Sequences

Sequences

Sequences let you build custom preroll playlists by combining different preroll sources. Use the Sequence Builder to visually construct reusable preroll arrangements.

What is a Sequence?

A sequence is a reusable preroll playlist that you build from blocks. Each block defines what prerolls to play:

• Random blocks — Pick random prerolls from a category
• Fixed blocks — Specific prerolls in a specific order

When a sequence is applied to Plex (or used by a schedule), NeXroll resolves the blocks into actual preroll paths.

Accessing the Sequence Builder

Navigate to Schedules → Sequence Builder in NeXroll.

You'll see:

• The main builder area for adding and arranging blocks
• Quick tips and help cards
• Save, Export, and Import options

Block Types

Random Block (Category)

Pull prerolls randomly from an existing category:

Setting	Description
Category	Which category to pull prerolls from
Count	How many random prerolls to select (1+)

Example: "Select 2 random prerolls from my Christmas category"

Fixed Block

Add specific prerolls that always play in a set order:

Setting	Description
Prerolls	Select specific prerolls from your library

The prerolls play in the exact order you add them.

Example: "Always play my Studio Logo first, then my Sponsor clip"

Building a Sequence

Step 1: Add Blocks

1. Click Add Block
2. Choose the block type (Random or Fixed)
3. Configure the block settings

Step 2: Arrange Blocks

• Drag and drop blocks to reorder them
• Use the up/down arrows to move blocks
• Click the trash icon to delete a block
• Click a block to edit its settings

Step 3: Preview

Click Preview to see what your sequence would look like:

• Shows which prerolls would be selected
• For random blocks, run multiple previews to see variation
• Great for testing before saving

Step 4: Save to Library

1. Enter a Name for your sequence
2. Add an optional Description
3. Click Save

Your sequence is now in your library and can be:

• Used in schedules
• Used as a Filler Category source
• Exported and shared
• Edited later

NeX-Up Preset Sequences

If you're using NeX-Up, preset sequence templates are available in the NeX-Up → Generator tab:

Preset	Content
Coming Soon + Movie Trailers	Your intro → 2-3 random movie trailers
Coming Soon + TV Trailers	Your intro → 2-3 random TV trailers
Mixed: Movies + TV	Your intro → 1 movie trailer → 1 TV trailer
Theater Experience	Your intro → 4 random trailers

These presets auto-create sequences with the right blocks pre-configured. See NeX-Up Guide for details.

Using Saved Sequences

In Schedules

When creating or editing a schedule:

1. Enable Use Sequence option
2. Select a saved sequence from the dropdown
3. Save the schedule

The schedule will use that sequence during its active dates.

As Filler Category

Sequences can be used as the global filler when no schedules are active:

1. Go to Settings → General → Filler Category
2. Set filler type to Sequence
3. Select a saved sequence

Saved Sequences Library

Go to Schedules → Saved Sequences to:

• View all saved sequences
• Edit existing sequences
• Delete sequences
• Export sequences
• Click Schedule to create a schedule from a sequence

Exporting & Importing

Export a Sequence

1. Open a sequence in the builder (or select from library)
2. Click Export
3. Save as a .nexseq file

The file contains:

• Sequence name and description
• All block configurations
• Version and export metadata

Import a Sequence

1. Click Import in the builder or library
2. Select a .nexseq or .json file
3. The blocks are loaded into the builder
4. Review and save to your library

Export All Sequences

From the Saved Sequences library, click Export All to bundle all sequences into one file for backup or sharing.

See Sharing Sequences for detailed export/import options.

How Sequences Work with Plex

When a sequence is applied:

1. NeXroll processes each block in order
2. Random blocks select prerolls from the specified category
3. Fixed blocks include the exact prerolls specified
4. All resolved preroll paths are combined
5. The path string is sent to Plex via the API

Plex receives: A semicolon-separated list of preroll file paths

Example:

/prerolls/logo.mp4;/prerolls/christmas/snow.mp4;/prerolls/christmas/tree.mp4

Example Sequences

Holiday Mix

Block	Type	Configuration
1	Fixed	Studio Logo preroll
2	Random	2 from Christmas category
3	Fixed	Outro clip

Result: Logo plays first, then 2 random Christmas prerolls, then the outro.

Theater Experience

Block	Type	Configuration
1	Fixed	"Coming Soon" dynamic intro
2	Random	2 from Movie Trailers category
3	Random	1 from TV Trailers category

Result: Your custom intro, followed by 2 random movie trailers and 1 TV trailer.

Tips & Best Practices

Keep It Short

• 1-3 prerolls is typical
• Too many prerolls delays your movie

Use Categories Effectively

• Organize prerolls into categories first
• Reference categories in random blocks
• Well-organized categories = better sequences

Name Clearly

• Use descriptive names: "Holiday 2025 - 2 Random"
• Add descriptions for complex sequences

Preview Before Saving

• Test randomization with multiple previews
• Verify the sequence looks right

Combine with Schedules

• Create sequences for different occasions
• Use schedules to activate them automatically
• Christmas sequence active Dec 1-25, etc.

Troubleshooting

Sequence Not Playing

1. Verify the schedule using the sequence is active
2. Check path mappings are correct (Settings → Path Mappings)
3. Ensure preroll files are accessible to Plex
4. Check Plex's preroll setting was updated

Random Blocks Always Same

• Plex caches prerolls — wait or restart Plex
• Re-apply the schedule to refresh

Empty Sequence Error

• Each sequence needs at least one block
• Random blocks need a valid category selected
• Fixed blocks need at least one preroll selected