Alert channel

Overview

In this article we will create a channel that triggers on the existence of a specific text file, indicating something special has happened. An alert message will be displayed on top of everything. The text file may for example be generated by a fire alarm or a traffic surveillance system.

Step by step

• In Dise Composer, create a new Dise Movie.
• Insert a red rectangle shape.
• Put it near the bottom of the screen, its width covering the entire width of the screen.
• Right-click the rectangle and select Edit object settings.
• Go to the Transparency tab in the Object Settings and enter 30 under Transparency.
• Insert a ticker.
• Make the ticker white and of size 72.
• Put the ticker on top of the rectangle.

• Right-click the ticker and select Edit object.
• Select the Data tab, then click the Connect Data button to open the Data Connection dialog.
• Under Text file name, enter "C:\alertmessage.txt". and click Ok.

Note: If you uncheck File exists locally on player (don't transmit) the text file will have to be sent out from the distribution computer.

• Save the Dise Movie as alert.disemovie.
• In Bridge, select a destination and insert a new channel by clicking the plus sign button below.
• Name it "AlertChannel"
• Add the newly created Dise Movie to the channel.
• Right-click the channel and select Schedule.
• Go to the File logic tab.
• Check the box File logic and in the file field below, enter "C:\alertmessage.txt".
• Make sure the option File exists, alternatively File contains something is checked.

• Click Add to set the schedule.
• Send out the destination.
• Test the behavior of the alert channel by creating a file C:\alertmessage.txt containing some important message.

Result