Generating a Skim Avails Report

The MediaStar/Maxagrid interface is primarily used by Sales Managers to transfer MediaStar data into the Maxagrid application. A data file is produced in Maxagrid (.ctm) which is used in the MediaStar/Maxagrid interface to create a new file (.abl) which is imported into Maxagrid. The .abl file consists of seven key components:

• Commercial Inventory Generated
• Non-Commercial Inventory Generated
• All Spots Scheduled
• Commercial Spots Scheduled
• Non-commercial Spots Scheduled
• Commercial Spots in the Pool
• Non-Commercial Spots in the Pool

A Commercial unit is defined as all Break Types except networks (ABC Network, CBS Network, Metro Network, Network AM FM, Network Feature, Network Other, Network Spon, Premiere Network, TTN News, TTN Sports, Wall Street Journal Network), billboards (Billboard 1, Billboard 2, Billboard 3, Feature Billboard, Feature Billboard 2, Feature Billboard 3, Feature Billboard 4, Feature Billboard 5, Financial Billboard, In Game Billboard, News Billboard, Other Billboard, Post Game Billboard, Pre Game Billboard, Sports Billboard, Traffic Billboard, Weather Billboard), Block Program, Feature Sponsorship, Liner, NTR & Rules Promo, Promo, PSA, and Station ID.

To use the interface, you must have Maxagrid and the MediaStar/Maxagrid Interface installed on your computer. Prior to running the Maxagrid Interface, the Exchange Path in Maxagrid must be mapped to a location where you require the files to be stored. Should you require assistance in this step please contact Maxagrid for support.

A screen displays, telling you that the .abl files, for Maxagrid, are being created. Once finished the .abl file will appear in the directory and the .ctm file will alter to a (processed) .ct1 file. The message window looks similar to the one below:

Your file will be created and stored in your directory ready to be used by Maxagrid.