# scheduleVariables and scheduleVariablesEx Methods

#### `scheduleVariables` <a href="#schedulevariables" id="schedulevariables"></a>

`scheduleVariables` takes these arguments: `inputName`, `queuingMode`, `queueName`, and `variables` (where queuing mode is one of the following: `update`, `play`). Some older data controllers use this function, but since it doesn’t support sending commands to a specific title, it is less useful than `scheduleAction` and its use is therefore discouraged.

```javascript
let s = ServiceHandler.scheduler;
let inputName = 'Test: Test Actions';
s.scheduleVariables(inputName, 'play', '', { Message: 'Greetings!' });
```

#### `scheduleVariablesEx` method <a href="#schedulevariablesex-method" id="schedulevariablesex-method"></a>

This is an advanced command that can be used in place of `scheduleAction` when the action you want is complicated and/or the provided presets are not enough. See Actions List for all possible actions.

```javascript
// Called from JavaScript. Update and schedule variables with advanced controls.
ServiceHandler.scheduler?scheduleVariablesEx(action, time, inputName, channelName, queueName, titleId, startSegmentName, endSegmentName, variables);
```

* `action`: Semicolon-separated list of actions to perform in sequence.
* `time`: Ccheduler time (retrieve with `getTime()`) when animations should play (variables are updated internally immediately).
* `inputName`: Limit this action to the named input.
* `channelName`: Limit this action to the named channel.
* `queueName`: Limit this action to the named queue.
* `titleId`: Limit this action to the named title (by id).
* `startSegmentName`: Specify the starting segment by name if relevant.
* `endSegmentName`: Specify the ending segment by name if relevant.
* `variables`: JavaScript map of variable, value pairs; names must match the current definition.

**Example:**

```javascript
// This command expects time as the number of seconds since the Captivate program was launched.
// It can be left blank or set to 0 to run the action immediately.
// Remember the variables update immediately. Only the animations honor the delay.
// Therefore, the following function will do the following:
// - immediately update the variables in the preview window
// - wait 2.5 seconds before animating the variables to the program
// - wait another 2.5 seconds and then animate out
let s = ServiceHandler.scheduler;
let inputName = 'Test: Test Actions';
s.getTime((t) => {
  s.scheduleVariablesEx('animateIn', t + 2.5, inputName, '', '', '', '', '', { Message: 'Greetings!' });
  s.scheduleVariablesEx('animateOut', t + 5, inputName, '', '', '', '', '', {});
});
```


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