Using Command Media Items in Myriad Playout 6

Command Media Items allow you to trigger automated actions, control external devices, or execute macros within Myriad Playout 6. These commands are written in a built-in scripting language and can control both internal Myriad features and connected systems.

Although the full scope of Myriad’s command system is advanced, this guide introduces the basics — specifically, how to create and test Command Media Items to begin automating common tasks.

? What Is a Command Media Item?

A Command Media Item behaves like any other item on the Media Wall, but instead of playing audio, it executes instructions such as:

• Starting/stopping recordings

• Triggering other media

• Communicating with third-party hardware/software

• Running Myriad macros

They can be:

• Scheduled in the log

• Triggered manually from a player

• Added to favorites

• Fired by double-clicking from the Media Wall

? Creating a Command Media Item

1. Select an empty media item on the Media Wall

2. Click Edit 

3. Choose New Command from the media type options 
   

You’ll now see a list of available commands on the left side.

To add a command:

• Double-click on the command you want (e.g., PlayItem) 

• It will appear in the Command Script Window 

• Edit the script as needed using variables (e.g., stationID, playerIndex, mediaId). In this example Players.PlayItem(-1,1,3000) would select the current Station (-1), and would play Media ID 3000 in Media Player 1.

• To view a list of all available Commands and the associated variable and options, click on the Display Available Commands button. 
  

✏️ Customizing the Command Script

Most Commands will have one or more variables that need to be set to tell the system how to handle the Command. Take for example, the RequestRecord command which is used to trigger the recording action in Myriad.

• In the All Commands tab browse to the RequestRecord command (tip: You can use the Filter at the top of the list to search for Commands).
• Double click to add the command to the Script window.
• This Command has two variables, stationId and recorderIndex (the variables are in brackets after the Command) 
• In this example, the stationId refers to the ID number of the Station that the command is working with, this will normally be set to -1 which means the Station that is open. The recorderIndex refers to the Media Recorder number but as Myriad usually only one recorder, this will almost always be set to 1.
• So the Command below would trigger recording in the currently open Station.
  
  
  

Need Help with Command Syntax?

• Click Display Available Commands button 

• This will open a browser window with a full command reference guide

  • Includes explanations

  • Lists all supported commands and parameters

▶️ Example: Start a Recording & Title via Command

There are a few common examples available in the Examples Tab in the Commands List.

This example script will Start Recording and also set the Title and Artist fields to prefixed text, but will not change the Description field.

• The first Command starts the recording.
• The second Command Sets the Title & Artists fields.

Commands should be considered an advanced feature that is better suited to users with experience in simple scripting languages.

? Where Can Command Items Be Used?

• Manual playback from the Media Wall

• Drag-and-drop into a player

• Scheduled in the Log

• Assigned to Favorite buttons

This flexibility makes Command Items ideal for:

• Scheduled recording automation

• Stream switching

• External device control (e.g., GPIO, relays, mixers)

✅ Summary

Command Media Items unlock powerful automation and integration features within Myriad Playout 6. While advanced usage involves scripting and third-party system interaction, even basic command cards can:

• Automate recordings

• Trigger timed events

• Create powerful macros for your broadcast workflow

Get started with simple commands, explore the command reference, and experiment safely using test items.

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