HometownLive TV User Manual

Introduction#

HometownLive is a community-focused live streaming platform built for schools, school districts, parks and recreation departments, independent broadcasters, and natatoriums. It delivers live and on-demand video to fans, families, and alumni — all without requiring viewers to create an account or pay a subscription fee.

What HometownLive Does#

The platform provides everything an organization needs to run a community broadcast operation — from a single varsity football game to a full fine arts season.

Key capabilities include:

• Free viewing for fans — no login required to watch events or channels
• School-branded channels — customizable Live TV channels for each organization
• Live and on-demand content — stream games live and keep recordings available afterward
• Three content genres — Athletics, Fine Arts, and News
• Roku channel support — viewers can watch on Roku devices from the comfort of home
• ScoreBird scoring overlay integration — live scores from a connected ScoreBird NeST device appear directly on the video player during scored events
• Pay-Per-View support — optional paid access for premium or ticketed events
• Episodic TV Shows — recurring programs organized into shows, seasons, and episodes

Platform Audiences#

This manual covers two audiences.

What Each Audience Can Do#

Platform Access#

Who This Manual Is For#

Chapters 2 through 12 focus on admin workflows — everything from configuring channels and publishing events to managing users and reading analytics. The viewer experience is covered where relevant to help admins understand how their configuration affects what fans see. Chapter 13 is a dedicated Viewer Guide for fans and families who need help using the platform.

What You Need to Get Started#

Note: IT / Installer: Admin accounts are provisioned by HometownLive staff. End users cannot self-register as admins. Direct account requests to [SUPPORT CONTACT].

Getting Help#

HometownLive provides two self-service support resources.

In-platform tutorials:

1. Log in to the admin panel.
2. In the sidebar, click Tutorials.
3. Select a tutorial from the list to watch a video walkthrough.

Tutorials cover topics including RTMP streaming setup, home section configuration, on-demand video publishing, live streaming, and event management.

Contact form:

1. Navigate to https://platform.hometownlive.tv/page/contact-us.
2. Complete the form fields: Name, Email, Phone, Subject, and Message.
3. Click Submit. A support representative will respond by email.

Tip: Watch the STREAMING and EVENTS tutorials before setting up your first live broadcast. They cover the most common configuration steps end to end.

About This Platform#

HometownLive is built on the TKDS Media platform. The TKDS Media branding appears in the admin panel footer. Streams are delivered through the TKDS streaming infrastructure at dallas.tkdsstream.com.

Getting Started#

This chapter walks through logging in, navigating the admin panel, and managing your profile.

Logging In#

1. Open your browser and go to https://platform.hometownlive.tv/login.
2. Enter your Email and Password.
3. (Optional) Check Remember Me to stay logged in on this device.
4. Complete the reCAPTCHA verification.
5. Click Login.

After logging in, the platform lands you on the viewer home page.

Forgot Your Password?#

1. On the login page, click Forgot Password?
2. Enter your account email address.
3. Click Submit. A password reset link is sent to your inbox.
4. Open the email and follow the reset link to set a new password.

Note: Check your spam or junk folder if the reset email does not arrive within a few minutes.

Creating a New Account#

Viewer accounts can self-register. Admin accounts are provisioned by HometownLive.

1. On the login page, click Sign Up.
2. Fill in the registration fields:

1. Click Sign Up to create your account.

Reaching the Admin Panel#

After logging in, you land on the viewer home page. To reach the admin panel:

1. Locate your name in the top-right corner of the page.
2. Click your name to open the user menu.
3. Click Dashboard.

The browser navigates to /admin/dashboard — the admin control panel.

Admin Dashboard Overview#

The admin dashboard is the central hub for managing the platform. It has two main areas: the sidebar navigation and the stats tiles.

Sidebar Navigation#

The sidebar on the left provides access to all admin sections.

Stats Tiles#

The top of the dashboard shows at-a-glance counts and metrics.

Users Plan Statistics Chart#

The Users Plan Statistics bar chart shows subscription plan activity by month. Use it to track growth in paid viewer subscriptions over time.

Managing Your Profile#

1. In the admin panel, click your profile avatar in the top-right corner.
2. Click Profile.
3. Update any of the following fields:

1. Click Save to apply your changes.

Tutorials#

HometownLive provides in-platform tutorial videos to help admins get up to speed quickly.

1. In the sidebar, click Tutorials.
2. Select a tutorial to watch:

Tip: Watch the STREAMING and EVENTS tutorials before setting up your first live broadcast.

Live Channels#

HometownLive provides four dedicated streaming channels — Channel 1 through Channel 4. Each channel carries its own HLS stream delivered from dallas.tkdsstream.com. Channels appear in the viewer navigation under Live TV & RADIO.

Feeds Console#

The Feeds Console shows real-time status for all four stream channels.

Location: Sidebar → Channel Console → Manage Channels/Feeds Console (/admin/restreams)

The console displays the following columns for each channel:

Click Refresh Data to update the status of all channels.

Tip: Use the Feeds Console during a broadcast to confirm the stream is live and viewers are connecting.

Managing Channels#

Editing a Channel#

1. In the sidebar, go to Live TV & RADIO → TV/Radio Channel (/admin/live_tv).
2. Find the channel you want to edit and click its edit icon.

1. Update the fields as needed:

1. Click Save to apply your changes.

Note: The Feed Channel field (Channel 1–4) must match the stream being ingested at dallas.tkdsstream.com. Selecting the wrong channel will result in a blank or mismatched stream.

Channel Console / Channel Hub#

The Channel Hub provides advanced feed management capabilities beyond the standard channel list.

Location: Sidebar → Channel Console → Channel Hub (/admin/channel-hub)

Note: The Channel Hub may take longer to load than other admin pages. Allow a few seconds for the interface to fully initialize.

