The clock offset setting in PlayIt Live allows you to adjust the displayed time to account for broadcast delays, ensuring your scheduled content plays at the right time for listeners despite streaming or processing delays.

Where to find the setting:

1. Go to File > Settings
2. Click on the Advanced tab
3. Look for the Clock offset setting

How it works: The clock offset makes PlayIt Live's internal clock run ahead of real time, so scheduled content plays early enough to reach listeners at the correct moment after broadcast delays.

Setting the offset:

• Enter the delay time in seconds as a positive value
• Positive values advance PlayIt Live's clock ahead of real time
• For example: if your stream has a 30-second delay, set the offset to +30

Why this works: If your streaming service introduces a 30-second delay, setting the clock offset to +30 means:

• When the real time is 11:59:30, PlayIt Live thinks it's 12:00:00
• Scheduled content (like news at 12:00) starts playing at 11:59:30 real time
• After the 30-second streaming delay, listeners hear it exactly at 12:00:00

Common scenarios:

• Internet streaming delays: Stream delay of 30 seconds = set offset to +30
• Processing equipment: Additional processing adds 10 seconds = set offset to +40 total
• Time-sensitive content: Ensures news bulletins, station IDs, and competitions play when listeners expect them

Important limitations:

• It's not perfect: Each internet radio listener experiences slightly different delays due to their individual buffering, internet connection speed, and player software
• The offset compensates for your streaming server's delay, but individual listeners may still hear content a few seconds before or after the intended time
• This is normal behaviour for internet radio and cannot be completely eliminated

Important notes:

• A restart of PlayIt Live is required for changes to take effect
• This affects all timed events and scheduled content
• Test with a stopwatch to verify your offset matches your actual broadcast delay

This ensures your scheduled content reaches most listeners at approximately the right moment by compensating for broadcast chain delays.