Use an HDMI display
The screen can be a regular TV or monitor. A separate current-browser computer or qualified player handles playback.
DIGITAL SIGNAGE SETUP GUIDE
Turn an existing TV into a digital sign.
Connect an HDMI display to a current-browser computer, pair its private Screenfolk player, publish finished images, and test the complete loop before putting it on the wall.
MAIN SCREENPaired.
Synced.
Playing.
HDMI display · Browser player
screenfolkFirst playlist syncedREMOTE PLAYLIST
THE DIRECT ANSWER
How do you set up digital signage on a regular TV?
Connect an HDMI TV or monitor to a computer with a current browser, create a Free Screenfolk account, pair the private player link with the short code from your dashboard, upload finished images, assign a playlist, complete the first sync, and test the full loop. A smart TV is not required. Start with the free one-screen plan before buying dedicated hardware.
Pair a private player
The dashboard creates a short-lived code for the pre-provisioned Main Screen; the code joins the player without publishing credentials.
Sync, watch, and test
Run the entire loop, send a remote edit, verify fullscreen and sleep behavior, then test a temporary connection outage.
BEFORE YOU START
What equipment do you need for digital signage?
The public Screenfolk path is intentionally ordinary: an HDMI display, a computer that can run a current browser, the correct HDMI and power connections, and internet access for pairing and synchronization. Keep a second phone or computer nearby for the dashboard while the player page fills the display.
Choose landscape or portrait before designing the content. Export finished JPEG, PNG, WebP, or GIF images with large type, strong contrast, and a canvas that matches the physical screen. A 1920×1080 landscape file is a practical starting point for a 16:9 television, not a hard upload requirement.
Display
A safely mounted TV or monitor with HDMI. Confirm the input, orientation, viewing distance, and whether audio is actually needed.
Player computer
A laptop, desktop, mini PC, or Chromebook that runs a current browser reliably and can remain powered and awake.
Network and power
Internet for account setup, pairing, first sync, updates, and status, plus stable power for both display and player.
Finished media
Free supports up to 60 stored JPEG, PNG, WebP, or GIF image assets. Use compact files and test legibility from the real viewing distance.
CHOOSE THE PLAYER PATH
A browser computer is the recommended place to begin.
Reuse a compatible computer first. It is the most transparent way to test HDMI, fullscreen playback, browser permissions, power settings, the private player link, and local cache behavior without committing to dedicated hardware.
If no suitable computer is available, qualified customers can ask about the limited Screenfolk Player founding pilot. Fire TV is a separate exact-device pilot, not universal Stick support; read the Fire TV compatibility guide before choosing a model.
Current-browser computer
Recommended public path. Easy to inspect and test, but the operating system still needs sensible startup, sleep, update, and fullscreen settings.
Screenfolk standard setup
Starting at $199 for compatible player configuration, pairing, an initial playlist, publishing verification, and staff handoff.
Qualified Fire OS pilot
Sideloaded app on explicitly tested Android-based Fire OS hardware only. It is not currently a public Amazon Appstore installation.
Smart-TV browser
Do not assume the browser built into a television will stay current, preserve cache, remain fullscreen, or reopen reliably after updates.
MAKE THE SCREEN BORINGLY RELIABLE
What should you test before leaving the screen unattended?
Watch every item from beginning to end and confirm there is no wrong orientation, unreadable type, blank transition, missing media, or stale price. Publish a small remote edit and wait for it to reach the display. Then restart the player and verify the browser, page, fullscreen mode, and playlist recover as expected.
After the first complete sync, run a controlled temporary-offline test. Eligible uploaded media can continue only while its local cache remains intact. Clearing browser data removes it, and the browser or operating system can evict cache. Online-only sources, new edits, pairing, and remote status still need internet.
Power and sleep
Configure the player computer not to sleep during business hours and test its real startup behavior after a reboot or power interruption.
Fullscreen and prompts
Confirm the browser remains usable in fullscreen and that operating-system updates, sign-in prompts, or notifications do not cover the sign.
Remote change
Publish a harmless edit from another device and confirm the screen receives it on the expected refresh cycle; do not assume updates are instant.
