Network viewers

Network viewers let any device on the same network as your Mac follow the service in a web browser: a lobby TV, an overflow room, or a phone in the pew for someone who finds the main screen hard to read. Viewers can only watch; they can’t control anything.

Turn it on

1. Open the Screens panel.
2. Under Network viewers, turn on Let devices on this network watch.
3. On the device, scan the QR code with the camera, or type the address shown into a web browser.

The panel shows how many devices are watching. The same count appears in the Present status bar.

Viewers use a web browser and don’t need to install an app.

What viewers see

Viewers see what the audience screens show: the slides, transitions, holds, the message, the countdown and live edits. Before the service starts and after it ends, they see the idle screen.

Video slides appear on viewers as a still picture rather than moving video.

If the connection drops, the viewer keeps the last slide up and shows Reconnecting…. If it can’t reconnect, it says Can’t reach Guidepost and asks the person to check they’re on the church Wi-Fi, with a Try again button.

Turning it off

By default, network viewers turn off when you end live. To keep them on, turn off Turn off when I end live in the Screens panel, or click Keep on in the notice after ending live.

Settings › Network › Advanced has more options:

• Port: change this only if another app is already using it. Viewers need to reload after a change.
• Start when Guidepost opens: viewers can connect any time, and see the idle screen until you go live.
• Turn off when I end live.

If viewers can’t connect

Settings › Network shows whether the Mac is reachable, with Check again. If devices can’t connect:

1. Same network. The device must be on the same network as the Mac. Guest Wi-Fi networks are often kept separate.
2. Firewall. Allow Guidepost through the Mac’s firewall in System Settings › Network › Firewall. Click Open Firewall settings.
3. Local Network access. Give Guidepost permission in System Settings › Privacy & Security › Local Network. Click Open Privacy settings.
4. Client isolation. Some routers stop devices on the same Wi-Fi from seeing each other. Ask whoever manages the church network to turn this off for the network your viewers use.