Getting Started

Power Studio is built around a few practical concepts:

• Tracks and assets are stored in the Power Studio database with metadata such as artist, title, content type, categories, rating and scheduling properties.
• Clock Formats describe the structure of one hour.
• Day Formats assign Clock Formats to the hours of a broadcast day.
• Playlists are generated from Day Formats and Clock Formats, then reviewed, edited or played out.
• Playout runs the broadcast in Automation Mode, Live Assist Mode or Training Mode.
• Plugins connect Power Studio to content providers, metadata outputs, remote control devices and companion systems.

Think of Power Studio as two connected work areas. The back-office work prepares audio, metadata, formats, playlists and users. The on-air work loads those playlists, starts audio, records voice tracks, fires carts and keeps the station running.

For a new station, work through the manual in this order:

1. Prepare the Windows computer, database server and audio storage.
2. Install PostgreSQL and Power Studio.
3. Run the Configuration Tool and initialize or update the database.
4. Configure audio routing, recording locations and user permissions.
5. Import or add tracks, jingles, promos and spots.
6. Create Clock Formats and Day Formats.
7. Generate playlists and test playout before relying on automation.
8. Work through the relevant workflow chapters for live operation, dynamic content, remote use and continuity.
9. Enable only the tools, plugins and integrations that are needed at the station.

For an existing station, begin with the workflow and module chapters. Use the installation chapters when adding a new workstation, replacing a playout computer, restoring a location set or upgrading all clients.