FAQs: TAS Live
Q: We recently bought the TASFTP program. I have
customized the colors and logos to fit our "site" look,
but I was wondering if there is more customization available, such
as formatting and setting table sizes, adding other graphics, changing
the top header layout (allowing graphics to be bigger and adding
other graphics), etc. I tried to go in and change the code in the
pages generated, but as soon as another play was made and the pages
were updated, all my formatting I had entered was set back to the
original settings. I would appreciate any information on this if
possible.
A: The areas of TASFTP HTML that can be customized are:
1) Colors - using Live | HTML tailoring,
2) Logos - by overwriting the "vlogo.gif" and "hlogo.gif"
files on the target web site directory,
3) Modifying attributes of the "static" html files (such
as "xlive.htm" and "xbottom.htm"),
4) Modifying other attributes such as the <refresh> line using
HTML | Setup| HTML tags.
Currently, no interfaces for additional modifications are implemented.
The "xbottom.htm file" can be used to insert links to
live audio, advertising, and other notes or instructions.
Q: Is there a way to add an advertising banner to the "xlive.htm"
file?
A: Yes, by swapping in your ad banner for the file named
"xbottom.htm". This file is located in the "liveinit"
subdirectory under the programs directory (for e.g., \tasfb\liveinit).
Rename your ad banner file to "xbottom.htm" and copy it
to the "liveinit" subdirectory, replacing the original
"xbottom.htm" file. With the "send initial files"
function in the Live setup, this new "xbottom.htm" file
will be sent to your website. These instructions only apply to the
“table-style” HTML output, not the new “stylesheet”
output.
Q: I know you recommend using a second computer to operate the TASFTP
program, but will I run into major problems just using one?
A: Yes, we recommend that you install and run the TASFTP
software on a separate computer that is networked to the in-game
scoring computer, especially for the faster paced sports such as
volleyball, basketball, and even football. Although TASFTP can run
on the same computer as the scoring software, by running it on a
second computer you will avoid any interruptions to the scoring
process that may arise from problems with the internet connection.
In addition to running TASFTP, the second computer can then also
be used to monitor the internet and to display stats during the
game.
Q: We want to start using live stats for the first time. What do
we need to do?
A: Click HERE
for information and system requirements for the TAS LIVE system.
You will notice that we recommend the TASFTP software run on a second
computer, but this is not a requirement. This recommendation is
made to avoid interfering with the scoring crew in case there are
issues with the internet connection, etc, while scoring the game.
If using the two computer setup, the first computer is the scoring/input
computer, the second is the TASFTP computer, and it will run the
scoring software Game Reports, monitoring the game file on the scoring
computer, by way of a network connection between the two computers.
The second computer will update the "live" files each
time a play is entered, and will FTP those files to the specified
site. You will need internet access from your press table, either
a dialup, LAN, wireless network, etc. You will also need FTP access
to a location on your web site (we do not host the live stats).
At your web site location, you should create a "target directory"
where the HTML files will land, and you should create a link on
your web site that points to the "homepage" of the lives
stats. Each time you enter a play in the scoring software, TASFTP
software will automatically send the stats files to the designated
target directory. Our TASFTP tool now includes settings and options
for passive mode, for "secure" FTP (SFTP), and also some
firewall settings. One licensed copy of the TASFTP software can
be used with any scoring software that is version x.2 or higher.
Our tech support is available by phone and email, during our regular
business hours. We do make emergency follow-up calls after hours
and on weekends to customers when necessary.
Q: Do you have information available on how to network two laptops
together to do live stats?
A: We provide only minimal support regarding networking
issues. We suggest that you consult with the technology support
people at your end or with the company from which you purchased
your computer equipment.
Q: When I set up our live stats, I get an error message that says
our XML activation code has expired. Can you help me locate our
new XML activation code?
A: The XML should activate automatically - there is no
additional code to input. This message typically indicates that
you are not running the latest version of the scoring software.
You can verify this by checking Game Reports | Help | About. Contact
us if you do not have the current version.
Q: When running TASFTP on the same computer as our scoring software,
the keyboard temporarily "freezes" when TASFTP comes up,
causing us to lose keystrokes during the game. Is there a way around
this?
A: There is an "animate" function in Windows
that you can disable to prevent this "freeze" of the keyboard.
Select My Computer | Properties | Advanced | Performance (Visual
Settings). Disable the option for "Animate windows when minimizing
and maximizing".
