Live Production Troubleshooting

This guide lists common Falcon Play production issues and the fastest checks to perform without losing situational awareness during a live show.

Screenshot is coming soon...

What you will learn

  • How to triage server, media, graphics, audio, mixer, shortcut, and sync problems.
  • Which checks are safest during live operation.
  • When to use Monitor, Settings, or Media Manager.
  1. Check the bottom status bar first.
  2. Identify which subsystem is affected: media, graphics, vision, audio, rundown, shortcuts, prompter, timing, or API.
  3. Avoid changing Device Config during live output unless necessary.
  4. Use Monitor for deeper health checks.
  5. Use known working manual controls when automation is suspect.

Buttons, fields, and controls

ControlWhat it doesWhen to use it
Play Server offlineCore server connection is down.Reload page, check server process, check network.
Media Server offlineMedia and thumbnails may not load.Open Media Manager and check Media Server process.
Vision Mixer offlineProgram/Preview control unavailable.Check mixer IP/profile/network.
Sound Mixer offlineFader automation unavailable.Check mixer connection and selected profile.
Graphics missingTemplate, scene, or graphics server issue.Check Media Server, Graphics Server, and scene layer.
Video missingFile renamed, deleted, or not scanned.Find in Media Manager or replace item.
Shortcuts inactiveOn Air Shortcuts off or focus is in a field.Enable shortcuts and close text inputs.
Prompter not syncedWrong On Air item or sync issue.Use Go to On Air Element and check sync setting.
Timing wrongDurations/end time incorrect.Review item durations and rundown timing.
API command failsServer, auth, or target subsystem issue.Check API status and subsystem status.

Best practices

  • Use visible status indicators before opening configuration panels.
  • Have manual mixer and playout fallback procedures ready.
  • Document recurring issues after the show and fix them in Settings before the next production.

Troubleshooting

SymptomLikely causeWhat to check
Everything feels delayedServer load, network, or large media operation.Open Monitor and inspect heartbeat/bandwidth/workers.
Only one item type failsSubsystem-specific issue.Check that subsystem rather than rebuilding the rundown.
Automation is unpredictableFunction actions, Auto Next, or AutoTake are misconfigured.Disable automation on the current item and review after the show.

Screenshot is coming soon...