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FAQ: Lynx Hospitality TV (Draft of updates)

Dhruv bakshi
  • Updated

FAQ: Lynx Hospitality TV (Draft of updates)
 

This article provides answers to the most commonly asked questions about Lynx Hospitality TV. You can find information about:

  • How Hospitality TV works with Lynx
  • Quickly access answers to the most frequently asked questions without needing to contact support.
  • How to set up the Lynx Hospitality TV app on your TV

Frequently Asked Questions about the Lynx Hospitality TV app:
 

  1. Compatible TVs for the Lynx - Hospitality TV Software app
  2. Set up the Lynx - Hospitality TV Software app on my Smart TV or ONN Google TV/ Chromecast streamer
  3. Update Wi-Fi on my Google TV?
  4. Can guests watch Google Live TV using the Lynx app?
  5. If a guest signs into their own Netflix/Hulu/other streaming app account, can I set Hospitality TV to automatically log them out after their stay?
  6. I made some changes to the design using the Lynx dashboard. How long before the changes appear on the TV?
  7. We have a few common area TVs in the front desk area, restaurant etc. How can we have a different design for these TVs vs. Room TVs?
  8. Can I set up shared TVs that display different guest information based on how a reservation is booked (individual units vs. combined Super Unit)?
  9. How To: Display Only Selected Apps on Smart TV (Hide Pre-Installed Apps)
  10. Does IPTV work with the feature?
  11. I have anan | ONN Google TV/ Chromecast streamer at home and want to "try" Lynx Hospitality TV to see if it's something I want to implement in the future.
  12. How do I cast (Google Cast) my own streaming content?
  13. What is the casting process for streaming content? 
  14. I have purchased a pre-configured ONN Google TV/ Chromecast streamer. What will be the PIN for it?
  15. Is Spectrum Supported by Lynx Hospitality TV?
  16. Is Xfinity Supported by Lynx Hospitality TV?
  17. How to find which group is linked to Lynx Hospitality TV?
  18. How does Lynx Hospitality TV work with Roku's "Guest Mode" setting?
  19. When a guest scans the QR code in the WIFI section on the Hospitality TV what exactly happens?
  20. Does Roku TV support the Lynx Hospitality TV?
  21. Will the Lynx Hospitality TV app close when someone presses the "Home" or "Back" button on a remote control?
  22. Can one remote control a device in another room? And what happens if we lose a remote? 
  23. How many items can we add in the services section for upsell purposes on the television screen?
  24. I purchased a Hospitality TV device from Lynx. Can I control the volume and/or power on my TV using the remote control that came with the device?
  25. How to retrieve images added under the home screen of the Lynx hospitality TV white label in the Lynx portal
  26. What's the difference between Layout 1 and Layout 2?
  27. If I change layouts, will it affect all my categories or just one?
  28. Can I use the same layout for some categories but not others?
  29. What happens if I haven't uploaded images for businesses in an image-heavy layout?

 

 

Question:

What are the compatible TVs for Lynx Hospitality TV guests
Answer:

Lynx Hospitality TV works with all Smart TVs with HDMI ports.

  • If your Smart TV has a Google or Roku OS, you can directly download the "Lynx - Hospitality TV Software" app and use it. Please refer to How to: Install Lynx Hospitality TV on Google TV for instructions.
  • If your TV does not have a Google or Roku OS, you can useONN Google TV/ Chromecast streamer with Google TV to use the "Lynx - Hospitality TV Software" app. You can purchase the Onn device from Lynx it comes preprogrammed with the Lynx app installed and connected to Lynx.

Given that the Lynx app is compatible with all TVs with HDMI ports, Lynx does not suggest any particular TV. You can refer to the following article: How to: Install Lynx Hospitality TV on Google TV
Question:

How can I set up Lynx Hospitality TV on my Smart TV or ONN Google TV/ Chromecast streamer ?
Answer: You can easily set up the "Lynx - Hospitality TV Software" app on your TV by following the instructions given in our brief article How to: Install Lynx Hospitality TV on Google TV

If you would like to set up the "Lynx - Hospitality TV Software" app on your ONN Google TV/ Chromecast streamer , you can refer to the following article via this link. 
Question:

How do I update Wi-Fi on my Google TV?
Answer: The following article will explain what to do if your Google TV disconnects from your Wi-Fi. How to Update Wi-fi on Google TV

Question:

Can guests watch Google Live TV using the Lynx app?
Answer: Yes, guest can watch Google Live TV.

