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How To: Create Custom Guidebook Content in Smart TV

Dhruv bakshi
  • Updated

How To: Create Custom Guidebook Content in Smart TV
 

This article explains how to create and manage the custom guidebook content that guests see on their room's TV. By following these steps, you can deliver customized property information, promotions, and guest instructions across various TV platforms.  


When to use this Guide:


With Lynx, you can share info, ads, or welcome messages on popular TV platforms like Google TV, Roku, and Apple TV. Everything is organized into easy categories so guests can find what they need quickly.

This guide helps you:

  • Start from scratch or use a ready-made template
  • Pick a layout that looks best for your message
  • Add pictures, videos, and scanable QR codes
  • See exactly what it will look like on a real TV screen before you finish

Benefits of using this Guide

Platform Compatibility:  Ensure your content displays correctly across Google TV, Fire TV, Roku, and Apple TV without manual reformatting for each.

Enhanced Guest Experience: Deliver clear, professional, and interactive information that reduces the need for printed guest manuals.

Efficient Content Management: Learn to use templates and cloning features to save time when managing multiple properties.

Error Prevention: Avoid common mistakes, such as choosing the wrong layout or formatting text that won't display on specific hardware.
 

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Actions

Step 1: Visit the "Groups" Tab

Navigate to the "Groups" tab at the top of the Lynx portal.
Step 2: Select Group

Click to select the Group whose Hospitality TV settings you want to update, then click the "Smart TV White Label" section to expand it.
Step 3: Edit Settings

If this is your first time configuring White Label settings for the selected Group, click on either the "+" (plus sign) button or the "Click here to add smart tv white-label" link to create new settings.

If you have already started configuring White Label settings for the selected Group, click the "Click here - to see the settings" link to open Hospitality TV White-Label Settings for the selected Group.

Note: Your Hospitality TV White Label settings will not take effect until they are enabled! Be sure to toggle your White Label settings to the "On" setting once you're done setting everything up, as seen in the screenshot below.

  • You can toggle this setting on before or after you configure the remaining White Label settings.
  • Disabling this option after configuring other settings will disable Hospitality TV White Label settings for the selected Group, but it will not delete them. You can re-enable this option at any time without losing your settings.
Step 4: Where to Select 

Once the Smart TV white-label page opens in a new tab

  • Click the Guidebook 
  • Click on Category List
  • Click on Add/Select category under Manage category
Step 5: Pick Your Content

You have two simple ways to add info to a category:

  • Create New Content:
    Start with a blank slate. You choose the pictures, text, and where everything goes.
     
  • Select Existing Content:
    Pick from templates we've already made. You can change the details to fit your property and see a preview before you commit.
  • Select Category: Once you have added the new category (ABC), you have to check the box for the newly added category, then select the category to populate under the category list.
Step 6: Choose a Look (Name & Layout)

To choose the layout, click on the Category Content, then scroll down the category list to find the new category you've added to modify the layout

  • Click Add New Content
  • Add Content Name: This name is what guests will click on in the TV menu. Keep it simple!
    • Tips: Use clear words like "Check-out Info" or "Wi-Fi Password. Avoid using internal codes or technical jargon.

A "Layout" is just a plan for how your text and pictures will sit on the screen.
Choices:

  • Side-by-Side:
    Best for welcome messages where pictures and text are equally important.

  • Stacked (Top/Bottom):
    Best for long instructions or detailed property info. It's easier for guests to read.

  • Full Screen:
    The image fills the whole screen. Perfect for showing off a beautiful pool or view.

 

Note: Once you save a layout, you can't change it. If you want a different look later, you'll need to create a new content item.
Step 7: Add the Details

Now, fill in your text and descriptions. Make sure to enable the Title 

  • Headings: You can show or hide the main title depending on whether it helps the guest.
     
  • Different TVs (Roku vs. Apple TV):
    • Google & Fire TV show bold or centered text.
    • Roku & Apple TV only show plain text. Formatting will be removed automatically.

To save time, use the "Copy Text to Roku & Apple" button to make sure everything looks consistent everywhere.
Step 8: Preview Your Work

Use the Live TV Preview to see your work in real-time. Toggle between platforms to make sure it looks good on both a Roku and a Fire TV.
Step 9: Adding Photos & Video

Upload one or many pictures. You can set how long each image stays on screen and add a short title right on top of the photo.
Step 10: QR Codes (Optional)

Add a QR code that guests can scan with their phones to:

  • Open a website 
  • Send you an email 
  • Call the front desk
Step 11: Save & Publish

Click Save Content to push it live to your TVs immediately.

  • Always check the "Live Preview" before finishing.
  • Keep your text short—guests are usually scanning for quick info.
  • Only use QR codes if they lead to something useful, like a menu or booking page.



Key Features

  • Live Preview Toggle: Real-time visualization of how content renders on different operating systems (Android-based vs. Roku/Apple).
  • Dynamic Tags: Automatically insert property-specific details into titles and descriptions.
    Multi-Action QR Codes: Support for various guest interactions,| | including "Scan to Call," "Scan to Email," or "Scan to Visit Website."
  • Rich Text Editor: Full styling control for Google and Fire TV platforms to emphasize key instructions.
  • Media Sequencing: Control the order and timing of image slideshows within a single content block.

Related Articles

 

Lynx_Logo.png Learn more: How to: Manage Lynx Hospitality TV Guidebook Templates and Listings about here.

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