Digital Signage Supported Hardware and Software

Overview

This article is for University of Alaska Anchorage departments and employees planning to add a new display, lobby screen, wayfinding sign, or room-scheduling panel to the University of Alaska Anchorage Digital Signage Service. Review these requirements before purchasing hardware or submitting a new location request, in order to be aware of supported player models, minimum operating system versions, display, network, and other requirements. Devices that do not meet them will be unable to leverage the UAA Digital Signage service.

New digital signage locations on the Anchorage campus must use a supported Apple TV or Apple iPad model listed in this article. Any other player device will not be approved, installed, or supported for a new location ¹.

In this article:

• Supported Apple TV Models
• Supported iPad Models
• Network, Display, and Power Requirements
• Software and Device Management Requirements
• Requesting a New Location
• Unsupported Devices

Supported Apple TV Models

Apple TV is the standard player for wall-mounted and lobby displays. Only the models below may be purchased for a new location, and each must run the current major tvOS release (tvOS 26 or later at the time of writing).

Not supported for new locations: the 64GB Wi-Fi-only Apple TV 4K (3rd generation, A2737), because it has no Ethernet port; Apple TV 4K (2nd generation, 2021) and earlier; and Apple TV HD. Apple has begun classifying the first Apple TV 4K as vintage, which limits support options.

Supported iPad Models

iPads are supported as self-contained signs for small spaces, such as room-scheduling panels, door signs, and desk or kiosk displays. Only the Wi-Fi models below are supported, and each must run the current major iPadOS release (iPadOS 27 or later at the time of writing).

Not supported for new locations: iPad mini, iPad Pro, Wi-Fi + Cellular models, and any iPad older than those listed. Personally owned or previously used iPads cannot be enrolled unless they are a listed model and are released from any prior Apple Account or management profile.

Network, Display, and Power Requirements

Every new location must meet these requirements before installation is scheduled.

² Consumer TVs may be used for low-use locations but void any up-time commitment, since many cannot run continuously or resume after a power loss.

Software and Device Management Requirements

All players must be university-owned and enrolled in university device management before they can display content.

• Purchasing: Apple TV 4K and/or iPad devices are bought through University approved Apple reseller so they are assigned to the university in Apple School Manager. Devices bought at retail may need manual enrollment and can delay installation.
• Device management: Each device is enrolled in the university Endpoint Management (EPM/MDM) system by UAA IT Services. Departments may not install or remove management profiles.
• Operating system: tvOS or iPadOS must stay on the current major release. Updates are pushed centrally during off-hours; do not defer or block them.
• Signage app: The TrilbyTV app is installed and configured by the service. No other apps, Apple Accounts, or screen savers may be added.
• Content management: Department content editors need an active university account and must complete Digital Signage content editor training from the UAA Digital Signage Training Channel on Kaltura before receiving access to the content management system.
• Accessibility and branding: Content must follow the university's digital accessibility and UAA brand standards.

Requesting a New Location

New locations may only use the Apple TV and iPad models listed above.

To add a new location:

1. Confirm the location meets the network, display, and power requirements above.
2. Submit a New Digital Signage Location request before buying any hardware.
3. Wait for the UAA IT Services to schedule a site review.
4. Purchase of the applicable Apple TV and/or iPad device(s), associated mounting hardware, and Power over Ethernet (PoE) adapter if necessary, will be done by UAA IT Services and billed to the requesting department's Fund/Org as provided by the requestor.
5. For locations that require wall-mounting hardware, IT Services coordinates with Facilities & Campus Services to schedule and install the mount; departments do not need to submit a separate Facilities request. Once mounting is complete, IT Services will enroll, configure, and install the player and confirms content is displaying.

Unsupported Devices

Amazon Fire TV and other FireOS devices,¹ Android TV and Google TV devices, Roku, Chromecast, smart-TV built-in apps, Raspberry Pi, and PC-based players will not be approved.

¹ FireOS deprecation: Support for FireOS-based devices, including Amazon Fire TV Stick and Fire TV Cube players, is deprecated. Support is limited to preexisting locations that already use these devices with UAA's Digital Signage system. No new locations will be supported on the FireOS platform, and FireOS devices will not be approved as replacements or for relocated signs. Existing FireOS locations should plan to migrate to a supported Apple TV or iPad model.

Need additional help or have issues

For support, requests may be submitted anytime using the appropriate Digital Signage form. Requests generate a Ticket which will be worked in order received and urgency by IT Employees with the knowledge and permissions to assist with the request.

For immediate assistance please review the Contact Us page for the appropriate support group.