The Custom Data Provider allows you to create simple data structures directly in the Graphics Editor, eliminating the need for external sources like JSON files or Google Sheets to integrate data into 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
Within the Data Providers, locate the Custom Data element and double-click on it to add it with a Global Data Provider scope
Click "New Property"
Adding Properties
To start using this element, you'll need to define properties that will structure your data.
Available properties:
Text: Edit, create, or remove text within your graphic, whether for a headline or details like the home and away team's head coach names.
Text List: Create, edit, or remove a list of text items, such as a roster for the home and away teams.
Image: Add images like logos, TV bugs, and more. Images must be pre-uploaded to the Assets Library, removing the need to manually search for URLs.
Images List: Manage a list of images linked to a dynamic list, allowing direct updates within your graphics.
Video: Add or change .webm or .mp4 videos. Upload new videos in the Assets Library nd display them in your graphic. To view the requirements for uploading a video, click here.
Color: Assign team colors within your data structure for each participating team.
Font: Bind a font to texts using this value. This feature is only available in the Graphics Editor and cannot be used in the Remote Control.
When creating properties, you need to provide:
a name
a description (optional)
The property will be listed in the Inspector under the Properties tab. From there, you can edit the name or description and delete any added property.
You can create as many properties as you need and reorder them.
Editing Values
In the Values tab, you can create, edit, or remove values, making it easy to manage and adjust them as needed.
Show on Remote Control
To display and use the values from your Custom Data Provider in the Remote Control, 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, hey can be bound 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, enable the "Integration ID" option.
To learn more about how enable the "Integration ID" click here.
The "Values" that can be controlled via API are:
Custom text.
Custom image.
Custom color.
For more information, you can consult here.
Use Case 1: Themed Graphics Packages
The Custom Data Provider helps maintain consistent branding across multiple overlays within 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 once 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 newsroom operators often face challenges when managing templates for recurring tasks. For example, creating a rotating lower third with five headlines traditionally required generating multiple MOS objects and manually cycling through them in a playlist.
With the Custom Data Provider, journalists can directly input text lists 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: A single overlay dynamically manages content, removing the need for multiple items.