> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://nostalgiatv.gitbook.io/user-guide/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://nostalgiatv.gitbook.io/user-guide/advanced/web-ui/channel-and-content-management/advanced-scheduling-and-weighting.md).

# Advanced Scheduling & Weighting

The Advanced tab is designed for power users who want granular control over how and when their media is broadcast. These settings allow you to dictate show frequency, limit specific airplay, build rigid broadcast blocks, and even theme event marathons.

#### 1. Enabling Advanced Scheduling

By default, standard rotation settings are handled in the General tab.

To unlock these features, you must first click the **Enable Advanced Scheduling** toggle. Once enabled, certain scheduling options (like basic sorting) move from the General tab to this dedicated Advanced view.

#### 2. Scheduling Options

Define the primary logic for how your media files are selected for playback.

* **Sorting Method:** Use the dropdown to choose between the different algorithmic sorting options (such as Random, Cyclic Shuffle, or Marathon patterns).
* **Marathons:** Toggle the Marathons switch to allow one show to have a higher probability of playing back-to-back for consecutive hours.

#### 3. Balance Media

Ensure a diverse viewing experience by preventing a single show with hundreds of episodes from dominating the channel rotation.

* **Disabled:** Standard sorting with no corrective balancing.
* **Balance by Episode Count:** The system adjusts playback frequency based on the number of episodes available for each show.
* **Balance by Total Duration:** The system equalizes airtime based on the total cumulative runtime of each series.

#### 4. Restricted Hours

Confine your station to only be active during specific parts of the day.

* **Enable/Disable:** Use the toggle to confine programming to a specific operating window.
* **Time Range:** Define a **Start Hour** and an **End Hour**. This fully supports overnight spans (such as crossing midnight) and is ideal for creating "Saturday Morning Cartoons" blocks or "Late Night Movie" stations.

#### 5. Content Weighting

Manually override the natural rotation frequency for specific titles.

* **Frequency Sliders:** Each show assigned to the channel features a sliding value scaler (0-100).
* **Prioritization:** A higher weight ensures that a show will receive more airtime relative to other shows in the same library.
* **Reset All Weights:** Instantly sets all active show sliders back to a uniform baseline of 50.

#### 6. Time Slot Scheduling

The ultimate tool for recreating a "Must-See TV" lineup by assigning shows to air at designated times throughout the broadcast day.

* **Assigning Shows:** Select a specific show and assign it a precise start and end time (e.g., 8 PM to 9 PM).
* **Playbook Rules:** Natural slots follow the first program's runtime, Gentle Start waits for the next natural program boundary, and end hours exit the slot at the first natural break at or after the selected time.
* **Weekly Calendar:** Select the specific days of the week (M, T, W, T, F, S, S) for the slot to recur.

#### 7. Premiere Configuration

Pin recently added content to specific time slots so it anchors your channel lineup like a premium network television event.

* **Premiere Times (24-hour):** Select a specific hour anchor and click **Add time** to establish a recurring nightly premiere event window.
* **Slot Duration (minutes):** Define your default block size using the stepper controls. Video files that outlast this window automatically extend the slot, while shorter videos are neatly gap-filled with your commercial or bumper assets.
* **Pin Nights:** Configure how many sequential nights a newly indexed item remains inside the active premiere broadcast rotation pool before it is pushed out.
* **Back-to-back per anchor:** Determine how many unique premiere episodes or movies stream sequentially whenever an anchor time is triggered.
* **Recently-added lookback (days):** Set the ingestion threshold. Media added to your server libraries within this sliding calendar window automatically qualify as premiere pool candidates.
* **Pre-Roll Sequence:** Tap **+ Add Pre-Roll** to inject customized video elements (such as retro station bumpers or network intros) to play immediately before your premiere event begins.