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Radio Free Asia sometimes encounters difficulties when having to deal with multiple languages with computer software applications, especially when they are English specific. As a method of instant communications between on-air studios and controls rooms various Instant Messenger (IM) programs were tested. Two main problems were encountered with these IM programs at Radio Free Asia when used in this type of application:
Simple IM programs could not stop the scribbled notes held to the window or physically passed between the studio and control room. To eliminate this scratch paper flow the Studio Slate Program was developed. This is the second generation version, Studio Slate V2.
Studio Slate was designed be a shared virtual whiteboard and to replace IM programs as a communications medium between a studio and control room. Designed to work with a wireless mouse pen the Studio Slate program allows for a shared whiteboard between the control room and studio. The Studio Slate also functions as an IM type text message program, Web synchronized time clock and an up or down stopwatch with a sync option between the users.
Multiple users can connect with Studio Slate. The original version of Studio Slate could only facilitate two user per-sessions. Studio Slate Version 2 can accommodates multiple users in a shared sessions allowing for assistance from outside the studio during broadcast such as, a researcher in a newsroom.
Selectable fonts are available in the chat window. All system fonts and sizes (including bold and italic features) can be used in the Studio Slate Version 2 chat window selectable by each user separately. If the font exist on the PC that is running Studio Slate than the font can be used in the chat window including Non-English fonts.
The original Studio Slate was designed to operate "all in one window". Studio Slate Version 2 has separate pages for the whiteboard functions. This allows for multiple whiteboard "notes" to be visible on the screen at once.
A minimum of two users must run the Studio Slate Version 2 Program for it to be of any use as one normally does not communicate with ones self. Studio Slate Version 2 will time out and unload if a second connection is not made within five minutes. One and only one user must act as the "Host" for the session. All other users must log onto the "Host" as "Guest" sessions. Guest and Host are non-specific functions to the program any user can choose to act in either role.
As Studio Slate V2 has the ability for multiple whiteboard pages to be opened at any one time a way is needed to bring time critical information to the attention of all users. to this end an "Attention" button is used that brings the whiteboard note page in attention mode to the top of all the users’ screens with a visible indication for the page priority.
There is also a event timer (up and down) built into the Studio Slate main window. This timer is synchronized locally with the user's PC. events can be times or counted down either independently in each users Studio Slate Screen or can be a shared event visible to all current session members.
Click on the download icon above on the right-hand side of this page or click on this Direct Link to download the Studio Program with source code and Windows installer.
