Deploy with SimpleMDM

SimpleMDM can install Billboard on every managed Apple TV and point each one at the right gallery automatically, so no one has to type a code on the TV. This works through Managed App Configuration: SimpleMDM delivers a set of key/value settings that Billboard reads on launch.

Before you start: your Apple TVs must be supervised and enrolled in SimpleMDM, and Billboard Screen must be assigned to them via Apple Business Manager (VPP) — see Apple Business Manager & School Manager. The app's bundle identifier is app.BillboardScreen. If you'll lock screens with Single App Mode, first prepare each Apple TV's screen saver, sleep and update settings — see Prepare the Apple TV first.

1. Add the app

1. In SimpleMDM, add Billboard Screen from your Apple Business Manager (VPP) content.
2. Assign the app to the group that contains the Apple TVs you want, so SimpleMDM installs it automatically.

2. Configure the app

Open the app's Managed Configuration. SimpleMDM lets you provide managed config either as key/value rows or as a property list — either works. At minimum, set the manifest URL for the gallery this group of screens should show.

<dict>
    <key>dataURL</key>
    <string>https://getbillboard.app/m/ABCD2345</string>
</dict>

• Replace ABCD2345 with your gallery code (letters and numbers only, no dash), shown on the gallery's Connect tab. The full manifest URL is always https://getbillboard.app/m/<CODE>.
• Optionally add a deviceName key set to SimpleMDM's device-name variable, so each Apple TV's own name appears on the AirPlay card and your dashboard label. This one is optional.

That's all most rollouts need. Everything about how the screen looks is set in your Billboard dashboard, not here (see below). Assign one gallery code per group when different rooms need different content.

3. Deploy

Save the app and its Managed Configuration. SimpleMDM installs Billboard on the assigned Apple TVs and delivers the configuration. On launch the app reads dataURL and goes straight to the slideshow, skipping the welcome screen entirely. Change the gallery code in SimpleMDM later and the screens follow on their next check-in.

Where settings actually live

It's worth being clear about this, because it saves a lot of duplicated work:

• The gallery's content and look — media, image timings, AirPlay panel text, Wi-Fi step, tint, opacity, clock, notices — are configured in your Billboard dashboard. They travel to every screen inside the gallery's manifest automatically. You do not re-enter any of this in SimpleMDM.
• SimpleMDM's job is simply to point each screen at the right gallery with dataURL (and, if you like, name it with deviceName).

So a normal Managed Configuration is just those one or two keys. There's no need to list panel or clock settings here.

Advanced: overriding a setting per device or site

Managed configuration values take priority over the gallery's manifest. You only need this when some screens must differ in a way a single shared gallery can't express — the classic case is the same content gallery across several buildings that each have a different Wi-Fi network name. Set these per group in SimpleMDM and they win over the dashboard:

For anything else — panel text, tint, opacity, clock, notices, video behaviour — set it once in the gallery instead. It's simpler and it applies everywhere that gallery is shown. The same keys work in any MDM, including Jamf Pro and Intune.

Troubleshooting

• The TV still shows the welcome screen. The app didn't receive dataURL. Confirm the Managed Configuration is saved on the app, the device is in the assigned group, and the value is valid. Re-push the app from SimpleMDM.
• Wrong content on a screen. Check the gallery code in dataURL matches the gallery you intend, with no dash and no trailing spaces.
• Screens are slow to update. Lower dataCheckTimer, but remember a very short interval increases network traffic across a large fleet.

Still stuck? Email support@getbillboard.app and we'll help you get your screens live.