Short version
Most problems come down to one of three things: OBS isn't connected, the library has no playable spots of that length, or a spot file won't play. Each is covered below.
The break buttons are all off
- OBS isn't connected. The control room says "Connect OBS to run breaks." Connect in Settings → OBS, or reload the control room. See Fix OBS connection problems.
- A break is already running. The buttons come back when you're back to live.
A length says Unavailable
That length can't be filled:
- There are no spots of that length, and shorter spots can't fill it exactly, and there's no slate to fill the gap.
- Or no spots fit at all. The slate alone isn't offered as a break.
Fixes:
- Add spots of that length to its Drive folder and press Rescan Drive.
- Choose a slate in Settings → Slate, so shorter spots plus the slate can fill it.
- Check the ad library for Unplayable spots, which never play.
See How spots are picked.
"didn't start playing within 30 seconds"
The first spot didn't start in OBS, so the break was cancelled and your show stayed live.
- Make sure the file is an MP4 with H.264 video and AAC audio. See Prepare your spot files.
- Check OBS hasn't lost the CommercialCueSource media source: press Verify scenes in Settings → OBS.
- Try the break again. If it's always the same spot, replace the file.
The screen goes black during a break
- Between spots: the next spot normally loads in about a second. If it's longer, check the spot files are MP4 and the computer isn't overloaded.
- At the end of a short spot: the spot is shorter than its folder's length, and no slate is set to fill the rest. Choose a slate, or re-export the spot to its full length.
- Something covers the spots: make sure nothing in the AD_PLAYBACK scene sits on top of CommercialCueSource.
The wrong spots are playing
- A campaign is in use. While a campaign is active, its spots fill breaks first. The Campaigns list marks the one In use.
- New spots aren't showing up. Rescans are manual: press Rescan Drive.
- A removed spot still plays. It's taken out at the next rescan.
The countdown or the break looks stuck
- The break is run by the page that started it. If that page was closed or reloaded, the control room and dock say "No page is running this break." Press Take over this break to carry it on, or Return to live now to get your show back.
- Don't restart OBS or deploy the server during a show.
Nothing works at the start of the day
The server may have been asleep. Open the control room or dock a few minutes before air time, and run a test break.
Related guides
Set upFix OBS connection problemsEach connection message, what it means, and what to do.HelpFrequently asked questionsShort answers to common questions, with links to the full guides.Run breaksWhat happens during a breakThe countdown, the running order, Filled by, the activity list, and the safety nets.