PiPELiNE Feeds#

PiPELiNE is a multi-destination restreaming service. It allows you to send a single stream to multiple platforms simultaneously (e.g., HometownLive and YouTube at the same time).

Location: Sidebar → Channel Console → PiPELiNE Feeds (/admin/pipelines)

Warning: PiPELiNE requires separate service activation. The feature will not function until it is enabled for your account. Contact HometownLive at [SUPPORT CONTACT] to enable PiPELiNE.

Simple Playout#

Simple Playout lets you build automated playlist-based programming for a channel. Instead of a live stream, the channel plays a sequence of videos on a schedule.

Location: Sidebar → Channel Console → Simple Playout (/admin/playout)

The Simple Playout page shows summary stats at the top:

The list view shows each playout channel with these columns:

TV Guide#

The TV Guide lets you schedule upcoming programs on your channels so viewers can see what is coming up.

Location: Sidebar → MEDIA → Guide (/admin/guide)

To add a program to the guide:

1. Click Add New Program.
2. Fill in the program details:

1. Click Save to publish the program to the guide.

Viewer Experience#

Channels appear in the viewer navigation under Live TV & RADIO. Viewers click a channel card to open the stream. The player loads automatically when a stream is active.

Tip: Set channel Status to Inactive when a channel is not in use. This prevents viewers from seeing a blank or error screen on channels that are not currently broadcasting.

Events#

Events are the primary content unit in HometownLive. An event represents a single live or on-demand video item — a game, match, concert, meeting, or any recorded content. Events appear on the public-facing Events page for viewers.

Events List#

Location: Sidebar → Events (/admin/events)

The events list displays a table with these columns:

Use the filter dropdowns to narrow the list by Language, Genre, Conference, or Group. Use the Search field to find a specific event by title.

To act on multiple events at once, check the boxes on the left and use the Action dropdown (Bulk Action).

Events Calendar#

The Events Calendar provides a month or week view of all scheduled events.

Location: Sidebar → Events Calendar (/admin/events_calendar)

Click Today to return to the current date. Click any date on the grid to see the events scheduled for that day. Events appear as colored entries on the calendar.

Creating or Editing an Event#

To create a new event, click Add Event on the Events list page. To edit an existing event, click its title or edit icon.

The event form is divided into sections. Complete each section as described below.

Basic Info#

Pay-Per-View#

This section applies only when Access is set to Paid $.

Note: Leave the Pay-Per-View section empty when the event is Free. PPV fields have no effect unless Access is set to Paid $.

Classification#

Schedule#

Tip: Always set the timezone to match the location of the event, not the admin's location. This ensures the schedule displays correctly for local viewers.

Distribution#

Note: IT / Installer: The NeST ID must match the device ID configured in ScoreBird. An incorrect ID will prevent score data from appearing on the overlay. Verify the NeST ID with the ScoreBird administrator before the event.

Teams#

The Teams section captures team data for scored events. Complete both Team A and Team B.

Tip: Team data can be updated after the event is created. Use the edit screen to enter final scores once a game is complete.

Radio#

SEO#

Media#

Note: For live events streaming from a HometownLive channel, set Video Type to HLS/m3u8 and enter the channel's stream URL in the HLS/DASH URL field.

ScoreBird Integration#

When ScoreBird is enabled on an event and a valid NeST ID is entered, the platform connects to the ScoreBird device and pulls live score data. Scores are overlaid directly on the video player, visible to all viewers watching the event.

The overlay updates in real time as scores change. No additional action is required from the admin once the event is live and ScoreBird is connected.

Warning: Do not enable the ScoreBird overlay on events where no NeST device is connected. An enabled overlay with no active ScoreBird device will display incorrect or empty score data on the player.

Step-by-Step: Creating a Live Event#

This procedure walks through creating a complete live event from start to finish.

1. In the sidebar, click Events.
2. Click Add Event.
3. In the Basic Info section, enter the Title and Description for the event.
4. Set Upcoming to Yes if the event has not started yet, or No if it is live now.
5. Set Access to Free or Paid $ as appropriate.
6. Set Status to Active.
7. In the Classification section, select the appropriate Genres (e.g., Athletics).
8. In the Schedule section, set the Date, Timezone, Start Date/Time, and End Date/Time.
9. In the Distribution section, select the Live TV Channel this event will broadcast on.
10. Enter the Stream Minutes value — the maximum duration of the stream.
11. If this event uses ScoreBird live scoring, toggle ScoreBird to enabled and enter the NeST ID.
12. In the Teams section (if applicable), enter team names, colors, logos, conferences, and home/away positions.
13. In the Media section, set Video Type to HLS/m3u8.
14. Enter the HLS stream URL for the assigned channel in the HLS/DASH URL field.
15. (Optional) Add a Thumbnail image for the event listing.
16. Review all sections for accuracy.
17. Click Save to publish the event.

Tip: After saving, open the event's public viewer page to confirm the stream loads and the ScoreBird overlay appears if enabled. Do this a few minutes before the scheduled start time.

TV Shows#

TV Shows are series-style content organized as Shows → Seasons → Episodes. Use TV Shows for recurring programs, recap shows, documentary series, or any content that has multiple episodes grouped into a logical series.

Events vs. TV Shows#

Note: TV Shows do not support team scoring or ScoreBird integration. Use Events for live scored competitions.

Shows#

Location: Sidebar → TV Shows → Shows (/admin/series)

The Shows list displays all configured series. Filter by Language or Genre. Use the Search field to find a show by title. To act on multiple shows, check their boxes and use the Bulk Action dropdown.

Creating a Show#

1. Click Add Show.
2. Fill in the show details:

1. Click Save to create the show.

Tip: Create the Show first, then add Seasons, then add Episodes. You must have a Show before you can create Seasons, and a Season before you can assign Episodes.

