Prepare TeoCast Automation for your first broadcast
Follow this guide after installation to configure your audio devices, import station content, prepare a playlist and begin playback safely.
Main and Workstation setup
Use Main for on-air playback and Workstation for connected preparation.
Choose the installer setup
Choose TeoCast Automation on the Main computer; it includes its local Workstation. Choose TeoCast Workstation on a separate editing computer. Run Setup as your normal Windows user; it requests administrator approval when needed.
Prepare Main’s SQL station
A fresh Main installation requires SQL Server Express with the SQLEXPRESS instance and Mixed Mode authentication. The TeoCast installer does not install SQL Server. Follow the SQL Server setup guide before creating the station.
Connect a separate Workstation
Keep Main running. In Workstation’s SQL Server Settings, use Main’s network server address and the same database name, database username and password, then choose Connect and Save. Sign in with an enabled TeoCast Administrator or Scheduler account. The Workstation PC needs no local SQL Server installation.
Before you start
Confirm that the computer and audio setup are ready before launching TeoCast Automation.
- A Windows 10 or Windows 11 computer
- A working main audio output device
- An optional separate preview or cue output
- Your music, commercials, station IDs, sweepers and beds
- Your TeoCast license file when using a licensed version
Launch TeoCast for the first time
Open TeoCast Automation from the desktop or Start menu and complete the initial setup.
Open TeoCast Automation
Allow Main to finish loading, then open SQL Server Settings. For a new station, check the displayed server and enter a database name, database username and password. Choose Create Fresh Station using a Windows account with SQL Server sysadmin access. To reopen an existing station, use its saved details and Connect and Save instead.
Activate or continue in Demo Mode
Import your TeoCast license file when available. Demo Mode may be used to explore the main workflow with product limitations.
Open the Control Panel
Create your TeoCast Administrator account through Main’s Control Panel, then review Audio Setup. The TeoCast sign-in account is separate from the SQL database account. Record the actual database connection details for Workstation setup.
Configure audio outputs
Choose the correct Windows audio devices for on-air playback, previewing and monitoring.
Main Output
Sends the primary TeoCast program audio to your sound device, mixer or broadcast chain.
Preview / Cue Output
Plays library previews and cue audio without sending them to the main on-air output.
Select the Main Output device
Choose the device connected to the station mixer, speakers or normal program output.
Select the Preview / Cue device
Use a separate output when possible so preview audio is not heard by listeners.
Test both outputs
Turn Cue Monitor ON in Main’s bottom toolbar, then preview one file. Play one item on the main player to confirm that both routes are correct.
Import station content
Add each type of station audio to the appropriate TeoCast library.
Music
Import songs and organize them into useful music categories for playlists and scheduler clocks.
Commercials
Import advertising material that will be assigned to scheduled commercial breaks.
Station IDs and Sweepers
Add station branding and transition elements for automated programming.
Beds
Import background audio for talk breaks, voice segments and other production uses.
Prepare your first playlist
Choose Manual Mode to prepare your own queue. Auto Mode fills and manages the queue; Library Auto Fill runs only when a Scheduler Program Log does not own it. Build a short test queue before preparing full-day schedules.
Open the Library
Search or browse for the music and station elements needed for your first test playlist.
Add tracks to the playlist queue
Arrange enough items to test normal transitions and continuous playback.
Review the order
Confirm that titles, durations and categories look correct before starting playback.
Save the playlist when needed
Save reusable playlists so they can be loaded again without rebuilding the entire queue.
Start playback safely
Test the complete playback path before connecting a live stream or relying on unattended automation.
Lower monitoring volume if necessary
Prevent unexpectedly loud audio during the first playback test.
Press Play
Confirm that the selected item enters the main player and that the progress display and level meters respond.
Observe the transition to the next item
Let at least two items play so you can verify queue order and normal automatic continuation.
Test Stop, Next and Preview
Verify the essential controls before preparing advanced scheduling or streaming.
Recommended next steps
After basic playback is working, continue with the guides that match your station workflow.
- Complete Installation and Activation setup
- Organize the Library and build saved playlists
- Prepare Workstation clocks, Traffic bookings and Program Logs
- Configure Voice Tracking and Cue Editor positions
- Adjust the built-in Audio Processor
- Connect Icecast or SHOUTcast streaming encoders
Continue with Installation and Activation
Learn how to install TeoCast correctly, activate the product and confirm that your licensed or Demo Mode setup is ready.