Glossary
Key terms and concepts for the Publish TV App.
Device Concepts
Device
A physical display screen (TV, monitor, digital sign) running the Publish TV App. Each device belongs to a device group and displays the content assigned to that group.
Device Group
A collection of devices that display the same content. When you publish content to a device group, all devices in that group receive and display it.
Registration
The process of linking a new device to your Publish account. The device displays an access code that you enter on the Publish website to complete registration.
Access Code
A 6-character alphanumeric code displayed on the device during registration. Enter this code on the Publish website to link the device to a device group. Codes expire after a set time and automatically refresh.
QR Code
A scannable code displayed alongside the access code during registration. Scanning with your phone opens the registration page with the code pre-filled.
Content
Media
Images displayed on the device. Media is uploaded through the Publish web app and synced to devices.
Script
The playlist of media items that displays on your device. The app cycles through the script, showing each item for a set duration.
Schedule
Rules that control when content displays. Schedules can specify time ranges, dates, and recurrence patterns (daily, weekly). Content outside its scheduled window doesn't display.
Sync
The process of downloading content from the Publish servers to the device. Syncs happen automatically on a schedule and can be triggered manually with Force Refresh.
App Screens
Registration Screen
The screen shown when a device is not yet registered. Displays the access code and QR code for registration.
Loading Screen
The screen shown while the device downloads content after registration or during a sync. Shows download progress.
Media Display
The main screen where content plays. Shows media items in rotation.
Control Panel
The settings overlay accessed by pressing OK on the remote. Provides screen rotation, sync controls, and access to the Admin Panel.
Admin Panel
The diagnostics screen showing detailed device information. Used for troubleshooting and support.
Status Terms
Ready State
The current operational state of the app:
| State | Meaning |
|---|---|
| AUTH | Waiting for device registration |
| LOADING | Downloading content |
| READY | Displaying content normally |
Sync Status
Whether content is up to date:
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Idle | No sync in progress |
| Syncing | Currently downloading content |
| Synced | Content is up to date |
| Failed | Last sync encountered an error |
Time Drift
The difference between the device's clock and the network time server. Large drift (more than a few seconds) can cause scheduled content to display at incorrect times.
Identifiers
Install ID
A unique identifier generated when the app is first installed. Used for error tracking and support. Displayed as an 8-character code in the Admin Panel.
Device ID
A numeric identifier assigned by the server when the device is registered. Used to identify the device in the Publish system. Displayed in the Admin Panel and as a QR code.