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Radio Playouts

RCS Zetta visual radio integration

Put RCS Zetta song titles and artists on screen without retyping them. VRA reads Zetta Live Metadata and uses the item type and category to trigger your visuals.

How RCS Zetta and VRA work together.

Now playing without retyping

The template includes the current event ID, title, artist, album, start time, type, category and runtime. Those values can fill graphics and qualify item-based actions.

Graphics follow the item type

Use the fields your feed supplies to control graphics. Where item type or category is available, you can show different visuals for songs, jingles and commercials.

Live Metadata is the source

Zetta sends one HTTP update using the VRA Advanced Output template. VRA does not need access to the Zetta database or schedule editor.

The link stays local

VRA Core reads the automation feed in the studio, through the connection described below. It shares the resulting now-playing information with VRA Cloud.

How to set it up.

Requirements

  • Access to RCS Zetta's Live Metadata configuration.
  • VRA Core reachable from the Zetta machine on the studio LAN.
  • The endpoint and Advanced Output template from the RCS Zetta setup screen in VRA.
  1. Add an RCS Zetta automation connection in VRA. Copy its local Core endpoint and Advanced Output template.

  2. In Zetta, create a Live Metadata entry and select HTTP as the Device Method.

  3. Enter the VRA Core endpoint that is reachable from the Zetta machine.

  4. Open Advanced Output, paste the VRA template and save the Live Metadata configuration.

  5. Play a test item and verify its title, artist and timing in VRA before enabling any dependent automation.

Full setup guide

RCS Zetta questions

Which RCS Zetta feature connects to VRA? +

Use a Live Metadata output with HTTP as the Device Method. The Advanced Output body comes from the RCS Zetta connection screen in VRA.

Which Zetta fields can VRA use? +

The standard template sends the current event ID, title, artist, album, timing, type, category and runtime.

Does VRA change the RCS Zetta rundown? +

No. The connection is read-only from VRA's point of view. Your radio automation remains the source of the rundown and VRA reacts to the data it sends.

Does the now-playing feed depend on the internet? +

The connection between your radio automation and VRA Core runs locally. VRA Cloud uses an internet connection to show that information in the browser; a local feed does not make browser control available offline.

RCS

About RCS Zetta.

RCS Zetta is a radio automation system. Its Live Metadata output can publish the playing event to a local HTTP endpoint whenever the on-air item changes.

VRA reads the automation feed and never writes back into the playout log. The radio system stays in charge of the sound. Visual Radio Assist uses its metadata to keep the picture in step with the show.

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What you can do with this connection

Automated camera switching for radio

Switch cameras from microphone activity and prepare PTZ shots off air.

More info

Automated live graphics for radio

Update song titles, presenter names and show details from your automation and schedule.

More info

The products behind it.

Visual Designer

Live data-driven graphics

More info

Automation

Macros and rules

More info

More integrations.

Zenon Media

Connect Zenon Media to VRA for now-playing and coming-up radio graphics. Its playlist export supplies the current item and the next two.

PowerStudio

Use PowerStudio with VRA for now-playing and coming-up graphics. The VisualRadioAssist Link plugin sends current and upcoming playlist items.

OmniPlayer

OmniPlayer visual radio with VRA: update song titles and trigger graphics from the built-in playlist export. Add microphone-driven camera switching.

All integrations

Check your studio setup with us.

Tell us your camera models, video switcher and radio automation. We will check the connections and show you the workflow that fits your station.