Question:

If a guest signs into their own Netflix/Hulu/other streaming app account, can I set Hospitality TV to automatically log them out after their stay?

Answer: It is not possible to log out of streaming apps automatically at this time for all the streamer,Currently this feature is only possible with Roku TV Streamer. 

Question:

I made some changes to the design using the Lynx dashboard. How long before the changes appear on the TV?
 
Answer:

It should be reflected within 15 minutes of the change. 

Hospitality TV themes and designs are updated from the Lynx portal during the following events:

1. Once the Lynx Hospitality TV is switched on.
2. Once the User/Guest presses the Home or D-Pad buttons on the Hospitality TV remote, it fetches and updates the latest Menu button status.
3. Periodical every 10 Mins automatically
Question:

We have a few common area TVs in the front desk area, restaurant, etc. How can we have a different design for these TVs vs. Room TVs?
Answer:

For standard property setups (non-Super Unit): You would have to set up different properties and Groups with different Hospitality TV White Label settings for those. If you are going to have the same design, it could be just all properties and a group. Each different "design" (white label settings) would need its own group, and each device name needs its own property (i.e., if you want the same design but some would say "front desk" vs. "Restaurant" or whatever the room name you want.  You can refer to the following article:

How to: Enable the Hospitality TV White Label in the Group section 

For Super Unit properties: If you're managing a multi-unit property (Super Unit) with shared common areas, Lynx can coordinate Smart TV displays across all TVs through backend mapping. Unit-specific TVs display guest information for that unit; common area TVs intelligently display the appropriate active reservation. Each TV still links to its designated property, but the Lynx backend ensures dynamic content coordination. For detailed setup instructions, see: Recipe: Setting Up Smart TVs for Super Unit Properties

If you need assistance to set-up or make changes to the Hospitality TV configuration email customersuccess@getlynx.co for help.
Question:

Can I set up shared TVs that display different guest information based on how a reservation is booked (individual units vs. combined Super Unit)?
Answer: Yes. If your property is configured as a Super Unit (combining multiple individual units into one bookable property), you can use backend TV mapping to coordinate displays. When guests book an individual unit, their TVs show their specific reservation details. When they book the entire Super Unit, all TVs display the combined reservation information. Common area TVs intelligently select which active reservation to display when multiple units are booked simultaneously. This requires backend configuration—contact support with your property and TV setup details. See Recipe: Setting Up Smart TVs for Super Unit Properties for more information.
Question:

How To: Display Only Selected Apps on Smart TV (Hide Pre-Installed Apps)
Answer:

The "Display Selected Apps Only" feature allows property managers to control exactly which applications appear on their in-room Smart TVs directly from the Lynx portal. When enabled, the Lynx portal automatically overrides the TV's natively installed app list so guests only see the apps you have explicitly approved and selected.

To enable it: How To: Select Apps for Lynx Hospitality TV
Question:

Does IPTV work with the feature?
Answer: Yes, it works as long as the Guest have an app on Google Chromecast downloaded.
Use this link to see all Supported IPTV apps 
 
Question:

I have a Chromecast at home and want to "try" the "Lynx - Hospitality TV Software" app to see if it's something I want to implement in the future.
Answer:

If you have a Chromecast, not a Chromecast with Google TV, Google Chromecast, you would not be able to use the Lynx Hospitality TV app, as the old Chromecast does not use the full version of Android OS. 

You can also purchase the ONN Google TV/ Chromecast streamer stick from Lynx. It comes preprogrammed with the Lynx app installed and connected to the property. You can refer to the article 

However, if you have an ONN Google TV/ Chromecast streamer that was not purchased from us and would like to set it up, please follow these instructions: How to: Install Lynx Hospitality TV on an ONN Google TV/ Chromecast streamer not purchased from Lynx
Question:

How do I cast (Google Cast) my own streaming content?
Answer:

You can refer to the following steps: 

1. Make sure the mobile device, tablet, or computer the guest is using to cast is on the same Wi-Fi network as your ONN Google TV/ Chromecast streamer or TV that works with Cast.
2. Open a Cast-enabled app.
3. Tap the Cast button. Inactive cast extension. Inactive cast extension.
Note: The Cast button isn't located in the same place across all Cast-enabled apps.
4. Tap the device you'd like to cast to.
5. When you're connected, the Cast button will turn solid, letting you know you're connected.
6. You can now cast videos, movies, and TV shows directly to your TV.
To stop casting, tap the Cast button and then Disconnect.

