POWER STUDIO

External References

Administrator task. Open System > External references.

An external reference lets different block definitions share a common identity at the playout end. For example, weekday and weekend versions of an after-news block can use the same external reference while having different capacities or presentation items.

This is different from External ID on a Spot or Promo: that field identifies material; an external reference identifies a commercial block.

Create And Assign A Reference

  1. Select Add external reference....
  2. Enter a clear Name, such as After news, and select Add.
  3. Open the relevant System > Block definitions entry.
  4. Select that value in External reference and save the block definition.
  5. Repeat for alternative definitions that represent the same playout position.
  6. Check the resulting block/macro mapping with the studio.

The application manages the integration identity behind the name. Use the record consistently instead of creating a new one merely to rename an existing position.

Keep Hour Templates Unambiguous

An hour template cannot contain two block definitions using the same external reference. If you have weekday and weekend variants, put the appropriate variant into each corresponding hour template, rather than putting both in one hour.

If the application reports a duplicate external reference while saving an hour template, remove the alternative block from that hour or give distinct positions separate references according to the intended playout design.

Power Studio receives an overview entry for a shared reference. Its advertised duration is derived from the smallest configured maximum among the definitions sharing it; it is not a measurement of the current filled block.

Edit And Retire References

Use the pencil icon and Save to change a name. Before deleting a reference, check block definitions, future schedules and the studio mapping. The list exposes deletion only when it is permitted. Coordinate mapping changes with the studio so that a retired or newly created identity does not leave an unresolved macro.