> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.lightloop.app/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Playback

> How content plays on your Apple TV — from the playlist grid to full-screen presentation mode.

## The playlist grid

After connecting, the Apple TV shows a grid of all playlists in your feed. Each card shows:

* The playlist's **cover art** (or a default thumbnail if none is set)
* The playlist **name**
* A **download progress bar** (for items that need to be cached)
* A **media type icon** indicating the primary content type

### Selecting a playlist

Use the Siri Remote to navigate the grid. Press the **center button** on the touchpad to open a playlist and begin playback.

***

## Presentation mode (full-screen playback)

When a playlist opens, the Apple TV enters full-screen presentation mode:

* The screen goes black and the first item begins playing
* No system chrome (no status bar, no navigation)
* Media fills the screen with a blurred letterbox effect if the aspect ratio doesn't match the display

### Auto-advance

By default, playlists advance automatically. When one item finishes:

* Videos: advance at the end of the file
* Images: advance after the configured duration (default 10 seconds)
* Livestreams: play continuously (never auto-advance unless they lose signal)

If the playlist has **Auto-advance disabled**, playback pauses at the end of each item and waits for you to press the Siri Remote's **play/pause button** to continue.

### Transitions

If the playlist has a transition duration set, items fade through black between each item. A duration of 0 = instant cut.

***

## Pause points

If a video has pause points set, playback automatically stops at each marked timestamp.

A pause point is intended for curriculum videos or teaching material where the presenter needs time to discuss before continuing.

**To advance past a pause point:** press the **Menu button** on the Siri Remote.

***

## Soundtracks

If a playlist has a soundtrack assigned, background audio begins playing when the playlist opens. The soundtrack:

* Plays independently behind the visual content
* Loops (or shuffles, depending on the setting) without gaps
* Continues across item transitions
* Can be adjusted in volume from the dashboard, but not from Apple TV during playback

***

## Scheduled playlists

If a [timed broadcast](/web-app/scheduling) is active, the Apple TV navigates to the scheduled playlist automatically at the configured time. When the broadcast duration ends, it returns to the normal feed content.

***

## Welcome Party overlay

If you have [Welcome Party](/integrations/planning-center#welcome-party) configured, a full-screen celebration overlay appears whenever a child checks in. This displays on top of whatever content is currently playing.

The overlay auto-dismisses after the configured duration and playback resumes seamlessly.

***

## Songs (lyric display)

<Note>
  Songs require **Apple TV app version 1.1 or later**.
</Note>

When a Song item plays, the Apple TV enters a dedicated lyric presentation mode:

* The **background** image or video fills the screen
* The **audio track** begins playing from the local cache
* **Lyric slides** appear and cross-dissolve at each marker timestamp
* When the audio finishes, the Apple TV advances to the next playlist item

Songs are fully offline — both audio and background media are cached to the Apple TV before playback begins.

See the [Songs guide](/web-app/songs) for details on creating and timing songs.

***

## Screensaver prevention

If the feed has **Prevent screensaver** enabled, the Apple TV will never sleep or activate its screensaver during playback. This is recommended for lobby and hallway displays.

If it's disabled, the Apple TV's normal screensaver settings apply.

***

## Exiting playback

Press the **Menu button** on the Siri Remote to exit a playlist and return to the playlist grid.

<Note>
  If a pause point is active, pressing Menu advances to the next section rather than exiting. Press Menu a second time (when not at a pause point) to exit to the grid.
</Note>