Seasons#

Location: Sidebar → TV Shows → Seasons (/admin/season)

The Seasons list displays all seasons across all shows. Use the Filter by Show dropdown to narrow the list to a specific show.

Creating a Season#

1. Click Add Season.
2. Fill in the season details:

1. Click Save to create the season.

Episodes#

Location: Sidebar → TV Shows → Episodes (/admin/episodes)

The Episodes list displays all episodes. Use the Filter by Show dropdown to narrow by series.

Creating an Episode#

1. Click Add Episode.
2. Fill in the episode details:

1. Click Save to publish the episode.

Note: Episodes use the same video source options as Events. For YouTube or Vimeo hosted videos, select the appropriate Video Type and paste the video URL. For self-hosted or CDN content, use URL or HLS/m3u8.

Viewer Experience#

TV Shows appear in the viewer navigation under TV Shows. Viewers browse the show library, select a show, choose a season, and then select an episode to watch.

The episode player is the same video player used for Events. No subscription or login is required for shows marked as Free.

Ticker#

The Ticker is a scrolling text banner displayed at the bottom of the viewer-facing site and embedded within broadcasts. Use it to communicate announcements, scores, upcoming events, and sponsor messages to viewers in real time. The ticker supports five content sources: static content items, urgent alerts, RSS news feeds, dynamic event data, and live scores from ScoreBird NeST devices.

Ticker Dashboard#

Location: Sidebar → Ticker (/admin/ticker)

The Ticker dashboard is the starting point for all ticker configuration. It presents five management cards, each linking to a specific feature area.

Note: The ticker does not appear on the viewer site until you enable it in Settings → Menu → Show Ticker. See enablingtheticker at the end of this chapter.

Ticker Settings#

Location: Sidebar → Ticker → Ticker Settings (/admin/ticker/settings)

Ticker Settings control the visual appearance and scroll behavior of the banner. A live preview renders below the form as you make changes so you can see exactly how the ticker will look before saving.

Applying Settings#

1. Adjust fields as needed.
2. Watch the live preview update below the form.
3. Click Save Settings to apply your changes.

Tip: Make color and speed changes in off-peak hours. The ticker updates live for all viewers as soon as you save.

Ticker Content#

Location: Sidebar → Ticker → Ticker Content (/admin/ticker/content)

Ticker Content holds the standard scrolling messages that rotate through the ticker during normal operation. This is the right place for welcome messages, platform descriptions, promotional copy, and any recurring community announcements. Content items rotate in display order and are distinguished from Alerts by their regular text color.

Example content items from a typical installation:

• "Welcome to HomeTownLive"
• "Community Focused Platform…"
• "Easy to Use Live Streaming Tool…"

Filtering and Sorting#

Use the controls above the content table to manage the list view:

• Filter by Status — show only Active or Inactive items.
• Search — find items by content text.
• Sort — order by Newest, Oldest, Ascending, or Descending.

Content Table Columns#

Adding a Content Item#

1. Click Add New Content.
2. Enter the scrolling Content text.
3. Set a Display Order number. Lower values appear earlier in the rotation.
4. Set the Duration start date to control when this item activates.
5. Set Status to Active to begin displaying immediately.
6. Click Save.

Tip: Keep individual content items concise — one to two sentences. Shorter items are easier to read as they scroll past during a broadcast.

Ticker Alerts#

Location: Sidebar → Ticker → Ticker Alerts (/admin/ticker/alerts)

Alerts are high-priority messages displayed in the Alert Color configured in Ticker Settings. Use alerts for time-sensitive announcements that need to stand out visually from the standard content rotation — such as weather delays, event cancellations, venue changes, or safety notices.

Alert Table Columns#

Adding an Alert#

1. Click Add New Alert.
2. Enter a Title for internal identification in the admin list.
3. Enter the Description — this is the exact text viewers see scrolling in the ticker.
4. Set Display Order to control where this alert appears relative to other alerts.
5. Set the Duration start date.
6. Set Status to Active to begin displaying immediately.
7. Click Save.

Warning: Alerts are designed for urgent messages. Overusing the Alerts feed for routine content diminishes its visual impact. Reserve the alert color for genuinely time-sensitive announcements and use Ticker Content for everything else.

RSS Feeds#

Location: Sidebar → Ticker → RSS Feeds Management (/admin/ticker/rss)

RSS Feeds automatically pull headlines from external sources directly into the ticker, keeping content fresh without manual updates. Common use cases include local news wires, sports score feeds, and organizational blog posts.

A preview panel on the right side of the page shows the content currently being pulled from the selected feed tag, so you can verify the feed is returning results before enabling it.

RSS Feed Table Columns#

Adding an RSS Feed#

1. Click Add New RSS Feed.
2. Enter a Title to identify this feed in the admin panel.
3. Paste the full URL of the RSS feed. The URL must begin with https://.
4. Enter the Tag — the XML element name to extract from each item. Check the feed source to confirm the correct tag before saving.
5. Optionally, enter a Category Filter to limit which feed categories appear.
6. Set Display Order and Status.
7. Click Save.

Note: Not all RSS feeds use the same XML structure. If no content appears in the preview panel after saving, confirm the tag name matches the feed's actual XML element names.

Dynamic Events Content#

Location: Sidebar → Ticker → Dynamic Events Content (/admin/ticker/events)

Dynamic Events Content pulls upcoming event data directly from the HometownLive platform into the ticker. Configure feeds by Conference and Group so the ticker automatically promotes relevant upcoming games and events. No manual entry is required once configured — the feed refreshes on the interval you specify.

Events Feed Table Columns#

Adding an Event Feed#

1. Click Add New Event Feed.
2. Enter a Title for this feed configuration.
3. Select the Conference and Group filters to target the correct events for your audience.
4. Set the Refresh Interval in minutes. A value of 5–10 minutes works well for most deployments.
5. Choose a Display Format for how event information appears in the ticker.
6. Set Status to Active.
7. Click Save.

