Time based preview (time travel)

When a preview date is set in CoreMedia Studio, it sets the virtual render time to a time in the future. If the currently previewed page contains content from the commerce system, it is desirable that also these content reflects the given preview time. That could be a marketing spot containing activities with different validity time ranges. A specific activity could be valid only after a certain time or a marketing teaser that announces a happy hour could be another example.

If such preview is requested from HCL Commerce the preview date is also sent to HCL Commerce as a genuine HCL Commerce preview token. The HCL Commerce recognizes the transmitted preview date and renders a control on top of the page that lets you inspect the currently active settings. Figure 8.10, “Time based preview affects also the HCL Commerce preview” gives an example.

Figure 8.10. Time based preview affects also the HCL Commerce preview