How to install OMNIplay on Hisense Android 5.1 (NB! Hisense is not officially supported)

Here is a 3 step guide on how to install the Databeat OMNIplay app on specific Hisense devices with Android 5.1. Please read all information before considering using DatabeatOMNI with Hisense devices.

Table of contents

Before you begin

Step 1: Preparing the Public Display’s settings and configuration.

Step 2: Installing OMNIplay

Step 3: Configuring the OMNIplayer license key.

Before you begin

Warning: Hisense Android 5.1 Public Displays are not officially supported by Databeat.

We do not recommend using Hisense devices with DatabeatOMNI and OMNIplay.
Databeat does not guarantee any functionality for the OMNIplay-app when used on a Hisense device.

Before you begin, we must inform you that Hisense Android 5.1 devices does not fully support all DatabeatOMNI and OMNIplay functionalities. The Hisense Android 5.1 devices are shipped with a custom Hisense Android version and do not allow the OMNIplay app the required access level to perform as Databeat requires.

Hisense Android 5.1 is therefore not officially supported. Please give us feedback if this is important to you, as it is possible, but requires further development and customization of the OMNIplay app.

If you wish to learn more click here.

Please verify your device and specifications before you begin to see if it is compatible. Guide is confirmed relevant for these models: Hisense 32B4E30T, 43B4E30T, 50B4E30T, 55B4E30T, 65B4E30T.

We recommend performing a factory reset if the device has been used before.

We recommend connecting a USB keyboard or USB mouse to speed things up, but you can complete with only the Hisense remote control.

Step1 1000x100Preparing the Public Display’s settings and configuration.

  1. First you need to unpack and power on the Public Display.
  2. Change orientation if needed. Default is landscape 0°.
    1. Press Settings (Cogwheel icon), select Picture, select Display orientation.
    2. Select 0°, 90°, 180°, or 270° depending on your need.
    3. NB! Check your device’s warranty information for recommended orientation. Mounting displays the wrong way can cause heat issues over time.
  3. Press Settings (Cogwheel icon) on the remote and select Advanced.
    Select Power On Mode and ensure this is set to Power On.
  4. Select the Time tab and select Time Setup. Ensure time, date and time zone is correct.
  5. Connect the public display to the internet with RJ45 ethernet cable or Wi-Fi.
    1. Cabled connection
      Connect device to an ethernet cable. Press Home, select Setting tab, select Network, ensure Ethernet setting is On.
    2. Wi-Fi connection
      Press Home, select Setting tab, select Network, ensure Wi-Fi setting is On. After you have enable the Wi-Fi option in the top right corner, you will be able to connect to the Wi-Fi of your choice.
The device is prepared, and it is time to install the OMNIplay app.

We recommend verifying the internet connection to ensure the next step goes smoothly.

When entering Wi-Fi password, you may need to press the Return-button on the remote to hide the keyboard. (The button with an arrow above the mute button)

Step2 1000x100Installing OMNIplay

First you need to allow custom applications to be installed on the device.

  1. Go to the Hisense setting tab by pressing the HOME
  2. Select Advanced and set Unknown Source from Off to On.

Choice: You can install OMNIplay either by downloading the app from a URL in the web browser or by using a USB flash drive with the application install file.

Alternative 1: Installing OMNIplay via Web Browser

  1. Press Home for the Hisense Menu and select the App
  2. Select Browser app and a web browser will be displayed.
  3. Go to https://databeatomni.net/dbap in the browser and the OMNIplay[version].apk file will download automatically. If you press Download you should see a link to the file already downloaded. 
  4. Select OMNIplay-[appversion].apk and proceed to install.
  5. The OMNIplay app will request permissions from Android, please select Next or Install.
    The app will now install, typically takes 20-30 seconds to complete.
  6. Select Open. Confirm that the OMNIplay app starts up with the Confgure page and requests a license key which you can add later.
  7. Reboot the Public Display and confirm that OMNIplay app starts up within few seconds after reboot is complete. You can now unplug the USB stick.

Alternative 2: Installing app via USB flash drive

  1. Download OMNIplay for Android installation app file from this link on your computer.
  2. Move the OMNIplay[version].apk file to a USB flash drive with FAT32 format.
  3. Mount the USB flash drive in the USB input in the Public Display.
  4. Press Home for the Hisense Menu and select the App
  5. Select File Manager and select your external USB flash drive.
    If it does not show please reboot, reconnect flash drive and check that format is FAT32.
  6. Select OMNIplay-[appversion].apk and proceed to install.
  7. The OMNIplay app will request permissions from Android, please select Next or Install.
    The app will now install, typically takes 20-30 seconds to complete.
  8. Select Open. Confirm that the OMNIplay app starts up with the Confgure page and requests a license key which you can add later.
  9. Reboot the Public Display and confirm that OMNIplay app starts up within few seconds after reboot is complete. You can now unplug the USB stick.

The OMNIplay app is now successfully installed.

    If the device does not start up with OMNIplay you should try to set OMNIplay as default.

    Select Home and go to the Setting tab, select Advanced.

    Change Custom APP from Off to On. Change Select app to OMNIplay and press Return.

    Step3 1000x100Configuring the OMNIplayer license key.

    When the public display is powered on, the OMNIplay app will start up and request a license key.

    1. Enter your OMNIplayer license key and press save.
      Please note that Beta and Local Server should not be selected for normal circumstances.
      If you entered the wrong license key, press 0 on the remote and reset the configuration.
    2. The OMNIplay app will download and start playing content automatically if a channel is selected and content is published. If no channel is selected, please do with the remote pressing 
    3. From now on you can manage the device as an OMNIplayer from DatabeatOMNI.
      The selected channel and settings are also managed in DatabeatOMNI.

    You can find or order OMNIplayer license keys in DatabeatOMNI.

    1. Log into your DatabeatOMNI account.
    2. Select Locations tab, select desired Location, and select OMNIplayers tab

    All OMNIplayer license keys for the selected location are listed there.
    If you need to order, please press the Shopping Cart proceed in OMNIstore. 

    Pro tip:
    You can use the Hisense remote control to give useful information or change settings directly. Press the keys on the remote and test yourself.

    1 will give you device and location information.
    3 will give you media file status.
    0 will ask to reset license key.
    Volume +/- will change volume
    Channel +/- is not supported yet.

    What does the limitations mean for me?
    This will negatively affect and limit your user experience of DatabeatOMNI.
    As of know the most significant unsupported functionalities are:

    • Screenshot will be a black picture.
    • Service Hours will not work. Device is not turned off outside service hours.
    • Device is not able to install OMNIplay software updates automatically.
      • You may experience software update issues that will require you to manually update software version via web browser or USB flash drive locally.
    • Rebooting device remotely from DatabeatOMNI will not work. An additional OMNIpower device is required to remotely reboot device.

    However, the device may be able to perform the basic OMNIplayer functionalities; play mediafiles, display most widgets, restart the OMNIplay app remotely and report most of the technical and operational information to DatabeatOMNI. Please contact us if you need more information. Please contact support@databeat.net if any further questions.