Tip: For an organization with multiple sports programs, create one Event Feed per conference. You can then activate and deactivate individual feeds by season without modifying other ticker content.

Score Ticker#

Location: Sidebar → Score Ticker (/admin/score_ticker)

The Score Ticker displays live game scores in the scrolling banner. It integrates directly with the ScoreBird NeST device to pull real-time score data from the scoreboard hardware at the venue. Scores update in the ticker as they change during the game — no manual input is required.

Score Ticker List Controls#

Score Ticker Table Columns#

Adding a Score Ticker Entry#

1. Click Add Score Ticker.
2. Enter the Match Title — for example, "Varsity Basketball — Home vs. Away."
3. Enter the Teams competing in the match.
4. Enter the NeST ID — this value must exactly match the device ID configured in ScoreBird for this game.
5. Set Status to Active.
6. Click Save.
7. Click Refresh Live Data to confirm the NeST device connection is active and score data is flowing.

Warning: The NeST ID must exactly match the device ID registered in ScoreBird. An incorrect ID means no score data will appear in the ticker during the game. Verify the NeST ID with your ScoreBird administrator before the event begins.

Enabling the Ticker#

The ticker does not appear on the viewer site until you turn it on in the Menu settings.

1. In the sidebar, navigate to Settings → Menu.
2. Locate the Show Ticker toggle.
3. Set the toggle to On.
4. Click Save.

Note: Disabling Show Ticker hides the entire ticker bar from all viewers immediately. Individual content items, alerts, and feeds can be deactivated without hiding the bar by setting their own Status to Inactive.

Analytics#

HometownLive includes built-in analytics covering visitors, pages, events, videos, and live channels. Use these reports to understand viewership trends, identify your most popular content, and measure platform performance over time. All analytics pages share a consistent set of time-range filters and export controls.

Analytics Dashboard#

Location: Sidebar → Analytics (/admin/analytics)

The Analytics dashboard provides a high-level overview of all platform traffic. It is the best starting point for a quick health check on viewership before drilling into specific sub-reports.

Time Range Controls#

Select a reporting period using the buttons at the top of the page:

Click Export to download the current dashboard view as a CSV file.

Dashboard Widgets#

The dashboard displays six widgets that update based on the selected time range.

Tip: Use the Visits Over Time chart to correlate traffic peaks with specific events. A sharp spike on a date typically indicates a popular live event drove viewers to the platform.

User Analytics#

Location: Sidebar → Analytics → Users (/admin/analytics/users)

User Analytics tracks visit activity at the individual account level. Use this report to identify your most engaged viewers, recognize inactive accounts, or investigate unusual activity patterns.

Using User Analytics#

1. Select a time range using the buttons at the top of the page.
2. Use the Search field to find a specific user by name or email.
3. Click Export to download the complete filtered list as a CSV file.

User Analytics Table Columns#

Note: User Analytics tracks page visits tied to logged-in accounts. Anonymous visitors are counted in the main Analytics dashboard but do not appear in the User Analytics table.

Page Analytics#

Location: Sidebar → Analytics → Pages (/admin/analytics/pages)

Page Analytics shows which pages on the platform receive the most traffic. Use this data to understand which content surfaces are driving viewer engagement and which pages may need improvement.

Using Page Analytics#

1. Select a time range.
2. Use Search to filter results by URL.
3. Click Export to download the data as a CSV.

Page Analytics Table Columns#

Example data from a typical installation:

Tip: A high percentage of traffic on /signup relative to the homepage can indicate strong conversion intent. Pair this with the subscription transaction data in the Monetization section to measure actual conversion.

Events Analytics#

Location: Sidebar → Analytics → Events (/admin/analytics/events)

Events Analytics measures the performance of live and on-demand events. Use it to identify your highest-performing events, understand where your event audience is located, and track viewership trends across your schedule.

Summary Tiles#

Four summary tiles appear at the top of the page to provide a quick snapshot.

Events Analytics Charts#

Two charts appear below the summary tiles:

• Device Types — proportion of event views from Desktop, TV App, and other devices.
• Top Browsers — browser distribution for event viewers specifically.

Top Events Table#

The Top Events table shows the best-performing events ranked by views.

Geographic Tables#

Below the Top Events table, two geographic breakdowns help you understand where your audience is located.

Top Countries table — shows the top countries by visit count:

Top Cities table — shows the top cities with country and visit count:

Note: Geographic data is derived from IP address geolocation. City-level data is approximate and may not be accurate for all visitors, particularly those using VPNs or cellular data.

Video Analytics#

Location: Sidebar → Analytics → Videos (/admin/analytics/videos)

Video Analytics measures the performance of on-demand video content, including standalone videos and TV Show episodes. Use it to identify which on-demand content is resonating with viewers and prioritize similar content production.

Content Type Filter#

Use the filter tabs to narrow the view to a specific content type:

• All — on-demand videos and show episodes combined.
• On-Demand — standalone on-demand video items only.
• Shows — TV Show episodes only.

Most Viewed Videos Table#

The Top Countries and Top Cities geographic tables appear below the main videos table, using the same format as the Events Analytics geographic tables.

Tip: Compare performance across On-Demand and Shows separately to identify which format drives more engagement for your audience.

Channel Analytics#

Location: Sidebar → Analytics → Channels (/admin/analytics/channels)

Channel Analytics reports on live channel viewership. Use it to understand which channels attract the most viewers and to compare performance between paid and free channels.

Time Range and Access Type Filters#

Select a time range using the standard buttons at the top of the page. Use the access type filter tabs to segment the data:

• All — all channels regardless of access type.
• Paid — channels restricted to paid subscribers.
• Free — channels available to all visitors.

