created for FireBird but can be used with BugCrawler and Informa as well. It's features include the ability to queue and play media (FB); control the virtual router in FB; play graphical projects to air (all) and manually trigger bugs and TV ratings (all).
- InformaGen - Simple scheduling of projects. Will be replaced by a new scheduler in a future release.
- DataXpress - A generic data interface to the graphical engines to import external data using Informa Command Script Language.
Data Retriever Applications
- NWS Retriever - Interface with the National Weather Service enables playback of weather updates on a single CG. This enables you to get local updates from the National Weather Service without having a mini-weather station installed on-site.
- InformaWeb - Internet browser interface that enables authorized users to select and update projects without having a license for Create.
If you have questions or need additional information about any of these programs please contact Customer Service or your Region Manager. |