Once the cast is stopped, a user will stay on the casting app like YouTube, and s/he needs to press the Home button on the D-Pad to launch the Lynx Hospitality TV App.
Question:

What is the casting process for streaming content? 
Answer: 1. Ensure Compatibility: Make sure your TV or casting device supports Google Cast.
2. Connect to Wi-Fi: Ensure your casting device (like a smartphone or tablet) and your Google Cast-enabled device (like a smart TV) are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
3. Open the Streaming App: Launch the app that contains the content you want to cast (like YouTube, Netflix, etc.).
4. Find the Cast Icon: Look for the Cast icon (a rectangle with a Wi-Fi symbol in the corner) within the app.
5. Select Your Device: Tap the Cast icon and choose your Google Cast-enabled device from the list.
6. Connectivity Confirmation: When you're connected, the Cast button will turn solid, letting you know you're connected.
7. Start Streaming: Play the content you want to watch, and it should appear on your TV.
8. Stop Casting: To stop casting, tap the Cast icon again and select "Disconnect" or "Stop Casting."
9. Apps Content: App content will remain active on Hospitality TV.
10. Launch Lynx App: The User (Guest) needs to click the Home button on the D-Pad to launch the Lynx Hospitality TV app
Question:

I have purchased a pre-configured ONN Google TV/ Chromecast streamer , what will be the PIN for it?
Answer: If you have purchased the pre-configured ONN Google TV/ Chromecast streamer stick from Lynx, the default code would be 5858. You can disable the PIN by following this KB article: 
Question:

Is the |Spectrum Streaming App compatible with Lynx Hospitality TV?
Answer: The Spectrum TV is not compatible with Lynx Hospitality TV on the Google TV operating system; this app is supported on Roku OS devices. On both platforms, the Xumo app is available for free and works normally.
Question:

Xfinity Stream TV App compatible with Lynx Hospitality TV?
Answer: The Xfinity Stream TV is not compatible with Lynx Hospitality TV on the Google TV operating systemApp. This app is supported on Roku OS devices. On both platforms, the Xumo app is available for free and works normally.
Question:

How to find which group is linked to Lynx Hospitality TV?
Answer:


1. If a Hospitality TV is linked to a property and that property is added to a Group with Hospitality TV White Label configured, the Group name is displayed.
2. If a Hospitality TV is linked to a property and that property is not added to a Group with Hospitality TV White Label configured, the Group name will not appear.
3. If a Hospitality TV is linked to a property that is associated with multiple Groups with Hospitality TV White Label configured, Lynx will display only one Group name—the oldest Group name with which the Hospitality TV is configured. 
Question:

How does Lynx Hospitality TV work with Roku's "Guest Mode" setting?
Answer: Roku OS does not permit selecting available apps in Guest Mode, and this will interfere with the functionality of the Lynx Hospitality TV Software app. Please ensure that "Guest Mode" is DISABLED when installing Lynx Hospitality TV Software on a Roku device.
Question:

When a guest scans the QR code in the WIFI section on the Hospitality TV what exactly happens?
Answer:

When the guest scans the QR code on the TV it will connect the guest's phone to the wifi directly. Guest will not be required to select the wifi or enter the password manually.
Question:

Does Roku TV support the Lynx - Hospitality TV Software app?
 
Answer:

Yes, Roku TVs are compatible with the "Lynx - Hospitality TV Software" app. Roku TVs can use an ONN Google TV/ Chromecast streamer connected via HDMI port, or install the native Lynx - Hospitality TV Software app for Roku.

