except for scheduling within certain programs like defrags, I've never needed to set up a specific event schedule. I find "syntax" hard to follow when given a full example and so a command bat file may not work for me as I'll code it wrong (as in looking through MS's help/library).
What I am looking for needs to be totally automatic, simple to setup, versatile for multiple schedules that differ slightly in any given day and repeatable with slight changes to the date and files to open/stop.
Here's what I want to do: create video playlists files (multiple), each of which the actual data/videos will be in a separate folder. There will be a minimum of 14 playlists to cover a 2 week period. Day one will play playlist 1, day 2 playlist 2 etc. At the end of 14 days, repeat the same order. I need for the scheduler to select the playlist file for the given day which in turn will open my default player. if easier, then the onsite setup can open the player to always be open. Then the scheduler only needs to open the playlist which should then be automatically loaded into the "already open" default player.
The player I want to use allows the flat TV screens to play on, to show in full screen - all windows and controls hidden (another requirement for consideration). I need to make sure that the videos when opened open in full screen mode. This is something I have to work out but thought it best to explain everything.
From what I read (and understand), schedulers seem to work on an action being started, whether that is open a file, open a program, close windows etc. I cannot find anything that fulfills my requirements, but that may be me just not understanding what a scheduler can do if tasked right.
Playlist 1 will play from say 6pm day one until 3am day 2. Playlist 2 will run 7pm day 2 until 4am day 3 and so on.
Windows will never be closed down - on 24/7. When not playing a video then power management will kick in so this needs to be taken into account.
The pc box will have no screen, keyboard or mouse attached as it's task, based on the schedule, will be fully automatic and I want to stop anyone from access and messing up the schedule and/or copying the videos. Only authorised people will have access and control through a simple RDP onsite connection via say a laptop and ethernet cable. Using 2k3 server to access the system and files (even if someone went to the trouble of plugging in any peripherals like screen, keyboard, mouse), means they would not be able to due to presetting the username and password "logon to windows" screen. This also involves a screensaver type of login window.
The folders and video files for each playlist will also be secured through password protection (and maybe encryption) - just in case someone tries to take the harddrives.
I hope I have explained my requirements fully for you to understand.
Any help, advice, pointers etc are all very much appreciated. Thank you for reading.
