The awkward questions first.
What you need before installing, what the cameras actually show, what reaches our servers, and what the paid version does not do.
Do I need a Home Assistant server?
Yes. Homeboard is a client for a server you run yourself. It is not a home automation service and it controls nothing without one. The built in demo lets you see the whole application first, with no server at all.
Can I use it with a server outside my house?
Yes. A public HTTPS address works, whether it comes from Nabu Casa Cloud, a reverse proxy or your own domain. Automatic discovery only looks at the local network, so enter the address from your phone instead.
Is it really free?
Yes, and fully functional. Nothing is locked, limited or timed. Homeboard Pro is optional and removes a periodic reminder. It unlocks no feature.
Which televisions does it work on?
Today, LG televisions running webOS 3.0 or later, where Homeboard is published on the Content Store. Other platforms are planned. The application is designed for 1920 by 1080.
Do you see my home data?
No. Device states travel directly between your television and your own server, on your own network. They never reach us. The privacy policy names the three exceptions, all three unrelated to your home.
Where is my Home Assistant password stored?
Nowhere on our side. You type it on your own phone, against your own server. The access token that results is created on the television and stays there. Signing out erases it.
Are the cameras live video?
No. They are still images, refreshed at an interval you set in Settings. Homeboard plays no video stream. If you expected live video, this is the point to know before installing.
Does the Magic Remote work?
Yes. The pointer is supported and every focusable element has a hover state distinct from its focus state. The standard remote works too, with four arrows, OK and Back.
Which languages are supported?
Ten: English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, German, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Japanese, Arabic and Hindi. Arabic switches the whole interface to right to left. Homeboard follows your television language and can be changed in Settings.
Can I hide devices I do not care about?
Yes, in Settings, category by category.
What happens when the server goes down?
A banner appears after eight seconds and Homeboard reconnects on its own. You never get a blank or frozen screen.