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Working with a Custom Data Provider
Working with a Custom Data Provider
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The Custom Data Provider is an element that allows you to create simple data structures directly in the graphics editor, removing the need to use external data sources such as JSON files or Google Sheets to integrate data within your graphics packages.

This element is compatible with other graphic elements that have bindable properties, making it easy to link custom variables to your graphic elements.


Adding a Custom Data Provider

  1. Within the Data Providers, locate the Custom Data element and double-click on it, to add it with a Global Data Provider scope

  2. Click in "New Property"


Adding Properties

To start using this element, you'll need to define properties that will help you build your data structure.

The available properties are:

  • Text: Through this field, you can edit, create, or remove text within your graphic., whether for a headline or for specific details like the head coach's name for the home and away team.

  • Text List: Allows you to create, edit or remove a list of text items. For example, you can create a list with the names of the home team and another with the away team.

  • Image: Allows you to add images such as logos, TV bugs, and more. Images must be pre-uploaded to the Assets Library. The key advantage of this property is that it removes the need to manually search for image URLs for linking.

  • Images List: It allows you to have a list of images. For example, you can display different images linked to a dynamic list and have the ability to change these images directly.

  • Video. Allows you to add or change videos in .webm or .mp4 format. You can change or upload new videos within the Assets Library and dsiplay into your graphic. To view the requirements for uploading a video, click here.

  • Color: It lets you include team colors in your data structure for each participating team.

  • Font: It allows you to assign a font to texts that are bound to this value. This feature cannot be used in the Remote Control, only in the Graphic Editor.

When creating properties, you need to provide

  1. a name

  2. a description (this is optional)

The property will appear listed in the inspector under the Properties tab. From there, you will be able to edit the name or description, and you can also delete an added property.

You can create as many properties as you need and reorder them.


Editing Values

In the Values tab, you have the ability to create, edit, or remove the various values you’ve created, allowing you to easily manage and adjust them as needed.


Show on Remote Control

To display and use the "Values" created n your Custom Data Provider in your remote control, within the editor, you need to enable the "Show on Remote Control" option in the "Values" tab.

To know more about this option, click here.


Binding Data

Once the Properties and their respective Values are added, those will be the data available to bind to elements in the Tree, such as Dynamic Lists, Text Elements, Images, and others.


API control for Custom Data Providers.

Some "Values" contained in the Custom Data can be controlled via API. To do this, it is necessary to enable the "Integration ID" option.

To know mora about how enable the "Integration ID" click here.

The "Values" that can be controlled via API are:

  1. Custom text.

  2. Custom image.

  3. Custom color.

For more information, you can consult here.


Use Case 1: Themed Graphics Packages

With the Custom Data Provider, you can create consistent branding across multiple overlays in a graphics package. By setting it up as a global data provider, you can update the look and feel of the entire package from one central place, ensuring all overlays are updated automatically. This includes managing:

  • Main colors

  • Fonts

  • images (bugs / logos)

  • Additional branding elements

The benefits of using the Custom Data Provider are:

  • Centralized Control: Update branding elements in one place to automatically reflect across the entire package.

  • Efficiency: Save time by avoiding repetitive updates for individual overlays.

  • Scalability: Easily adapt templates to match your comapny’s branding.

Use Case 2: Newsroom Workflows with Custom Lists

Journalists and operators in a newsroom setting faced challenges when using templates for recurring tasks. For instance, creating a rotating lower third with five headlines required generating multiple MOS objects and manually cycling through them in the playlist.

With the Custom Data Provider, journalists can directly input lists of texts or upload images via the Flowics NRCS plugin. These lists are then automatically animated or rotated within the template, eliminating manual intervention.

The benefits of using the Custom Data Provider are:

  • Productivity Boost: Journalists can quickly input or update content without leaving their workflow.

  • Automation: Rotating elements (e.g., headlines) are managed within the overlay, reducing manual cycling.

  • Simplified Playlist Management: Instead of creating multiple items, a single overlay manages dynamic content.

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