Summary Tiles#

Channel Analytics Table#

Example channel data from a typical installation:

The Top Countries and Top Cities geographic tables appear below the channel table, in the same format as the Events Analytics geographic breakdowns.

Tip: Use the Export button on each analytics page to download a CSV of the current view for reporting, board presentations, or sponsor performance reports.

Users and Plans#

This chapter covers viewer account management, admin accounts, subscription plans, and coupons. Viewer accounts represent the people who watch content on your platform. Admin accounts grant access to the administrative panel. Subscription plans define what content viewers can access and for how long.

User Accounts#

Location: Sidebar → Users (/admin/users)

The Users list shows all registered viewer accounts on the platform. The table is paginated at 10 records per page. Use the controls at the top to manage the list and take bulk actions.

User List Controls#

User Table Columns#

Adding a User#

Use Add User to manually create a viewer account on behalf of a viewer — for example, to provide complimentary access or to register staff.

1. Click Add User.
2. Complete the form fields:

1. Click Save.

Tip: If you are adding a large number of accounts at once — for example, at the start of a new season — use Import Users rather than adding them individually.

Importing Users#

Import Users bulk-creates viewer accounts from a CSV file. This is the fastest way to migrate an existing subscriber list or provision a group of accounts at once.

1. Click Import Users.
2. Download the CSV template provided in the import modal.
3. Fill in the template with name, email, phone, and plan data for each user.
4. Upload the completed CSV file.
5. Click Import to create the accounts.

Note: Importing a CSV with an email address that already exists in the system will not create a duplicate account. The import skips existing emails and creates only new records.

Exporting Users#

1. Click Export Users.
2. The platform downloads a CSV file containing all current user records, including name, email, plan, expiry date, and status.

Use the export for external reporting, subscriber audits, or backup before making bulk changes.

Editing a User#

1. Click the edit icon on the user's row.
2. Update any fields as needed, including plan assignment, status, or contact information.
3. Click Save.

Warning: Setting a user's Status to Inactive immediately prevents them from logging in. Their account data is preserved and can be reactivated at any time.

Admin Users#

Location: Sidebar → Users → Admin Users (/admin/sub_admin)

Admin Users are separate from viewer accounts. They have access to the /admin/ panel and can manage platform content, settings, and user accounts. Admin accounts do not automatically include a viewer subscription.

The table shows: Name, Email, Phone, Status, and Actions.

Current admin users on a typical demo installation include platform administrators, school staff, and technical contacts.

Adding an Admin User#

1. Click Add Admin.
2. Enter the admin's Name, Email, and Phone.
3. Set Status to Active.
4. Click Save.

Note: Contact HometownLive support to provision admin accounts for new school or organization staff who need access to the admin panel.

Admin User Roles#

Admin users have full access to the admin panel by default. There is no granular role system — any admin user can access all areas of the platform configuration. Limit admin accounts to staff who genuinely require that level of access.

Deleted Users#

Location: Sidebar → Users → Deleted Users (/admin/deleted_users)

When a viewer account is deleted from the active Users list, it is moved here rather than permanently removed. Soft-deleted accounts retain their data and can be restored.

Deleted Users Table Columns#

Warning: Permanently deleting an account from the Deleted Users list is irreversible. All account data, purchase history, and subscription records associated with that account are removed. Restore the account instead whenever possible.

Subscription Plans#

Location: Sidebar → Plans → Subscription Plans (/admin/subscription_plan)

Subscription Plans define what content subscribers can access and for how long. Plans can be duration-based (rolling period from purchase date) or tied to a fixed date range. Plans are assigned to events and channels to control which subscribers can view that content without a separate pay-per-view purchase.

Subscription Plans Table Columns#

Creating a Subscription Plan#

1. Click Add Plan. The plan creation modal opens.
2. Complete the form fields:

1. Click Save to create the plan.

Note: Plans assigned to Events in the Distribution section of the event form grant subscribers on those plans free access to those events. If an event is Paid and not included in a subscriber's plan, the viewer must purchase pay-per-view access separately.

Tip: Use Fixed Date Range plans for tournament weekends or seasonal passes with a hard end date. Use Duration Based plans for rolling monthly or annual subscriptions.

Coupons#

Location: Sidebar → Plans → Coupons (/admin/coupons)

Coupons provide discount codes that viewers enter at checkout when purchasing a subscription plan. Use coupons for seasonal promotions, launch discounts, or targeted offers for specific groups.

Coupons Table Columns#

Creating a Coupon#

1. Click Add Coupon.
2. Complete the form fields:

1. Click Save.

Tip: Set a low Max Redemptions value and a specific Expiry Date for limited-time promotional codes. This prevents overuse if a code is shared publicly and ensures you can track the promotion's reach through the Coupon Used counter.

Monetization#

HometownLive supports multiple revenue streams. Subscriptions provide recurring or one-time access to all content. Pay-per-view (PPV) events let viewers purchase access to a single event. Sponsorships sell branded placement to local businesses. This chapter covers payment gateway configuration and transaction reporting for all revenue types.

Monetization Overview#

Payment Gateways#

Location: Sidebar → Monetization → Payment Gateways (/admin/payment_gateway)

Payment Gateways configure which payment processors the platform uses to collect money from viewers. HometownLive supports five processors. Each gateway has an independent Edit button for credential configuration and an enable/disable toggle to activate or deactivate it without deleting its configuration.

Warning: Never share payment gateway API keys with anyone outside your organization. Store credentials securely and rotate them immediately if they are compromised. Contact your payment provider's support team for instructions on key rotation.

Configuring a Payment Gateway#

1. Click Edit on the gateway you want to configure.
2. Enter the required API credentials. Key names and values vary by gateway — refer to your payment provider's developer documentation for the exact fields required.
3. Toggle the gateway to Enabled.
4. Click Save.

Note: Enable only the gateways your organization actively uses. Disabling unused gateways reduces your payment configuration's attack surface and simplifies troubleshooting.