Offline recovery
Disconnect briefly only after the first sync, watch the saved loop, reconnect, and confirm both fresh content and status reporting recover.
FROM IDEA TO SCREEN
Set up the screen from cable to tested playlist.
The exact time depends on the display, network, email confirmation, and player settings, so measure the real setup instead of relying on a speed promise.
- 01
Connect the display
Choose landscape or portrait, connect the TV or monitor to the player computer over HDMI, select the correct input, and keep both devices on reliable power.
- 02
Create the Free workspace
Confirm the account email and open the dashboard. A new workspace already includes a Main Screen and a starter playlist.
- 03
Pair the private player
Generate a connection code for Main Screen, open its private player link on the display computer, and enter the code before it expires.
- 04
Upload finished images
Add JPEG, PNG, WebP, or GIF files designed for the display orientation. Free supports up to 60 stored image assets.
- 05
Build and publish the loop
Add media to the assigned playlist, reorder it, set durations, add optional day/time rules, and save the playlist to the screen.
- 06
Complete the first sync
Put the browser in fullscreen, keep the player awake, and leave it online until every uploaded item has completed its first sync.
- 07
Test the real conditions
Watch the entire loop, publish a remote test edit, reboot the player, and run a controlled temporary-offline test before relying on the sign.
A GOOD FIT WHEN
This setup works best when you can test the exact environment.
- The TV or monitor has a working HDMI input.
- The player computer runs a current browser and can stay powered and awake.
- Finished image content covers the first use case.
- Someone can watch the full loop, run a remote edit, and test a temporary outage before launch.
KNOW BEFORE YOU CHOOSE
Consumer hardware still needs operational care.
- Automatic relaunch after power loss depends on the player operating system and browser settings.
- Internet is required for pairing, first sync, changes, status, and online-only content.
- Local browser cache is best-effort and can be cleared or evicted.
- Fire TV and pilot hardware must be qualified by exact model; no consumer device is promised as universal 24/7 signage hardware.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Straight answers before you set up a screen.
Do I need a smart TV for Screenfolk digital signage?
No. A regular TV or monitor with HDMI works when it is connected to a compatible computer or qualified player device that can run Screenfolk.
Does Screenfolk setup require internet access?
Yes. Internet is required to create the account, confirm email, pair the private player, complete the first sync, publish changes, and report screen status.
Will the digital sign keep playing if Wi-Fi goes down?
Eligible uploaded media can continue from local cache after a complete first sync during a temporary outage, as long as the browser or operating system has not removed that cache. New updates and online-only content still need internet.
Can I use an old laptop as the digital signage player?
Yes, if it can run a current browser reliably, output to the display, remain powered and awake, and reconnect after routine operating-system or browser updates.
Will the player reopen automatically after a power outage?
That depends on the player computer, operating system, browser, and kiosk or startup settings. Screenfolk does not promise universal automatic relaunch on consumer hardware, so test the exact device after a power loss.
Can I design Screenfolk content in Canva?
Yes. Export the finished design as a supported JPG or PNG and upload it to Screenfolk. There is no direct Canva integration, so edits made in Canva must be exported and uploaded again.
Can Screenfolk run a portrait digital sign?
Yes. Choose portrait in the screen settings, mount the display safely for that orientation, and export content that matches the tall canvas instead of rotating a landscape graphic.
Can I use any Amazon Fire TV Stick for Screenfolk?
No. Fire TV support is limited to explicitly tested Android-based Fire OS pilot devices. The 2025 Fire TV Stick 4K Select uses unsupported Vega OS, and the Amazon Signage Stick is not currently supported.
How many screens are included in Screenfolk Free?
Screenfolk Free includes one active Network-supported image-first screen and up to 60 stored images. Clearly labeled Network ads may appear within the accepted signup limits. DIY Pro is $9.99 per active screen monthly and is ad-free by default, with guided activation while self-service checkout is completed.
What should I do if the connection code expires?
Return to the screen controls in the dashboard, create a new connection code, and enter the new code on the private player page. Do not publish or share the code or private player link.
START WITH THE TV YOU HAVE
Pair one screen and learn the real workflow.
Create a Free workspace, use the pre-provisioned Main Screen and starter playlist, then test the browser player before choosing dedicated hardware.