Core Principles

• The Mac is the source of truth. Playback runs from Tribute Director on the Mac.
• Use local media files. Avoid cloud-only, streaming or removable files during a live service.
• Use Rehearsal mode for practice, then turn it off before the live service.
• Lock the service once the running order is approved.
• Use the holding screen or black screen for controlled recovery.

Before The Service

1. Connect the Mac to mains power.
2. Connect HDMI programme output or prepare an authorised browser programme display.
3. Connect audio output and set the macOS output device.
4. Open the service file.
5. Confirm service details in Funeral Settings.
6. Check the default holding screen layout and image.
7. Review every running-order section.
8. Attach local media to all music, video, slideshow and image sections.
9. Open the top-bar Pre-Service Check and resolve anything marked ACTION.
10. Save the project.

Running Order

The running order is the left-hand list of service sections. Click a valid section to place it on standby. If the section needs media, Tribute Director opens its action menu instead of showing an error.

Right-click Actions

• Rename or change type.
• Choose local media.
• Choose or clear a screen image.
• Manage music or background music.
• Edit lyric screens.
• Enable or disable looping.
• Move or remove the section.

Media And Section Types

Tribute Director stores security-scoped bookmarks in the project so sandboxed macOS builds can reopen selected media files later. Older projects with plain paths continue to open when the files can be found.

Holding Screen

The holding screen is the safe fallback shown before, between or after media. Configure it in Funeral Settings.

• Centred text: centre-aligned text over a background colour or image.
• Portrait left: portrait image on the left, centre-aligned text on the right.
• Portrait right: centre-aligned text on the left, portrait image on the right.

Use Command + Shift + H to toggle the holding screen.

Programme Display And Remote

Use File > Settings > Video Display Settings..., Video Out in the main menu or the top-bar display button to select and present to a connected HDMI or secondary Mac display. Use Stop Programme Output or Escape to close it.

External Display

1. Open File > Settings > Video Display Settings....
2. Choose the display that should receive the programme output.
3. Press Present on External Display.
4. Use Refresh Displays if a newly connected HDMI screen is not listed.

Browser Programme Display

1. Open Video Out > Enable Network Display.
2. Enable the remote listener.
3. Open the displayed programme URL on the browser device.
4. Enter the pairing PIN when prompted.

Browser programme display depends on the local network and may not stay perfectly synced with external speakers. Prefer HDMI for the primary audience display when timing is critical.

Remote Control

The remote is hosted by the Mac on the local network. Use Disconnect All / Rotate Access Code whenever access should be revoked.

MIDI Control

Use File > Settings > MIDI Settings..., MIDI > MIDI Settings... or the top-bar MIDI button to connect a controller and map notes to live functions.

1. Click Find MIDI Devices to refresh connected controllers.
2. Select the device to use for this Mac.
3. Choose Learn beside a function and press the pad or key on the controller.
4. Use Test to confirm the command, or Clear to remove a mapping.

The default mappings are GO, Pause, Fade Out and Black. Keep the hardware mapping card visible during setup to confirm each pad is assigned as expected.

Live Operation

1. Put the first required section on standby.
2. Start programme output.
3. Confirm the audience display is correct.
4. Press GO or Command + Space.
5. For lyrics, each GO advances one lyric screen before moving to the next section.
6. Use Fade Out to return gracefully to the holding screen.
7. Use Black only as an intentional safety blank.

Rehearsal, Looping And Notes

Rehearsal mode advances the running order without starting playback. The top bar shows REHEARSAL while enabled.

Looping is available for audio, video, slideshow and image sections. Use it for pre-service music, post-service music, repeating holding visuals and background slideshows.

Operator notes can be added to each section from Rename or Change Type. Use them for prompts such as "Wait for celebrant nod" or "Do not fade".

Audio And Video Safety

• Watch the VU meters before raising room volume.
• Use Preview Audio only before the service or when programme audio is not live.
• Avoid changing macOS audio output during playback.
• Keep the venue mixer and macOS output clearly labelled.
• Open Service > Sound / Screen Check... before guests arrive to verify audio, HDMI or network display output.

File Settings

Use File > Settings for operator device settings.

• Video Display Settings... chooses the programme display and network display options.
• MIDI Settings... finds MIDI devices and maps MIDI controls to operator functions.
• Audio Settings... chooses the programme audio output.

Preferences now only contains app timing values that apply to every service on this Mac.

Help, Updates And Licence

The Help menu keeps operator support and account actions together.

Use Help > Check for Updates to compare the installed version with the current Tribute Director update feed. If an update is available, Tribute Director verifies that the current licence includes updates before offering the update. Direct Release users with update entitlement can install from inside Tribute Director. Mac App Store users are sent through the App Store update route. Use Help > Licence Management... to view licence status, restore App Store purchases or manage a Direct licence.

Recovery

Missing Media

1. Choose the missing section.
2. Use the action menu to locate the correct file.
3. Save the project.
4. Reopen the project to confirm bookmark persistence if needed.

Remote Stops Responding

1. Keep operating from the Mac.
2. Check the Mac and remote device are on the same local network.
3. Restart the remote listener.
4. Re-pair the device if needed.

Programme Display Fails

1. Stop programme output.
2. Start programme output again.
3. Use the holding screen or black screen while recovering.

After The Service

1. Stop playback.
2. Stop programme output.
3. Disable remote control.
4. Save the project.
5. Export a pre-service or event report if required.
6. Create a timestamped backup before further edits.