Sponsorship Plans#

Location: Sidebar → Monetization → Sponsorship Plans (/admin/sponserships)

Sponsorship Plans define paid tiers for brands and local businesses. Sponsors purchase a plan in exchange for ad placement, logo display, or other branding across the platform. Configuring multiple tiers allows you to offer options at different price points.

Sponsorship Plans Table Columns#

Creating a Sponsorship Plan#

1. Click Add Plan.
2. Enter the Plan Name — for example, "Gold Sponsor" or "Banner Sponsor."
3. Enter the Price.
4. Upload the sponsor tier Image if applicable.
5. Set Status to Active.
6. Click Save.

Tip: Create two to three sponsorship tiers at different price points — for example, Presenting Sponsor, Gold Sponsor, and Community Sponsor. Clear tier naming helps businesses understand what they are purchasing.

Transactions#

The Transactions section provides detailed records for every revenue type. Use these reports to verify payments, reconcile accounts, and resolve access disputes. Each sub-section has its own export function.

Tip: Use the Export button in each Transactions sub-section to generate CSV reports for accounting, board presentations, or end-of-season financial summaries.

Subscription Plan Transactions#

Location: Sidebar → Monetization → Transactions → Plans (/admin/transactions/plans)

Subscription Plan Transactions lists every subscription purchase made on the platform. Use this report to verify that a specific viewer's payment was received, audit subscriber activity, or identify revenue by gateway.

Plan Transaction Filters#

• Gateway — filter by payment processor. Supported values: PayPal, Stripe, Razorpay, Paystack, Instamojo, PayUMoney, Mollie, Flutterwave, Paytm, Cashfree, Coingate, Bank Transfer, External API.
• Date Range — filter by specific date or start/end range.

Plan Transaction Table Columns#

Exporting Plan Transactions#

1. Click Export Transactions.
2. In the export dialog, select a specific date or a start/end date range.
3. Click Export. A CSV file downloads to your computer.

Order Transactions#

Location: Sidebar → Monetization → Transactions → Orders (/admin/transactions/orders)

Order Transactions records merchandise and shop purchases. Use this report to track physical product orders and identify orders by source.

Order Transaction Filters#

• Gateway — filter by payment processor.
• Type — filter by Admin (orders created manually by an admin user) or User (orders placed by viewers through the storefront).

Order Transaction Table Columns#

Sponsorship Transactions#

Location: Sidebar → Monetization → Transactions → Sponsors (/admin/transactions/sponsors)

Sponsorship Transactions records every sponsorship plan purchase from brands and advertisers. Use this report to track sponsor activity and revenue.

Sponsorship Transaction Table Columns#

Use the filter and Export button to manage and download sponsorship transaction data.

Event Purchases (Pay-Per-View)#

Location: Sidebar → Monetization → Transactions → Event Purchases (/admin/transactions/event-purchases)

Event Purchases records all pay-per-view transactions. Use this report to verify PPV access for a specific viewer, confirm a payment was received, and investigate access issues.

Event Purchase Filters#

• Payment Method — filter by Stripe, PayPal, or Razorpay.
• Status — filter by Completed, Pending, or Failed.

Event Purchase Table Columns#

Note: If a viewer reports they paid for an event but cannot access it, use the Event Purchases table to locate their transaction. Check Status first — a Pending status may indicate a payment processing delay. A Failed status means the payment did not complete successfully.

Revenue Summary#

The Dashboard at /admin/dashboard displays high-level revenue tiles for a quick financial overview. These tiles are visible to all admin users every time they open the admin panel.

Note: Revenue tiles reflect completed transactions only. Pending or failed transactions are not included in these totals. Use the individual Transactions sub-sections to view pending or failed payments.

Home Management#

The Home section controls what viewers see when they arrive at https://platform.hometownlive.tv. Use these settings to feature content in the hero slider, configure which homepage sections are visible, manage a secondary carousel, and set up an optional welcome popup. These settings have an immediate effect on the viewer experience and should be updated whenever your featured content changes.

Slider#

Location: Sidebar → Home → Slider (/admin/slider)

The Slider is the full-width hero banner at the top of the viewer homepage. Each slide links to an event, channel, or custom advertisement. The slider auto-rotates through all active slides on a timed interval. Use the slider to feature your most important upcoming events and most-watched channels.

Items from a typical demo installation:

• TEST EVENT
• SAMPLE FOOTBALL
• YOUR AD HERE
• Channel 1
• Channel 2

Each slider item has a Show/Hide toggle (categoryonoff). Active items are visible to viewers. Inactive items are retained in the admin list for future use without appearing on the homepage.

Adding a Slider Item#

1. Click Add Slider.
2. Select the content item to feature: an event, a channel, or a custom ad image.
3. Toggle the item to Active (categoryonoff = On) to make it visible on the homepage.
4. Click Save.

Ordering Slides#

The slides appear to viewers in the order they are arranged in the admin list. To reorder:

1. Drag a slide card to its new position in the list.
2. The new order takes effect on the viewer homepage immediately.

Tip: Place your most important upcoming event or most active channel in the first slider position. The first slide is the one viewers see on page load before the carousel begins rotating.

Home Sections#

Location: Sidebar → Home → Home Sections (/admin/home_sections)

Home Sections control which content rows appear on the viewer homepage below the slider, and the order in which they display. Each section represents a horizontal row of content cards. Use sections to organize the homepage around the content types that matter most to your viewers.

Default sections on a new installation:

• LIVE NOW — displays events currently streaming live.
• ON DEMAND — displays available on-demand video content.
• BLOG — displays recent blog posts.

Each section has an adsonoff toggle that controls whether advertisements appear within that section. Each section also has an Active/Inactive toggle that shows or hides the entire section.

