Elements can be connected to an external data source (such as a SQL Server database, Microsoft Excel file, or RSS feed) to display real-time data. These properties define how the element connects to that data source, and which column and row are used for the content.

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Data Provider Info

  • No external data connection
    The element is not connected to a data source. It will display fixed content as specified directly in the element settings.

  • External data from the following data source
    The element is connected to a data provider, and specific column and row are used to deliver real-time content.

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Data Provider Components

  • Data Provider
    Represents a connection to a data source.
    Examples:

    • Table, query, or stored procedure (SQL databases)
    • XML file
    • RSS feed
    • Any other external source
      Note: Data providers are defined at presentation level and are available to all elements. You can create a new data provider by clicking the button in the drop-down box.
      (See “Working with data providers” for more details.)

  • Column
    The field/column from the data provider that delivers the content to your element.

  • Content Type
    Defines how the data should be interpreted by the element (e.g., as text, image path, number).

  • Row
    The record/row of the data provider that supplies the content for the element.

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Remarks

  • Applicability: Not all properties are applicable to every element. Some elements (like text elements) expect text content, while others (like image elements) expect file paths to images.
  • Dynamic Content:
    • When connected to a data provider, manual content settings of the element are disabled.
    • The element content is always controlled by real-time data from the data source.
  • Row Limitation:
    If the data source has fewer rows than specified in the Row property, no content will be displayed.
  • Data Scrolling:
    When data scrolling is enabled, the Row property combined with the Scroll step property controls the scroll behavior.
  • Playlists:
    Most elements support playlists. If the database field returns a playlist (multiple items), the system will automatically cycle through them.