There is a lot I don't understand yet about templates. I have successfully used some by modifying and replacing content with similar types. My question is whether or not I can substitute other types of items. For example, in Catalog, can I replace images in the grid with buttons? I would like to just have a master/slave list on one screen, then specific information about the right-hand selection in another template.
Substituting Elements in Templates
I haven't seen a specific hands-off mandate for those templates (be sure to check any readmes, and comments in the files). but you may want to consult the tvOS Human Interface Guidelines to see what they may say about your changes, etc.
My opinion is you are free to use buttons in that example, but as always, App Review has the final say.
Thanks. The current templates are heavily geared towards imagery. In our case we want to list things like courses and course sessions. Images are not terribly informative for this and actually detract from the listing.
We would also like a better template for out first screen, allowing some statements about our goals and content, with one or more buttons leading to major content divisions.
I'm not sure yet how to mix templates and iOS screens. One thing we really like about the template approach is the ability to make organizational changes on our server, without having to issue a new app update.
> Images are not terribly informative for this and actually detract from the listing.
Perhaps - I find images aid/simplify localization, reducing translations, etc. Then there is user focus, which I think the HIGs mention.
For some applications, I agree. However, if the left is a list of courses, one saying "Calculus 1", and the right is a list of session numbers and titles, what kind of image makes any sense? In this case I want the righthand buttons to lead to a screen with a synopsis of the session, a link to assignments, a link to the video, and possibly a link to exam questions.
You made an interesting comment: "App Review has the final say". Huh? So far, this application consists of one standard appDelegate and some icons. That's it. Nothing more. Everything else is contained on our server, and can be changed at any time. That's one reason we decided to go with templates. So where does "App Review" come into the picture? This is nothing like an iPhone or iPad app.
Are you not putting your tvOS app in the store, eventually?
Yes. But my point is "What's to review?" Make sure the app icons work right? What else is there to review if the templates and content are elsewhere?
The UI presented to users that rides on the elsewhere templates/content..and since app review is a black box, we have to use our imagination on what they might eval.
Items seem to range from missing images/icons, misaligned layout and faulty navigation, to the subjectives such as their interpretation of overall quality and adherence to the HIGs, just to mention a few. Just like iphone and ipad apps in the store now.
So, the simpler the initial app, the better. Once it's approved, change it anyway you like. No more reviews.
Yep, running content changes can be done, just like iphone/ipad apps.
It is possible to have list on either left or right aligned, and in the preview area to have buttons. Take look at compilationTemplate example. Don't know what exactly your are trying to design but itemInfoBanner can be configured using CSS and you can have list of buttons vertically or horizonatally stacked.
If you can share more details on what you are trying to acheive, I can direct you to specific elements/examples that can help you acheive your goals.
NOTE: Templating engine can be extended by creating custom views and can be mixed with TVMLKit e.g. you can create new custom list preview and register with TVML. https://developer.apple.com/library/prerelease/tvos/documentation/TVMLKit/Reference/TVMLKit_Collection/