reference

Command Line Guide

The station_42.py script is your all-in-one tool for managing catalogs, channels, and schedules. Run it with no arguments for a simple text-based UI, or use the command line for full power and automation.

(Re)Building Catalogs

To build or rebuild catalogs from your station configurations:

python3 station_42.py --rebuild_catalog

To rebuild specific stations (by network name):

python3 station_42.py --rebuild_catalog WarpTV MovieTV ClassiclTV

Note: Rebuilding a catalog deletes its schedules - you'll need to add time to the schedule after rebuilding.

Other Helpful Catalog Arguments

  • -p or --printcat - Print the catalog for the specified station
  • -c or --check_catalogs - Run basic checks on the specified stations

Building Schedules

There are three options for adding time to schedules:

Short Long Description
-d --add_day Adds a day to schedule(s)
-w --add_week Adds a week to schedule(s)
-m --add_month Adds a month to schedule(s)

Update all schedules:

python3 station_42.py --add_day

Update specific stations:

python3 station_42.py --add_week WarpTV

Deleting Schedules

Delete all schedules:

python3 station_42.py --delete_schedules

Delete schedules for specific stations:

python3 station_42.py --delete_schedules WarpTV MovieTV ClassiclTV

Scan Sequences

When you add new sequences, scan for them:

python3 station_42.py --scan_sequences

Or scan specific stations:

python3 station_42.py --scan_sequences WarpTV Indie42

Rebuilding Sequences

Restart all sequences:

python3 station_42.py --rebuild_sequences

Or rebuild for specific stations:

python3 station_42.py --rebuild_sequences WarpTV

Chapter Markers for Commercial Breaks

FieldStation42 can use chapter markers embedded in your video files to find the best spots for commercials. When available, chapter markers are used to intelligently place commercial breaks at scene transitions instead of at arbitrary times or at the end of content.

Scanning for Chapter Markers

To scan for chapter markers during catalog rebuild:

python3 station_42.py --rebuild_catalog --scan_chapters

Or scan chapters for specific stations:

python3 station_42.py --rebuild_catalog WarpTV MovieTV --scan_chapters

Tip: Chapter markers are often present in content archived from DVD and can be edited by many software programs.

How Chapter Markers Work

  • Chapter markers are detected using ffprobe and stored in runtime/fs42_fluid.db
  • During schedule building, the system checks for cached chapter markers
  • If chapter markers exist, commercials are inserted at those break points
  • If no chapter markers exist, commercials are placed at the end of content
  • Chapter data persists between runs for fast schedule building

Clearing Cached Chapter Markers

To rescan chapter markers for all videos, clear the cache:

python3 station_42.py --reset_chapters

Then rebuild catalogs with --scan_chapters to regenerate the cache.

Other Helpful Scheduling Arguments

  • -u or --print_schedule - Print the schedule for the specified station for the current day
  • -s or --schedule - Print a summary of schedule extents for each station

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