Configuring a Home Section#

1. Click Add Section to create a new content row.
2. To toggle an existing section's visibility, switch its Active toggle.
3. To toggle ads within a section, switch its adsonoff toggle.
4. To reorder sections, drag them into the desired position.

Note: Deactivating a section hides it from viewers immediately without deleting it. This is useful for temporarily removing a section — for example, hiding the LIVE NOW section during the off-season.

Tip: The order of sections in the admin list matches exactly what viewers see on the homepage. Put the highest-priority content row first — typically LIVE NOW during active sports seasons.

Carousel#

Location: Sidebar → Home → Carousel (/admin/carousel)

The Carousel is a secondary rotating image or content display, separate from the main hero Slider. It is typically placed in the middle or lower portion of the homepage to feature additional content, sponsors, or community announcements. Like the Slider, it supports multiple items that rotate on a timed interval.

Each carousel item has an adsonoff toggle and an Active/Inactive toggle.

Adding a Carousel Item#

1. Click Add Slider.
2. Select or upload the image or content item for this carousel position.
3. Set the adsonoff toggle based on whether ads should display within this carousel item.
4. Toggle Active to make the item visible to viewers.
5. Click Save.

Note: The Add Slider button in the Carousel section creates a carousel item, not a hero slider item. The hero Slider and the Carousel are separate features managed from separate admin pages.

Popup#

Location: Sidebar → Home → Popup (/admin/popup)

The Popup is an optional modal dialog shown to visitors on page load. Use it to announce upcoming events, promote a subscription offer, or display a welcome message to new visitors. The popup supports both a rich HTML message and a standalone image.

Popup Configuration Fields#

Configuring a Popup#

1. Navigate to Home → Popup.
2. Set Show Popup to On.
3. Select a Popup Type.
4. If using IMAGE type: upload the image file in the Popup Image field. Keep the image at or near 270×390 pixels for best display quality.
5. If using HTML type: use the TinyMCE editor in the Popup Content field to compose your message. You can format text, add links, and embed images.
6. Click Save Settings.

Warning: The popup displays on every visitor's first page load. Keep the message concise and directly relevant to the current announcement. Long popups cause viewers to dismiss them without reading, and showing a popup with outdated content creates a poor first impression.

Tip: Use the popup for high-impact announcements only — such as "Season passes now on sale" or "Watch the championship live tonight." Turn it off as soon as the announcement is no longer timely.

Menu Settings#

Location: Sidebar → Settings → Menu (/admin/settings/menu)

The Menu Settings page controls which sections appear in the top navigation bar on the viewer site and which homepage features are enabled. Each toggle takes effect immediately on the viewer-facing site when saved.

Note: Disabling a navigation item in Menu Settings hides it from viewers but does not delete the associated content. For example, turning off Events removes the Events menu item, but existing event records are preserved and the toggle can be turned back on at any time.

Enabling the Ticker from Menu Settings#

The ticker bar does not appear on the viewer site until you explicitly enable it here.

1. Navigate to Settings → Menu.
2. Locate the Show Ticker On/Off toggle.
3. Set it to On.
4. Click Save.

Tip: Review Menu Settings when launching a new season or rolling out a new feature. Enabling or disabling navigation items is the fastest way to control which parts of the platform are surfaced to viewers without removing any data.

Blog and Shop#

The Blog and Shop features give your organization a way to publish content and sell branded merchandise directly through the HometownLive platform. Both sections are accessible from the admin sidebar and can be enabled or disabled from Settings → Menu.

Blog#

The Blog lets you publish articles, announcements, and stories for your community. Posts are organized by category, can be featured on the home page, and are accessible to viewers at /blog when the Blog menu item is enabled.

Blog Posts (`/admin/blog/posts`)#

The blog posts table shows all published and draft articles. Each row displays the post thumbnail, title, category, status, featured flag, view count, and publish date.

The Filter by Category dropdown narrows the list to posts in a specific category. Use this when managing large volumes of content across multiple topics.

Creating a Blog Post#

1. In the admin sidebar, click Blog → Posts.
2. Click Add Post.
3. Fill in the required fields (see field reference below).
4. Click Save to publish or save as inactive.

Tip: Write the post in Inactive status first. Review it on the viewer-facing site using an admin account before switching it to Active.

Editing a Blog Post#

1. In the posts table, click the Action button for the post you want to edit.
2. Click Edit.
3. Make changes and click Save.

Note: Changes to a live (Active) post take effect immediately after saving.

Deleting a Blog Post#

1. In the posts table, click the Action button for the post.
2. Click Delete.
3. Confirm the deletion.

Warning: Deleting a blog post is permanent. The post and its view history cannot be recovered. Use the Inactive status to hide posts without deleting them.

Blog Categories (`/admin/blog/categories`)#

Categories organize your blog posts into topics. Each post must be assigned to a category. Create categories before creating posts that use them.

Adding a Category#

1. Click Add Category.
2. Enter a Category Name (e.g., Sports, Fine Arts, Announcements).
3. Set Status to Active.
4. Click Save.

Note: Deactivating a category hides it from viewers but does not hide posts assigned to it. To hide all posts in a category, set each post to Inactive individually.

Viewer-Facing Blog#

When the Blog menu item is enabled in Settings → Menu, viewers can browse posts at https://platform.hometownlive.tv/blog. Posts are displayed in a grid with the featured image, title, category label, and publish date.

Viewers can filter posts by category using the filter controls on the blog page. Only Active posts in Active categories are visible.

Tip: Enable the Blog menu item in Settings → Menu → Blog to make the blog accessible from the main navigation. See Settings for menu configuration.

Shop#

The Shop lets your organization sell branded merchandise — school spirit gear, apparel, and other items — directly through the HometownLive platform. The shop includes products, categories, size and color attributes, tags, and an order management workflow.

Note: The viewer-facing shop appears in the navigation when the Shop menu item is enabled in Settings → Menu.

