The short answer
Do not run TacBoard's live stream in a smart TV's built-in web browser. TV browsers have little memory and tend to freeze as more photos arrive. Instead, use the smart TV as a display: connect a laptop by HDMI, or cast or mirror from a laptop with Chromecast, AirPlay or Miracast if the TV supports it.
- Difficulty
- Moderate. Test before the event.
- Runs on
- A laptop in Chrome. The TV or projector is the display.
What you need
- A laptop running Chrome
- An HDMI cable, or a TV with Chromecast, AirPlay or Miracast built in
Before you start
- A laptop (Windows or Mac) with Chrome. Safari and Edge also work, but Chrome is recommended. Close other tabs.
- Your own laptop, not a work-issued one. Company and school laptops often block the screen sharing and sites you need.
- Reliable internet for the laptop: venue Wi-Fi or a phone hotspot. Weak Wi-Fi is the most common reason photos are slow to appear.
- Cell signal for guests if they will text photos. Test both at the venue with Try TacBoard.
- Your gallery open in Live mode. Log in at tacboard.com, open your gallery and click Display Live.
Step by step: smart TV
- 1
Pick how the laptop reaches the TV
HDMI is most reliable. See laptop to TV. For wireless, see Chromecast, AirPlay or Fire TV.
- 2
Open the live stream on the laptop
Log in at tacboard.com, open your gallery and click Display Live.
- 3
Go full screen
Press F11 (Windows) or Control+Command+F (Mac).
- 4
Turn off the TV's sleep timer
Some TVs turn off after a period without remote input. Disable the auto-off or eco timer in the TV's settings.
Why not the TV's own browser?
A live photo stream keeps adding photos for hours. A laptop browser handles that easily. A smart TV browser runs on hardware designed to play video, with far less memory, so the stream slows down and freezes as the gallery grows. The more guests send, the worse it gets, which is exactly when you want it working.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Photos take a long time to appear | The laptop's internet is weak. Move closer to the router or switch to a phone hotspot. |
| The stream stops scrolling at the bottom instead of looping | Change the browser zoom: Ctrl and + or - on Windows, Command and + or - on Mac. Some screen sizes need 110%. |
| The TV shows "No signal" | Select the right HDMI input with the TV remote's Input or Source button. |
| The picture does not fill the screen | Enter full screen in Chrome (F11 on Windows, Control+Command+F on Mac), and set the display to Duplicate or Mirror. |
| The laptop goes to sleep | Plug in the charger and turn off sleep and the screen saver for the event. |
Other displays
Frequently asked questions
Is there a TacBoard smart TV app?
No. TacBoard runs in a laptop browser, and the TV displays it.
Will it work on a Samsung or LG TV?
Yes, as a display. Connect a laptop by HDMI, or mirror with AirPlay if your TV supports it.
Can I run the live stream on my phone or iPad?
No. The live stream runs on a laptop browser. Connect the laptop to the TV or projector, by HDMI or by casting or mirroring from the laptop.
Why do photos take a while to appear on the screen?
Almost always a weak Wi-Fi signal on the laptop. Move it closer to the router or switch to a phone hotspot. Guests also need cell signal to text photos.
Do I need Wi-Fi at the venue?
The laptop running the stream needs internet: venue Wi-Fi or a hotspot. Test it at the venue beforehand with Try TacBoard.
Will TacBoard set up the equipment for us?
No. TacBoard does not provide or set up equipment, but most DJs, AV companies and venues can connect a laptop to their screen.
Last reviewed by the TacBoard team.