When using an external HDMI device, please update the settings below to ensure that the HDMI input is set correctly, as it is one of the key steps to make sure that Lynx Hospitality TV runs smoothly:

  • Go to the Roku home
  • select Settings
  • Select System
  • Choose Power
  • Set Power On to HDMI Input.
    image (14).png 
NOTE: Due to the architecture of the Roku OS, some features of Lynx Hospitality TV will not work properly when using the "Lynx - Hospitality TV Software" app for Roku. Unfortunately, this is just how Roku OS is designed, and cannot be changed from the Lynx side. For more information, see Lynx Hospitality TV: Roku OS vs. Google TV OS.
Question:

Will the Lynx Hospitality TV app close when someone presses the "Home" or "Back" button on a remote control?
Answer:

You can configure Google OS devices to restrict this behavior by following the setup instructions for Google TV before installing the Lynx Hospitality Software app.

However, Roku OS does not allow apps to redirect button assignments on the Roku remote control, so when guests press the "Home" button, "Back" button, or any dedicated app-launcher buttons, the TV will close the Lynx Hospitality Software app. With this in mind, we have created a Roku screensaver to encourage guests to reopen the Lynx app. You can see instructions on how to install and configure the Lynx screensaver here.
Question:

Can one remote control a device in another room? And what happens if we lose a remote?
Answer:

ONN Google TV/ Chromecast streamer remotes are typically compatible with multiple streamer devices once paired. If the remote is lost, there are two solutions:

  • You can use the Google Home app on a smartphone or tablet to control the ONN Google TV/ Chromecast streamer with basic navigation features. Following instruction needs to be performed to setup google home app. 
     1. Navigate to settings usingGoogle Home app or the TV Remote
     2. Remote and accessories 
     3. Click on Pair remote or accessory. It will ask cx to press back and home key       together on the New remote, and the New remote will show up
     4. Select the new remote that showed up on the screen. The newa | remote is paired now
        

  • You can also purchase a replacement remote online
     

    Google ONN Google TV/ Chromecast streamer credentials should not be shared with guests. They are intended for use by authorized company staff only.
Question:

How many items can we add in the services section for upsell purpose on the television screen?
Answer:

There's no limit; you can add as many items as you need in the service section.

Question:

I purchased a Hospitality TV device from Lynx. Can I control the volume and/or power on my TV using the remote control that came with the device??
Answer: Absolutely! Follow the steps in the article below to pair the Hospitality TV remote control with the TV, enabling control over volume up/down and power on/off functions on the TV set. This guide explains how to connect the remote from an ONN Google TV/Chromecast streamer to your TV.
Question:

How to retrieve images added under the home screen of the Lynx hospitality TV white label in the Lynx portal.
Answer: Go to the groups tab on the Lynx account, expand the Smart TV white label,, and go to the home screen menu. Right-click on the image and select SAVE AS. Following this, you would be able to retrieve the images added on the Lynx portal.
Question:

What's the difference between Layout 1 and Layout 2?
Answer: Layout 1 – Information Focus: Uses compact imagery with full business details (name, description, address, phone, hours, website, amenities, ratings, reviews). Best for experience-driven places where guests need detailed information to make decisions. 


Layout 2 – Visual Focus: Uses large dominant imagery with limited content (image, business name, phone, website link, QR code). Best for premium visual presentation where the image is the main draw. Choose Layout 1 for restaurants and attractions; choose Layout 2 for boutiques and galleries.
Question:

If I change layouts, will it affect all my categories or just one?
Answer: Layout changes can be configured at both the category level and group level. When you change the TV Layout Style in a Guidebook category, it applies only to that specific category's AI-generated businesses. You can set different layouts for different categories within the same Guidebook, giving you complete control over how each category displays on TV.
Question:

Can I use the same layout for some categories but not others?
Answer: Yes, absolutely. You can customize the TV Layout Style for each category independently. 

For example, you could use Layout 1 (Information Focus) for your Restaurants category to showcase detailed menus and hours, while using Layout 2 (Visual Focus) for your Attractions category to highlight stunning photos. This flexibility allows you to optimize the display for each content type.
Question:

What happens if I haven't uploaded images for businesses in an image-heavy layout?
Answer: If you use Layout 2 (Visual Focus) but haven't uploaded high-quality images for certain businesses, the layout will still display with a placeholder or default image. 

To get the best visual impact with Layout 2, ensure all businesses in that category have clear, professional images. If images are missing or low-quality, consider using Layout 1 (Information Focus) instead, which emphasizes business details over imagery.

 

Lynx_Logo.png Read How to: Get started with Lynx Hospitality TV here.

 

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