Product Categories (`/admin/product/categories`)#

Product categories organize your merchandise into logical groups (e.g., Apparel, Accessories, Spirit Wear). Categories are required — every product must be assigned to one.

Adding a Product Category#

1. In the admin sidebar, click Shop → Product Categories.
2. Click Add Category.
3. Enter a Name and upload an optional Image.
4. Set Status to Active.
5. Click Save.

Products (`/admin/products`)#

The Products page lists all items available in your shop. Each product has a name, category, price, stock level, and optional attributes like sizes, colors, and tags.

Adding a Product#

1. Click Add Product.
2. Complete the product fields (see reference below).
3. Assign any applicable Sizes, Colors, and Tags.
4. Set Status to Active when the product is ready to sell.
5. Click Save.

Tip: Upload high-quality product photos with a clean background. Clear images increase purchase confidence for viewers browsing the shop.

Sizes (`/admin/sizes`)#

Sizes define the size options that can be assigned to products (e.g., S, M, L, XL, 2XL). Create all needed sizes before creating products that require them.

Adding a Size#

1. Click Add Size.
2. Enter the Name, Code, and Sort Order.
3. Set Status to Active.
4. Click Save.

Note: Sort order determines the display sequence when a buyer selects a size on the product page. Set sizes in logical order (e.g., XS=1, S=2, M=3, L=4, XL=5).

Colors (`/admin/colors`)#

Colors define the color options that can be assigned to products (e.g., Black, White, Cardinal Red). A hex code controls the color swatch displayed to viewers.

Adding a Color#

1. Click Add Color.
2. Enter the Name, Code, and Hex Code.
3. Set a Sort Order.
4. Set Status to Active.
5. Click Save.

Tip: Use the official hex values for your school colors to ensure swatches are accurate. Your school's brand guide should list these.

Tags (`/admin/tags`)#

Tags are descriptive labels that can be applied to products for filtering and search (e.g., "New Arrival", "Spirit Wear", "Clearance"). Tags are optional but improve the browsing experience in a large shop.

Adding a Tag#

1. Click Add Tag.
2. Enter a Name and optional Description.
3. Set a Sort Order and Status.
4. Click Save.

Orders (`/admin/orders`)#

The Orders page shows all customer purchases made through the shop. Admins can filter orders by status and manually create orders for in-person or phone sales.

Filtering Orders by Status#

1. Use the status filter tabs above the order table: Pending, Processing, Completed, or Cancelled.
2. Click a tab to view only orders in that status.
3. Click All to return to the full order list.

Creating a Manual Order#

1. Click Create Order.
2. Select or enter the customer information.
3. Add products to the order.
4. Set the payment and fulfillment status.
5. Click Save.

Note: Manual orders are useful for in-person sales at games or events where a buyer pays with cash or a card reader outside the platform.

Processing an Order#

1. Click Action → View on the order you want to update.
2. Review the line items, shipping information, and payment status.
3. Update the Order Status (e.g., change from Pending to Processing when fulfillment begins).
4. Click Save.

Tip: Update order status promptly. Buyers may contact your school if they do not receive a status update after purchasing.

Settings#

The Settings section controls every platform-wide configuration option — from your site name and logo to email delivery, social login, advertising, and the video player. Most settings require admin credentials to access. Settings that affect the entire platform are marked with an IT callout.

Note: IT / Installer: Complete all settings in this chapter during initial platform setup. Changes to Site Name, Logo, Platform ID, and SMTP configuration affect the entire platform and all viewers.

General Settings (`/admin/general_settings`)#

General Settings define the identity and behavior of your HometownLive platform. These are the foundational settings that influence how the site appears to viewers and how it interacts with external services.

Site Identity#

Custom Code Injection#

Warning: Incorrect HTML or JavaScript in Header Code or Footer Code can break the viewer-facing site for all users. Test changes in a staging environment or during low-traffic hours if possible.

Content Defaults#

Note: IT / Installer: Set the Default Timezone during initial setup to match your organization's local timezone. Event times are stored relative to this setting.

Styling#

The Styling field accepts custom CSS that is applied globally to the viewer-facing site. Use this for minor visual adjustments that cannot be achieved through Theme Colors alone.

Note: IT / Installer: Custom CSS overrides platform default styles. Document any custom rules added here so future administrators can identify the source of styling changes.

API Integrations#

Facebook Integration#

Use the FACEBOOK PAGE section to connect your organization's Facebook page for live radio or additional social embedding.

Footer Social Icons and App Links#

Enter the full URLs for your social media profiles and app store listings. These appear as icons in the site footer.

TKDS AI Settings#

Note: IT / Installer: The TKDS AI token is provided by TKDS Media during platform provisioning. Do not share this token externally.

GDPR Cookie Consent#

SMTP Email (`/admin/email_settings`)#

SMTP settings configure the outbound email server that the platform uses to send account registration confirmations, password reset emails, and order notifications.

Note: IT / Installer: SMTP must be configured before viewers can register accounts, reset passwords, or receive order confirmations. Use your organization's SMTP relay or a transactional email service such as SendGrid or Mailgun.

Testing SMTP Configuration#

1. Fill in all SMTP fields.
2. Click Test SMTP.
3. Check the admin email inbox for a test message.
4. If the test email does not arrive within 2 minutes, verify the host, port, credentials, and firewall rules.

Tip: Run the SMTP test after any credential change to confirm email delivery is working before viewers attempt to register or reset passwords.

Social Login (`/admin/social*login*settings`)#

Social Login allows viewers to create accounts and log in using their existing Google or Facebook credentials instead of a separate username and password.

Note: IT / Installer: Social login credentials are obtained from the Google Cloud Console (console.cloud.google.com) and Facebook Developer portal (developers.facebook.com). Each platform requires your domain to be whitelisted as an authorized redirect URI.