Standard Operating Procedure for HootBoard Signage Player on Google TV Devices

Overview

The HootBoard Signage Player is a digital signage application designed for Google TV devices. It enables dynamic content display through a managed slideshow interface, optimized for public display environments such as lobbies, campuses, and business centers.

This SOP outlines the steps to install, configure, and troubleshoot the HootBoard Signage Player on a Google TV compatible device.

 

Prerequisites

1. A Google TV-compatible device. You can find a compatible device from Android TV website: https://www.android.com/intl/en_us/tv/

2. Android version should be 11+

3. Active internet connection.

4. Screen ID from HootBoard dashboard.

5. Google account for Play Store access (optional if sideloading).

 

TV Installation

1. Mounting the TV

   1. Use a compatible wall mount or TV stand as per the manufacturer’s specifications.
   2. Ensure the TV is securely mounted with proper ventilation to prevent overheating.
   3. Avoid placing the TV in direct sunlight or near heat sources.

2. Powering On

   1. Connect the TV to a power outlet using the provided power cable.
   2. Press the Power button on the remote or on the TV to turn it on.
   3. Ensure a stable internet connection is available (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).

3. Initial Setup with Google Account (Recommended)

   1. When prompted, choose Setup as Google TV option.
   2. Follow the on-screen setup instructions.
   3. Connect to Wi-Fi when prompted.
   4. Sign in using a Google account to access the Play Store and automatic app updates.
   5. Disable Google Assistance when prompted.
   6. Complete the sign in process and launch into the home screen.

4. Setup without Google Account

   1. When prompted to sign in, select Skip or Set up without a Google account.
   2. NOTE: Play Store and auto-updates will not be available.
   3. Complete the process and launch into the home screen.

 

App Installation Methods

1. Install from Google Play Store (Recommended)

   1. Open the Play Store.
   2. Search for "HootBoard Signage Player".
   3. Select the app and click Install.
   4. Once installed, click Open.
   5. Upon launch, grant overlay permissions when prompted.
   6. This is required for auto-start functionality.

2. Sideload APK (Alternative Method)

   1. Download the APK from here.
   2. Transfer the APK to a USB drive.
   3. Open a file manager app from the TV.
   4. Open the APK file from the USB drive and install the app.
   5. The app may ask for permission to install apps from unknown sources.
   6. You can follow onscreen instructions to enable the permission.
   7. NOTE: Updates must be done manually if sideloaded.

 

First Launch Configuration

1. Open the HootBoard Signage Player app.
2. You will see the Landing Screen prompting you to enter your Screen ID.
3. Instructions to obtain your Screen ID are displayed on this screen.
4. Enter the Screen ID.
5. A Loading Screen will appear while the app retrieves configuration.
6. Once loaded, the Slideshow Screen will begin displaying content.

Permissions & Auto-Start Setup

1. Grant Overlay Permissions when prompted during the first launch.
2. For auto-start on boot:
   1. Some TVs may require additional permissions from the system's Safety Guard/Device Assistant app (icon: green shield).
   2. Open this app and explicitly allow auto-start for HootBoard Signage Player. App Manager -> Auto Start

 

Power & Sleep Configuration

1. Disable Auto Sleep from the TV’s system settings to prevent interruptions.
2. Optionally, configure Sleep & Wake Schedule via Google TV’s built-in scheduler to control display hours.

Updating the App

1. Automatic Updates (Play Store Version)

   1. The app will update automatically if installed from the Play Store.

2. Manual Updates

   1. You can force an update from the web:
      1. Go to https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hootboard.digitalsignage
      2. Log in with the same account used on your TV.
      3. Click Install next to HootBoard Signage Player.
      4. Choose your TV device and confirm.

3. Sideloaded Version

   1. Download and manually reinstall the latest APK to update.

 

Changing the Screen ID

1. Navigate to Settings -> Apps -> HootBoard Signage Player.
2. Select Clear Storage.
3. Relaunch the app to return to the Landing Screen and enter a new Screen ID.

 

Troubleshooting Guide

Issue	Solution
App not auto-starting after reboot	Wait for 2 minutes after the TV launched into the home screen. Verify overlay permission is granted. Check the Safety Guard app and allow autostart.
Screen not updating	Verify network connectivity. Relaunch app or restart device.
App shows landing screen again	Storage/cache may have been cleared. Re-enter the Screen ID.
TV goes to sleep	Disable all auto-sleep features in TV settings. Configure wake schedule if needed.
Updates not received	Ensure the app was installed from the Play Store. Force update via Play Store web if required.

Support

For further assistance, please contact: 

• Email: [e-mail]
• Website: https://about.hootboard.com